Ana Maria Patricia S. Matalog, CICA®, serves as an Internal Auditor II within the Management Audit Division of the Department of Tourism’s Internal Audit Service. In this capacity, she is directly involved in the critical examination and evaluation of the department’s operations and controls.
Her role is essential for ensuring organizational accountability, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining the integrity of governance processes within a key national sector. Her professional standing is underpinned by her certification, which signifies a specialized expertise in the principles and practices of internal auditing.
This credential demonstrates a proven comprehension of risk management, control, and governance processes, which are directly applied to her work in assessing and improving the Department of Tourism’s functions.
Her position represents a commitment to upholding the highest standards of public service and fiscal responsibility, contributing to the robustness and transparency of the national tourism infrastructure.
Motivation to Pursue CICA® Certification
“To be honest, my main motivation for pursuing this certification with The Institute for Internal Controls was really about self-growth and self-preservation. After being an auditor for many years, I wanted to take a step further and formally validate my expertise and experiences. It’s a different kind of fulfillment to be able to say not only that I am an auditor, but also a certified one.”
Her Certification Journey
“Of course, the first step in preparing was mentally committing myself to complete the program, despite my workload and busy schedule. I made sure to attend all the sessions and really focus on absorbing the lessons, especially since it had been quite a while since I graduated or went to school.
The most challenging part for me was balancing the program with my day-to-day responsibilities. It took discipline to manage my time and get back into “study mode” after years of being focused on work. But in the end, that challenge made the certification feel even more rewarding.”
Personal and Professional Benefits
“In my experience, becoming a Certified Internal Control Auditor has truly opened doors for me. I’ve noticed more opportunities coming my way, with companies and employers reaching out, which reflects how the certification strengthened my professional credibility.
Beyond external recognition, it has also boosted my confidence in my role as an auditor. Within my organization, I feel a greater sense of respect and trust, not just because of the title, but because the certification demonstrates my commitment to excellence in the field.”
Credibility and Career Opportunities
“As I mentioned earlier, earning the IIC® certification has truly enhanced both my credibility and career opportunities. Since becoming certified, I’ve noticed that more companies and employers have been reaching out to me, which reflects the weight and recognition the certification carries in our field.
It has also boosted my confidence as an auditor, allowing me to approach my work with greater assurance. On top of that, within my current organization, I’ve gained recognition and respect for holding this credential. Overall, the certification hasn’t just validated my skills, it has strengthened my professional identity and opened doors I might not have had access to otherwise”
Message to Aspiring IIC® Candidates
“To all professionals working in the audit and internal control field, my advice is simple, go for it. Pursuing this certification is not just about adding another title after your name, it’s about investing in yourself and your growth.
As I mentioned earlier, being a certified internal control auditor has opened doors of opportunity for me, boosted my confidence, and even earned me greater recognition and respect in my workplace.
But more than that, it gave me a stronger sense of purpose in the profession I’ve been in for years. To me, this certification is not just another badge, it is a reminder that we as auditors are constantly learning, adapting, and raising our standards.”