Blazing with experience.

• Position: Final entry - An interview on journey of Sophia Loh as Certified Public Accountants - Interview

Five women received CalCPA's Women to Watch Awards at the annual Women's Leadership Forum (see Page 6). Among them was Sophia Loh, CPA, of Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP, who received an Experienced Leader and Trailblazer awards.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a CPA.

My father owned and operated a successful business. At an early age, he instilled in me that accounting is the language of business. Financial reports tell a story of the operations and serve as an important measurement of the financial health of a business. I was intrigued to learn more and studied accounting for my bachelor's degree at the University of California, Berkeley. After graduation, I joined Frank, Rimerman + Co. The firm offered me the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and expertise in accounting through serving a diversified portfolio of businesses and individuals.

What does your work for Frank, Rimerman entail?

As head of our firm's Family Office practice, I lead a team providing outsourced accounting support to high net worth individuals and their families. We assist our clients to manage their family's financials, complete with accurate bookkeeping, financial reporting, and financial and succession planning. Additionally, I have placed a renewed emphasis on development and coaching within the department by using my past experience as a coach and mentor to team members in other departments across the firm.

You do quite a bit of volunteer work. Why is giving back so important to you and how do you find the time?

My journey from a taker to a giver began when I became a parent. I was brought up with the belief of the zero-sum game: My success has always been balanced by other's losses. But the experience of unconditional love and my unwavering focus for my son's well-being lent insight into a paradigm shift. It was incredibly rewarding to see another person thrive as a direct result of my care. When I returned to work, I applied the same principal and began sharing my skills and helping my teammates to shine. This transformation continued as I expanded the reach into other aspects of my life, such as volunteering. It's certainly challenging to devote time to volunteering and balancing my career and family, but the positive energy is elevating and self-perpetuating.

Tell me about your work with the Haas School of Business.

The Haas School of Business hosts an annual Women in Leadership conference, bringing together alumni and students. This event...