Cray Kaiser Employee Spotlight: Chely Otero

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 Chely Otero.

Getting to Know Chely

Chely Otero is a Senior Accountant in CK’s Client Accounting Advisory Services (CAAS) department, where she helps clients across a wide range of industries make sense of their financials. From tax compilations to monthly and quarterly accounting, Chely works across the full accounting cycle, with a particular focus on the reconciliation work that keeps client reporting accurate and complete.

Chely launched her accounting career at a public relations firm, where her first task was implementing new accounting software to streamline daily bookkeeping. Her time there also included supporting fundraising efforts, an experience that earned her a memorable moment: meeting former President Barack Obama. (Her supervisor at the time had served as President Obama’s campaign manager during his Illinois State Senate run.)

Before joining CK, Chely brought her expertise to a real estate network and corporate relocation company, where she served as the lead accountant for the international organization.

Why CK?

Chely joined the CK team in March of this year, right in the thick of tax season. Rather than feeling thrown into the deep end, she found a team that rallied around her from day one. The opportunity to serve clients across many different industries was a refreshing change after years in the private sector, and the presence of women in CK’s leadership was something she noticed and appreciated right away.

“Everyone’s willingness to help and mentor across departments has helped me adapt and feel welcome at every turn.”

CK’s core values were another draw, particularly Education. Chely believes continuing education is essential in an industry that never stops changing, and that staying informed enables the CK team to show up as trusted advisors to their clients.

For those looking to break into accounting, her advice is simple: ask questions, learn from your team, and never stop growing. The industry never stops evolving, and the best in it don’t either.

More About Chely

Tell us about your family.

I have two sons, Jonathan and Eli. My youngest is in grade school and my oldest just finished his H.S. freshman year. I’m constantly pretending I know what’s going on when they talk to me about Roblox, Call of Duty, or Anime. They keep me very busy and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?

I’m an avid reader and belong to the same book group, off and on, since my early 20s. We even traveled to Denver, CO, for one of our monthly meetings when a member relocated.

What was your favorite vacation?

My favorite vacation, before kids, was Dublin, Ireland. One of my closest friends ran the Dublin Marathon, so it was the perfect excuse for all her girlfriends to travel together. We also made a pit stop in London. To this day, we still talk about that time we almost died driving on the wrong side of the road!

What’s the last book you read?

The Dutch House. It’s not the last book, but one of the best I’ve read recently. My team member, Karen, recommended it.