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Introduce us to your day job, title and responsibilities.
I am a Director at Vaco, a global Talent and Solutions firm providing business consulting, permanent placement, executive search, and strategic staffing for companies around the world. I specifically work with clients throughout LA and the 101 Corridor to provide senior level consultants for project and interim roles in Accounting and Finance.
What inspired you to pursue a job in this industry?
People always looked surprised when I told them I was a CPA. Although I spent many years in accounting and corporate finance, I definitely did not fit the stereotype, and people were always encouraging me to consider business development. Working in my role at Vaco allows me to use my extensive finance and accounting knowledge daily, helping clients find solutions, and matching the right talent to their specific needs. And when not in quarantine, my job is all about getting to know people and building relationships – over lunch or a glass of wine when possible! I truly enjoy getting to know new people and being a resource for them whether they need support for their team or are looking to find a new career opportunity.
Provide a short bio (or a link to it on your company website)
I was born in Michigan and grew up in the Midwest, but ALWAYS dreamed of being a California girl (Andrea is the quintessential “Valley Girl” name after all...). I graduated from Indiana University, and earned my CPA while working at a regional public accounting firm in Chicago. After 3 long cold tax seasons, a recruiter in California and found me a job with an energy company in the Silicon Valley, where I worked my way up from Senior Accountant to VP of Finance of a $12 Billion publicly traded company. Life brought me to LA, where I made the career change to my current role in Business Development. I’m a mom of 3 – my son is about to be a quarantine high school graduate and I have 2 daughters. I love time with friends and family, the sun, the beach, running, skiing, binging on Netflix, live music and wine.
Why was it important for you to be involved in ACG 101 at the Board level?
I was new to SoCal without any business connections when I started my new career in Business Development. What was I thinking? Through ACG 101 Corridor events, I was able to start building strong relationships, grow my network, and truly feel connected to the 101 Corridor. My role on the Board allows me to give back to the business community that embraced me, and to provide opportunities for others to create new connections of their own.
Describe your current responsibilities on the Board, if applicable.
I am the current Board President, so I have been working with the entire Board to provide excellent programs, actively engage with members and non-members, grow membership, and give back to our community. The mission continues, even in our current environment, and we continue to look for creative ways to stay engaged.
What is your favorite thing about ACG 101?
The ability to help people connect.
What excites you most about the direction of ACG 101, and how will you contribute to it?
My goal for 2020 was to shake things up, staying true to ACG’s mission, but adding something memorable and unique to each of our programs. Professional networking events don’t have to be dry and routine. We kicked of 2020 with a bang, and our last in-person event featured an incredible panel of Music Industry executives, held at a music venue. We followed the panel discussion with a jam session led by one of our CFO panelists and filled with special guest performers from the C-Suite. I am excited to roll out new creative concepts in the future!
3 Fun Facts
- Today happens to be my 2 year Anniversary with Vaco! Best. Career. Move. Ever.
- I have a runner my entire life. I ran my first 10 mile race when I was 10 years old and never stopped.
- Due to a glitch in some legal documents, my last name is Light, and so is my middle name! Yes , me legal name is Andrea Light Light…
Andrea Light, CPA
Associate Director – Vaco Resources
alight@vaco.com
M: 310-486-4358
O: 310-693-0490
6701 Center Dr. West, Suite 960
Los Angeles, CA 90045