Camille Alexander
Camille Alexander (’02, Accounting)
VP, Controller
Petco Health and Wellness Company
Q. At what point did you decide to pursue a career in accounting?
A. Even as an SDSU freshman, I knew I wanted to major in either finance or accounting and once I took my first accounting class as a sophomore, I was hooked. I loved accounting from the aspect of solving a problem — like finding the solution to a puzzle. Once I got involved in SDSU’s student accounting organizations and was able to network with the local accounting professionals in the local business community, I knew I’d chosen the right career path.
Q. You started your career at one of the Big Four accounting firms, but you changed course to join a large retail organization. What prompted the change?
A. Starting my career at PwC’s audit practice was the right environment for me to continue building on the foundational skills I learned at SDSU and, for that, I’ll be forever grateful. I was fortunate to benefit from the steep learning curve that Big Four firms (like PwC) have to offer from both a technical and a professional development standpoint. I decided to join Petco because it gave me the opportunity to further my career development, satisfied my interest in the retail industry, and because of my lifelong love of pets.
Q. Do women working in publicly held companies have any specific advantages or challenges? If so, what might those be?
A. Investors are increasingly assessing the gender and equity diversity of corporate boards to determine how public companies might respond to environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities. As a result, publicly held companies see building pressure to increase representation of women on corporate boards, in c-suite positions and across executive leadership. The benefits of this focus are equal compensation and increased mobility for women, meaning more opportunities for women in public companies into the near future.
Q. How have opportunities in the pet care industry evolved or devolved for women?
A. The pet industry continues to evolve and grow each year, as do opportunities for women working within the industry. At Petco, we have more women in leadership positions then ever before. We also have a Women at Petco resource group that continues to grow each year. This group focuses on empowering women to achieve their best selves by fostering relationships and community. We support each other by sharing knowledge and experiences while breaking barriers, inspiring each other, and growing together.
Q. What advice would you offer to young women who are seeking careers in publicly held corporations?
A. While public companies have many similarities, for the most part, they are very different from each other. My advice is to do your research — find a company whose mission, values and culture align with your own. Read their SEC filings and ESG reports to understand how they are prioritizing opportunities and equity for women and make sure your work is going to be something you’re deeply engaged in and enjoy.
