• Why Accounting?  /
• Real-Life CPAs

Patricia Cochran

Chief Financial Officer
VSP
Rancho Cordova, CA

 

“Bloom where you are planted.” That’s one of Patricia Cochran’s favorite quotes, and it’s one that’s served her well through the years – starting in college, where a friend recommended that she take a class in accounting. The next thing she knew, she was graduating with a double major in accounting and operations research and getting ready for her first job at Ernst & Young.

Three years later, Patricia moved on to VSP, an eyecare company. Her career blossomed. “I’ve spent 11 years as controller at VSP and 20 years as its CFO,” she says. “And I’ve never had a boring day.”

Because VSP is an international company, one day might find Patricia on conference calls with colleagues in Hong Kong or Amsterdam. The next day she could be speaking with state regulators or reviewing the performance of the company’s stock portfolio.

Patricia attributes part of her success in the office to something she does away from the office: volunteering. “Volunteer for something you’re passionate about,” she says. “This will expose to you a wider business network and give you the opportunity to learn new skills in a low-risk environment – all while doing good.”

Whether as a volunteer or in your career, Patricia says it’s a good idea to follow your passions. “As a CPA, you’ll never be bored along your career journey if you explore the aspects of business that capture your interest.”

Got questions of your own? Ask a CPA.