AUGUST 3 and 4 this year was a historic moment for the Philippines after artistic gymnast Carlos Yulo claimed two consecutive gold medals in the floor exercise and vault events. A lot of us surely held our breath, prayed and hoped that his remarkable performances would secure gold — and they did, not once, but twice. As the national anthem played and our pride soared during the medal ceremonies, I began to reflect on what auditors might learn from Yulo’s extraordinary achievements.
Auditors and Olympic medalist Yulo may seem worlds apart, but both share a foundation of precision, discipline and expertise in their own fields, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Auditors prudently and meticulously assess independently financial statements and records to prove their accuracy and compliance, while gymnasts like Yulo execute complex routines with precision and grace, striving for perfection in every performance. This comparison highlights the parallels between these professions, emphasizing the overlapping qualities that drive success.
One of the most striking similarities between auditors and Yulo is their need for precision and attention to detail. When auditors review financial statements and documents, they make sure that numbers tally with the supporting documents, processes and procedures. The auditors ensure that the reported figures are true, accurate and align with existing standards and regulations. Their work requires a keen eye for discrepancies and the ability to identify potential issues that could have significant consequences.
Similarly, Yulo’s success in gymnastics is built on his precision and attention to detail. He moves and follows a routine that is carefully calculated, from the angle of his flips to the exact point where he lands. A single error could mean the difference between a gold medal finish or falling short of the podium. Yulo’s ability to execute complex maneuvers with flawless precision is a testament to his dedication to the craft, much like how auditors demonstrate their commitment to accuracy in their work.
On another note, auditors and Olympic gymnasts like Yulo always maintain a high level of discipline and consistency to achieve their goals. Auditors follow strict and rigorous processes and frameworks to ensure a thorough and reliable opinion. After all, the readers of this financial information, whether they be the owners, the public or the government, need to be assured that the financial statements are fairly stated. Their unique duty requires a disciplined approach to examining financial records, understanding complex regulations, employing subject-matter experts and applying their knowledge consistently across different clients.
As we have seen, Yulo’s journey as a gymnast from his childhood days to the present also demands resolute discipline. His training regimen, which we now see glimpses of on news and social media, is so rigorous, requiring inhumanly number of hours of practice each day to master and perfect routines. Such discipline can also be manifested in his exceptional physical build that caters to both strength and flexibility indispensable for high stake competition. Yulo’s consistency in performance, honed through years of disciplined training, is key to his success on the world stage.
The pursuit of excellence is also a common fiber that connects auditors and Yulo. For auditors, excellence means delivering accurate and comprehensive audit opinions, and in cases of assurance services, reports that provide stakeholders with a clear, objective, valid and of quality. Their work not only reflects their mastery and expertise, not only on audit but on specialized assurance services, which makes financial systems stable, with integrity and trustworthy.
Yulo’s pursuit of excellence is strongly evident in his accomplishments as an Olympic gold medalist. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gymnastics has earned him numerous honors, from his Palarong Pambansa gold medals, Pacific Rim Championships, Southeast Asian Games, Asian Championships, and ultimately, the Olympics. Yulo’s drive to incessantly improve and exceed expectations echoes the auditor’s dedication to producing top-quality work.
Lastly, both auditors and Yulo operate under intense pressure. Auditors are no strangers to tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and regulatory bodies. Their work is always perceived not only to affect the individual businesses, but as a collective with the public as a whole, where far-reaching implications are always considered. These pressures mold auditors into battle-hardened professionals, where the ability to perform under stress is but necessary.
Similarly, Yulo competes on the global stage, where the pressure to perform at his utmost best is unimaginable. The eyes not only of the nation but of the world are fixated on him as he delivers his performance, and any mistake can prove costly. Yulo’s ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is a quality shared with auditors who must deliver results even in the most challenging circumstances.
While the fields of auditing and gymnastics may seem unrelated, the comparison between auditors and Yulo reveals common traits that drive success in both domains. Precision, discipline, a commitment to excellence and the ability to handle pressure are all critical components of their respective achievements. Whether balancing the books or executing a perfect routine, both auditors and Yulo exemplify what it means to strive for greatness in their professions.
Atty. Emmanuel C. Dumayas, CPA, CrFA is the managing partner of Paguio, Dumayas & Associates, CPAs (PrimeGlobal Philippines) and the 2024 Chairman for Media Affairs Committee of the Association of CPAs in Public Practice (Acpapp). His opinion does not reflect in any way those of these institutions.
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