Behind every successful business is someone who manages the details others often overlook — the numbers, records, and reports that keep everything in order. For Maria Teresa A. Acierto, owner of Simply Accounting Services, her journey as an accountant is not just about balancing books, but about balancing life with faith, purpose, and service.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Maria Teresa’s journey toward accountancy began not from personal ambition but from her father’s vision. Her father, who managed their family business, saw in her the potential to lead with precision and integrity. “I was influenced by my dad,” she recalls fondly. “He wanted me to take up accountancy so that I could help manage our family business.”
Though accountancy wasn’t her original passion, Maria Teresa took the challenge to heart. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Accounting, at the University of the East, one of the country’s top business schools. Guided by her father’s encouragement and God’s grace, she completed her degree and later decided to expand her knowledge abroad.
When their family migrated to the United States, Maria Teresa continued her educational journey, earning further studies at Grand Canyon University (GCU) where she graduated Cum Laude. Her pursuit of continuing education became essential not only to comply with U.S. professional standards but also to strengthen her competence in accounting, bookkeeping, and taxation.
Building Simply Accounting Services: A Leap of Faith
After gaining local experience, Maria Teresa courageously established her own small business, Simply Accounting Services, a bookkeeping and tax preparation firm designed to serve both individuals and small business owners.
Like any new entrepreneur in a competitive market, her beginnings were full of challenges. “The competition here in the U.S. is high,” she admits. “There will always be people who will put you down or compare your work with others, but the Lord is with me. I learned to let my work speak for itself.”
One of her biggest early challenges was maintaining transparency with clients. “Some clients were not always honest in providing financial information,” she explains. “That’s why I made it a rule that every transaction must be supported with documentation. No receipts, no processing. As accountants, we are accountable for what we sign.”
Through faith, diligence, and moral discipline, Maria Teresa’s business began to grow. She built her reputation on truthfulness and fairness — values she considers non-negotiable in her profession. “My reports are always clear and transparent,” she says. “No additions or subtractions. The results are based solely on what clients provide me.”
This adherence to honesty, combined with her professionalism and ethical consistency, made Simply Accounting Services a trusted name in the community. Her office became more than just a workplace; it became a reflection of her belief that every honest effort is a form of worship.
Faith and Family as the Foundation of Service
Maria Teresa believes her strength comes from her faith and family. She works side by side with her husband, Jesus “Jhay” Acierto, the founder and administrator of Pillars of Care Assisted Living Home, LLC in Kodiak, Alaska. Together, they combine their professional expertise and shared values to build both a business and a mission.
“At Pillars of Care, my husband handles administration, while I manage accounting,” she shares. “I’ve also worked with Miss Miramor as a coordinator specialist. The way I see it, God prepared us for this — to become one and to do greater things together. Our specialties became tools we use to serve and advocate for our residents.”
This partnership extends beyond work. For Maria Teresa, their shared mission to care for others — whether through caregiving or financial stewardship — is proof that God’s plan unfolds in ways they could never have imagined. “Even if accounting wasn’t my first passion,” she says, “it became something fulfilling. I realized I’m making a difference in people’s lives by helping them become financially responsible.”
Guided by Principles: Truthfulness, Fairness, and Godly Integrity
Maria Teresa’s professional ethics are rooted in timeless Christian values. For her, accountancy is not just a profession but a ministry of truth. “Every report I create must reflect accuracy and fairness,” she explains. “Paperwork is sacred to me — I treat it as a responsibility before God.”
Her approach to financial management goes beyond numbers. She teaches clients about responsible accounting — how to reduce taxable income legally and ethically through charitable donations or recognizing deductible expenses such as bad debts. “It’s rewarding when clients leave my office satisfied, knowing their records are clean and accurate,” she smiles. “When they return year after year, that’s when I know I’ve earned their trust.”
Her favorite life verse, Colossians 3:23, perfectly reflects her professional philosophy:
“Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men.”
“I always remind myself that I’m not working for clients alone,” she explains. “I’m working for God. That mindset keeps me grounded and motivated, especially when work gets tough.”
Overcoming Challenges with Grace
The road to success was never easy. Like many Filipino immigrants, Maria Teresa faced the challenges of starting over in a foreign land — adjusting to new systems, competing in a fast-paced economy, and balancing family life with career growth. But every obstacle became a stepping stone.
She recalls her proudest moment vividly — walking across the stage to receive her diploma, graduating Cum Laude. “It was overwhelming,” she says. “That moment was proof that hard work, discipline, and God’s grace always pay off. Professionally, it taught me that success is only achieved when you give your whole heart to what you do.”
Today, she looks back with gratitude, knowing that every late night, every exam, and every challenge she faced was preparation for the life she now leads — one of purpose, stability, and faith-driven service.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Her Vision
Maria Teresa’s plans for Simply Accounting Services are as ambitious as they are inspiring. She dreams of expanding her services beyond Kodiak, opening more offices, and hiring employees who share her passion for integrity and excellence. “I want to grow my business to help more people,” she says. “Not just to earn, but to educate and uplift others.”
She is also proud that her daughter is following in her footsteps, currently pursuing a degree in accounting. “It feels wonderful to see my daughter taking the same path,” she shares. “It’s not just about continuing a profession — it’s about continuing the values and discipline that come with it.”
Her journey stands as a testament that even dreams redirected by circumstance can lead to a greater purpose when guided by faith. “God turned something that wasn’t my passion into my calling,” she reflects. “Now, it’s not just about numbers — it’s about people, honesty, and service.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Accountants
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring accountants and young professionals, Maria Teresa smiles and says, “Be an example. Always put Christ first in your heart. Pray for your dreams, work hard for them, and stay humble.”
Her message is simple but powerful: success built on honesty and faith will always endure. “Just keep your feet on the ground,” she adds. “And remember, every achievement is not just for yourself but for God’s glory.”
A Legacy of Faith and Integrity
For Maria Teresa A. Acierto, accountancy is not merely a career — it’s a divine assignment. Her life’s work represents the balance between professional excellence and spiritual devotion. From a young woman fulfilling her father’s wish to a respected accountant and business owner in the U.S., her journey reminds us that true success is found where hard work meets faith.
And as she continues to build Simply Accounting Services and support Pillars of Care alongside her husband, Maria Teresa stands as a living example that when one works with truth, passion, and faith — every ledger, every balance, and every act of service becomes a reflection of God’s perfect accounting.
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY.
Written by: Amb. Antonio Ma-at.
