Every May 17, Uruguay celebrates Accountant’s Day. The occasion serves as an opportunity to recognize the contribution of this profession, which is key to the country’s economic development. With solid training and versatile skill sets, certified public accountants today work across multiple sectors and in strategic roles.
In this context, five graduates of the Public Accounting program at Universidad ORT Uruguay their perspectives on the current state of the profession and the main challenges they face in their respective fields.
Turning data into knowledge
Franco Porcaro works at BASF as a Data Analytics Developer. In his role in data, one of the main challenges is “turning raw data into useful insights for decision-makers.” The large volumes of information they work with, if not analyzed from a strategic perspective, “can end up being nothing more than numbers.”
To achieve that goal, he explained, “it is essential to understand the business, ask the right questions, and translate them into models that add value.”
With a background in accounting and experience in data analysis, Porcaro combines technical tools such as SQL, Python, and Power BI with a strategic perspective. For him, in addition to technical expertise, it is essential to be able to communicate findings clearly and connect them to the specific needs of the business.
Studying to become a certified public accountant gave me a solid foundation for interpreting financial indicators, identifying inconsistencies, and maintaining a meticulous approach at every stage of the process.
Franco Porcaro, Esq.
Active Listening and Empathy in Personal Finance
“Every client has a unique situation,” said accountant Valentina Raij, who specializes in personal finance at Nobilis.
He explained that the challenge is to translate technical concepts into understandable and useful strategies, while promoting financial literacy as a tool for achieving goals.
Raij emphasized the value of active listening, empathy, and clear communication. He also stressed the importance of analytical skills and ethical commitment in building long-term relationships based on trust.
In the field of personal finance, one of the biggest challenges is supporting each individual in their financial decision-making process, recognizing that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions or magic formulas.
Valentina Raij, CPA
Technology with an organizational perspective
Belén Cardoso graduated this year, but she has been working at Quanam since 2022, currently as a business analyst.
Speaking from the IT department, the professional emphasized the need for a holistic approach and strong communication skills when working with multidisciplinary teams. Beyond technical knowledge, she highlighted the ability to adapt to change as an essential skill.
The real challenge lies in aligning technical solutions with the organization’s actual needs, thereby making a difference in people’s day-to-day work.
Belén Cardoso, Esq.
Entrepreneurial professionals: decision-making under uncertainty
Accountant Gastón Dorfman works as an independent professional. Drawing on his experience, he emphasized the importance of assessing a business’s viability and direction using accounting tools, budgets, and projections. He also highlighted the importance of leadership, creativity, and effective communication for managing teams, attracting investors, and strengthening business relationships.
“Entrepreneurship means living with constant uncertainty,” he said. “Unlike a more structured corporate environment, here every decision—from an investment to a hiring decision—is made with incomplete information and under pressure.”
To navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, it is essential to have a solid foundation in financial analysis, leadership skills, and a strong ability to adapt.
Gastón Dorfman, Esq.
Corporate Finance: Decision-Making in Uncertain Contexts
Santiago Ribeiro is a Deal Advisory Analyst at KPMG Uruguay. In the field of corporate finance, he works on processes such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), company valuations, and the evaluation of investment projects. He noted that it is essential to “maintain objectivity in environments where it might be compromised, due to narratives from counterparties and pressure from clients.”
In her day-to-day work, she combines technical expertise in accounting and finance with the ability to collaborate with other departments, bringing diverse perspectives to complex processes.
The challenge is to build models that help inform decision-making in uncertain contexts—not by attempting to predict the future, but by providing logic and discipline.
Santiago Ribeiro, Esq.
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