In Cray Kaiser’s Employee Spotlight series, we highlight a member of the CK team. We couldn’t be prouder of the team we’ve grown and we’re excited for you to get to know them. This month we’re shining our spotlight on Nicholas Ashmore.

GETTING TO KNOW NICHOLAS

As an Accounting Services Associate, Nicholas’ days are always exciting. Since he has a hybrid role, he rotates between both accounting services and the tax department where he focuses on monthly accounting processes, payroll, compilations, and individual tax returns.

Nicholas joined CK in September of 2021. With a passion for lifelong learning, the opportunity for continued education and professional growth were a huge factor in his decision to work at CK.

Prior to joining the team at CK, Nicholas was a part of a small local public accounting firm in Connecticut. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University. Nicholas is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Accounting from Post University and will graduate in June of 2022. Following his master’s degree, Nicolas plans to begin preparing for the CPA exams.

WHY CK?

Nicholas has a hunger for knowledge and is dedicated to growing within the accounting field. After learning about CK’s core values, specifically education and people, he knew CK was the right fit for him. Nicholas appreciates CK’s emphasis on collaboration, transparency within the workplace and celebration of wins big and small. When asked what motivates him, Nicholas said, “The expert team I am surrounded with daily help motivate me to work hard, play hard, and never stop growing and learning.”

When asked about his favorite CK outing, Nicholas remembers the golf event he attended. After relocating to Chicago to join the CK team in September of 2021, Nicholas was understandably nervous about a new job and moving to a new city. At the golf event, he was able to get to know his new team members and relieve some of the first-day nerves before he even walked through the office door.

MORE ABOUT NICHOLAS

• How do you like to spend your weekends/time off? Bonus question: what do you want to do most when tax season is over?

Now that tax season is over, I finally have some time to explore the area. I like to take my dog (golden retriever, Ruby) to different parks and hikes as well as play disc golf, tennis, go to the gym, experience the city, and just enjoy some downtime at home.

• Tell us about your family.

My family is all originally from Connecticut but have since spread out. My parents are retired and living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina so they can golf every day. My younger brother has just bought a house in Granby, Connecticut and is a district manager for Stop and Shop (like a Jewel Osco). I am now living in Illinois, so we are all doing a lot of traveling when the holidays roll around!

• What was your favorite vacation?

My favorite vacation was a spring break trip my friends and I took to Costa Rica during college. There were 20 of us in all on that trip. My #1 choice for a vacation right now would be the Maldives.

• What’s your favorite movie or tv show?

My favorite TV shows are Outlander, Yellowstone, Game of Thrones, and Bosch. I am currently searching for a new favorite as all of these have ended and been watched (twice).

• What’s on your music playlist?

The music on my playlist is really dictated by the environment I am in. While working I like to listen to a lot of Pop or more upbeat music, at home or while driving I like to listen to Hip Hop and while in the gym I will either listen to alternative/rock/house music.