Rayleen Kakadi Philip was named the recipient of the Robert Cohen Award after being recognised as the Highest Achiever among 40 graduates of the third cohort of the Professional Diploma in Accounting (PDA) Programme 2024–2025.
The graduates were awarded their certificates on Thursday – 22nd January at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
For Mrs Philip, stepping into accounting was never part of her original plan.
Holding a Bachelor of Economics and Finance, she had only completed introductory accounting courses during her studies.
Yet today, accounting has become the foundation of her career—proof that growth can begin well outside one’s comfort zone.
After graduating, Mrs Philip joined the Finance and Accounting Department at the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) in 2016.
With limited formal training in accounting, she relied heavily on workplace learning.
“Most of what I know came from experience,” she said. “I learned on the job, from my department and my colleagues. That’s where my journey really started.”
While practical experience helped her develop essential skills, Mrs Philip soon realised the importance of strengthening her theoretical understanding.
This led her to enrol in the Professional Diploma in Accounting programme.
“We gain knowledge through experience, but not always academic knowledge,” she explained. “This programme helped me understand the correct accounting practices and concepts.”
Balancing work and study was not easy, especially as a mother of two young children aged four and two.
She recalled many nights spent completing quizzes just before deadlines.
“Time management was very hard,” she admitted. “But I kept going.”
Support from colleagues and family played a crucial role in her success.
Mrs Philip credited her coworkers—particularly those already enrolled in the programme—for guiding her when she needed help.
Her family also provided unwavering support.
“When I needed time to study or revise for exams, I would ask my family to help look after my children. That support meant everything,” she said.
Originally from the northern part of Malaita Province, Mrs Philip has been with CBSI for nearly a decade.
She completed her Bachelor of Economics and Finance at the University of Waikato in New Zealand between 2012 and 2014 before returning home to pursue her career.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue her studies in accounting.
Graduating from the PDA programme, she believes, will strengthen future applications and open new opportunities.
Her journey is a reminder that stepping into a different and unfamiliar field can lead to growth, resilience, and new possibilities.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
