“I don’t like it when someone gets left behind,” says April Joy L., HireSmart Virtual Employees’ 2024 “Team” Core Value award winner. This simple principle has enhanced an American accounting firm’s operations and redefined what virtual teamwork can achieve.

In her year and a half with HireSmart, April has transformed a simple motto — “Teamwork makes the dream work” — into tangible results.

“Even if there’s a lot of strong individuals within an organization, but they don’t know how to work together, it will not be as successful as a team who has their own strengths and they know how to work together to achieve a goal,” she said.

This philosophy has served her well, particularly in her current position with an accounting firm, where she’s helped grow the virtual employee team from three to seven members. April came to the role without an accounting background — instead bringing a hotel and restaurant management degree and a wealth of customer service experience.

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“When I got into this company, I had no idea about accounting firms,” she said. “But what I have is a passion to help others. I don’t like it when someone gets left behind on their tasks, and I have the spare time to help them, even if it’s just downloading bank statements from the portal or downloading reports or sending an email to clients.”

The accounting firm’s managers have noticed April’s exceptional team spirit.

“April exhibits our core values every single day. She always shows up 100 percent,” the client says. “She’s a joyful person that brings delight into any Zoom room she enters. She is a true pleasure to have in the work family.”

Beyond the standard HireSmart core values, the client attributed the following qualities to Apri: “Got Grit,” “Advising Beyond Numbers,” “Spread Good Vibes,” “Express Yourself,” “Fail Forward,” and “Radical Efficiency.” It’s a testament to how thoroughly April has integrated herself into the company culture.

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The rewards of her work extend beyond professional satisfaction. After joining HireSmart, April made her first major investment, purchasing a car that allowed her to take her family on adventures they couldn’t previously afford. These trips have special meaning for April, particularly when they involve her parents.

“I was very happy to see the look on my family’s faces, especially my mom and dad because they weren’t used to doing things like that,” said April. “I think it’s because when we were growing up, they were so busy providing for us, they didn’t have time to enjoy those things.”

A highlight was taking her parents to the famous Boracay Island in 2024, with plans to return in this year.

“It was their first time riding the airplane,” she said. “That’s what motivates me as well — giving back to my family.”

Her impact on the accounting team has been transformative.

Her client notes: “April is an extraordinary human being! She isn’t an accountant, yet she helps EVERYONE on our accounting team! There’s nothing April can’t do or figure out. She’s lightened up my life (and her team members’ lives) since the day she started.”

This dedication to supporting her colleagues stems from April’s deep-seated values.

“I have a core value for myself as well. It’s integrity,” she said. “It’s important to be honest, even if others are not, even if others cannot, and even if others will not.”

Her client summarizes April’s impact:

“April is extremely conscientious. She can tell right away when someone isn’t having a good day or needs some kind words. She, right away, reaches out to them and asks them if they’re okay. She’s a beautiful soul and goes above and beyond every day for her work family!”

Looking ahead, April continues to embody the collaborative spirit that earned her the Team Core Value award. Her success has even influenced her client’s hiring strategy, with a renewed focus on Filipino talent in 2025. It’s a testament to how one person’s dedication to teamwork can create ripples of positive change throughout an organization.

Through her work ethic, empathy, and commitment to supporting others, April demonstrates daily how virtual employees can build genuine connections and strong teams across oceans.

As she puts it: “Give your 100% to anything that you do. You have eight hours each day. Make it happen. Always seize the opportunity that you have.”

Want to Build a Business for the Long Haul?

Her story demonstrates how HireSmart’s commitment to supporting its virtual employees creates lasting value: U.S. businesses receive exceptional service from dedicated professionals, while VEs like April can build secure, prosperous futures for their families.

For businesses interested in finding dedicated virtual employees like April, HireSmart offers free consultations to discuss how their VEs can help organizations thrive while providing meaningful career opportunities that change lives. Click here to schedule a free consultation.