Mike San Diego, CICA®, is a seasoned financial executive with a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades, including 15 years as a full-time Chief Financial Officer. His extensive experience encompasses progressive leadership roles in accounting, finance, treasury, and audit. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President and CFO of the EON Group, he has a proven track record in critical areas such as treasury restructuring, bank partnering, and reconstructive accounting.
His expertise is further solidified by his background as an Audit Manager, where he directed a comprehensive internal audit program, recommending material improvements to management controls and safeguarding company resources.
His professional standing is underpinned by a deep, practical understanding of internal controls and audit processes. This is evidenced by his active membership in prestigious professional organizations and his frequent role as a resource speaker at major finance and accounting conferences.
He is regularly invited to share his insights on topics including internal audit and financial leadership at regional summits, such as the ASEAN Finance Innovation Summit and the Global CFO and Finance Transformation Conference. His career exemplifies a commitment to excellence in financial governance and strategic management.
CICA® Certification Journey
“As they say, once an Auditor, always an Auditor. Once you have that ICA Antenna installed in you, it will always be there and will automatically work if it smells something. Weird but true. So when the opportunity to enhance my ICA skills to the CICA® accreditation, i immediately enrolled not for the certificate or recognition but for upskilling and sharpening of what i already have inside.”
Preparation and Most Challenging Part
“I don’t remember anymore I was challenged at all, because I looked at this as an enhancement of my skills and not to be just certified. So I already embraced the process and have emerged successful, I guess.”
Personal and Professional Benefits Since Earning IIC®
“When people see that you have titles and certifications, they automatically give the “respect” and recognition that you can do your job. So given the chance, always try to earn additional certifications so it would be like a General displaying all the badges you have earned from doing your job.”
Credibility and Career Opportunities
“Again, the badge is like the jewelry you wear. People will always give additional recognition and respect to people who went out of their way and had a busy schedule to earn their badges.”
Message to Aspiring IIC® Candidates
“If you think you have it then go for it. Always perform your task with dignity, integrity and self respect. At the end of the day, you cannot buy respect or you can’t ask or beg for respect – it is always earned. Good luck and congratulations in advance. Let our tribe grow. The world is waiting for us and hoping for a better world.”