Member of Russell Bedford International, a global network of independent professional service firms.
Member of Russell Bedford International, a global network of independent professional service firms.
At Cray Kaiser, our people are at the heart of who we are. In our Employee Spotlight series, we’re giving you a chance to get to know the people behind CK, including their experience, what drives them, and a little peek at who they are outside of the CK office.
This month, we’re shining our spotlight on one of the newest members of the CK team, Senior Assurance Accountant Zach Boesen.
Zach joined Cray Kaiser in June 2026 as a Senior Assurance Accountant, working with clients across a variety of industries to support their audit and assurance needs. His days include everything from planning and performing audits to reviewing financial statements and helping clients navigate accounting and reporting questions.
At this point in his career, Zach is happy to call himself a generalist. Working across different industries and with a wide range of clients has given him the opportunity to continue learning while figuring out where his strengths and interests may eventually lead him. For now, he’s enjoying the variety.
“I appreciate the learning opportunities that have come with working across different industries,” Zach says. “I’m definitely open to developing a specialty in the future as I continue to gain experience.”
Before joining CK, Zach spent two years working fully remotely for a large, private-equity-backed firm. The experience brought plenty of opportunities, but it also helped him realize what he was missing: a smaller, more connected environment where he could build meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients. He started seeing that difference at CK before he was even hired.
“The interview was more of a conversation and felt very open and easy,” Zach says. “It was made clear that you could go to anyone in the firm with questions, looking for help, or even just to chat.”
A few months in, that first impression has held true. Zach says CK’s commitment to mentorship and professional development has been one of the biggest differences he’s experienced.
After feeling his career growth had become somewhat stagnant in his previous role, he was looking for a place that would help him figure out what came next. At CK, he found leadership that takes an active interest in where employees want to grow and work alongside them to develop a plan to get there.
It’s no surprise that People is the CK Core Value that resonates most with Zach. His experience working remotely reinforced just how much relationships with colleagues and clients matter to him.
“Everything just becomes easier when you have those relationships that you can rely on,” Zach says. “The fact that I feel comfortable enough to go to anyone in the firm, whether it be for help, a simple question or even just to chat, speaks volumes.”
As Zach settles into his role at CK, he’s already thinking about what his future at the firm looks like. His goal is to advance into a supervisor role and beyond, taking on more responsibility for leading engagements, supervising team members and managing projects from start to finish. He’s also interested in developing the business development side of his career by building his network and learning how to bring new relationships to the firm.
For accountants who are just beginning to figure out their path, Zach has one piece of advice: ask questions.
“I remember how scared I was coming into my first firm that I wouldn’t have the tools or knowledge needed to contribute,” he says. “What I found early in my career is that it is not the expectation. The expectation is that you are learning and asking questions along the way.”
It’s advice he still follows himself. No matter where you are in your career, there’s always more to learn.
If you could be an expert at anything, what would it be and why?
I think it would have to be sports. I am a die-hard Chicago sports fan and am very dedicated to the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks. While I consider myself fairly knowledgeable, there is always room to know more, and given how passionate I am, I would love to be an actual expert.
Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?
My hidden talent/hobby would probably be sports video games. This year, I ranked in the top 300 in MLB The Show 26, ranked in the top 100 in the Madden franchise a couple of years ago, and even competed in a professional Madden tournament.
What was your favorite vacation? What is the #1 place on your vacation list?
My favorite vacation to date has to be my family trip to Norway. We got to see Oslo, Flåm, and do a cruise through the Fjords. As my mom’s side is 100% Norwegian, it was fun being there. The number one place to go next would be Greece, as I am a huge Greek mythology nerd.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite all-time TV show is PSYCH. It is essentially a Sherlock Holmes iteration where the main character pretends to be psychic and helps the local police department with cases. While he isn’t psychic, he’s so observant that it seems like he is. It’s essentially a buddy comedy and well worth watching if you haven’t seen it.
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 Colt Adams.
Colt Adams is a Staff Accountant at Cray Kaiser, handling a broad caseload that spans individual, S-Corp, C-Corp, and partnership returns. He’s recently expanded into payroll and sales tax return preparation, adding another layer to his skill set. As for an area of expertise, Colt is enjoying his time learning across a broad mix of tasks, and he’s in no rush to narrow his focus. He’d rather build a wide foundation now and let his specialty reveal itself along the way.
Colt’s path into accounting started at Sauk Valley Community College, close to his hometown. He wasn’t sure what career direction to take, but a couple of accounting classes changed that. He carried that interest to Aurora University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Colt joined CK as an intern in January of 2026. What stood out right away was the team around him.
“Everyone genuinely wanted to see me learn, grow, and succeed, and they were always willing to help in a supportive and encouraging way,” Colt shares. “I immediately felt welcomed and like I was part of the team.”
That welcome made the decision to stay after his internship ended an easy one. Colt saw firsthand how CK’s diverse client base translates into a diverse range of work, and he knew that kind of variety would push him to grow into a well-rounded accountant. He made the move official on June 1, 2026, joining the team full-time as a Staff Accountant.
Since coming on board, Colt has noticed a strong sense of unity across the team, with people genuinely invested in helping each other succeed rather than competing for the spotlight. “It feels like one big family,” he says, “and I think that’s a hard thing to find.”
Of CK’s core values, Care is the one that resonates most with Colt. “Knowing the work we do here at CK matters and helps people and businesses is an awesome feeling,” he says. “They come to us and trust us with very important matters, and that is not something to take for granted.”
Colt’s advice for anyone new to the field comes from experience: don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to get something wrong. “You will not know everything and that’s okay. Also, be open to making mistakes, but when you make them, learn from them.”
What motto do you live by?
A motto that I try to live by is that it is completely free to be kind. You never know what someone else is going through so being kind could really impact their day in a positive way.
Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?
Golf. I started playing during COVID when there weren’t many other things to do, and I’ve gotten pretty good at it since. It can be a very humbling game, but I really enjoy it.
What’s your favorite vacation spot or what’s on your list?
Rather than one specific trip, I’d love to spend time traveling to different National Parks. I enjoy hiking and being outdoors, so it would be a fun way to see parts of the country I haven’t experienced yet.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite movie is Forrest Gump, and my favorite show is Peaky Blinders.
What’s on your music playlist?
I let the Spotify DJ play a wide variety of songs from different genres throughout the day. My favorite type of music is country, and when I want a specific artist, I go with Tyler Childers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Amanda Gard.
Amanda Gard is an Administrative Assistant at Cray Kaiser, serving as the first point of contact for clients whether they’re walking through the door or calling the office. In her role, Amanda works to ensure every interaction reflects the firm’s commitment to exceptional service, all while keeping day-to-day office operations running smoothly. She collaborates closely with the administrative team, jumping in wherever needed to meet deadlines and keep clients well taken care of.
With a background spanning Office Operations and Wealth Administration, Amanda brings a versatile skill set to her work and a warmth that clients and colleagues notice right away.
Amanda joined Cray Kaiser during tax season, one of the busiest times of the year, and it didn’t take long for her to feel at home. She was drawn to a role that let her put both sides of her experience to work. What she found was a team that made even the most demanding stretches feel manageable.
“The continuous support and positive atmosphere, even during intense deadlines, have been incredible and a big part of what’s kept me here.”
The CK value that resonates most with Amanda is People. For her, it’s more than a value on paper. It’s something she sees lived out every day, in the way teammates show up for each other and in the care the firm extends to every client.
“Not only do team members genuinely support one another, but they also pour into their clients. Cray Kaiser truly cares and it shows.”
Looking ahead, Amanda plans to return to school this fall to further her education in Human Resources. It’s a natural next step as she looks to deepen her expertise and expand her impact in the workplace.
How do you like to spend your weekends/time off?
Weekends are for sleeping in, relaxed vibes, and errands.
Tell us about your family.
I am 1 of 5 siblings and have 9 nieces and nephews. I am lucky that we all live in the Chicagoland area and I spend a lot of time with them. Most of us can often be found at our parent’s house on Sunday afternoons.
Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?
I read, roughly, a book a week.
What was your favorite vacation?
Growing up, my family would rent a cabin in Arkansas and spend time in our boat on Bull Shoals Lake during the summer. It was always a great time!
What’s on your music playlist?
95% of the time, I am listening to Broadway Showtunes.
What’s the last book you read?
I recently joined a “horror” themed book club to expand by reading genre background and try new things. I just finished The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim.
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 Ted Stoik.
Ted Stoik is a Senior Assurance Accountant at Cray Kaiser. In his role, Ted leads audit engagements and guides staff through planning, fieldwork, and reporting. During a typical engagement, he works closely with clients to understand their businesses, assess risk, review key estimates, and ensure workpapers and financial statements are clear, accurate, and well-supported.
Ted has a particular interest in improving audit efficiency and documentation quality. He’s always looking for ways to refine processes and strengthen the overall audit experience for both clients and the CK team.
Ted joined CK in January of 2026. He was drawn to the firm’s strong reputation for quality work combined with a genuine commitment to work-life balance. And, as he puts it simply, “I really like the people.” Since joining, it’s the team culture and camaraderie that continue to stand out most.
The CK core value that resonates most with Ted is Education. He believes there is always more to learn, especially in public accounting, and that mindset drives him to sharpen his technical skills and expand the value he brings to clients.
Before joining CK, Ted earned his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri. He interned at Grant Thornton before spending two years at RSM, where he gained hands-on experience working with manufacturing clients. One of the most impactful moments in his career was leading an engagement from planning through issuance for the first time.
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to think not just about individual workpapers, but the financial statements as a whole,” Ted shares. “It gave me confidence in my ability to lead and reinforced how important clear communication and organization are in delivering a smooth audit.”
His advice to anyone just getting started in accounting?
“Ask questions early and often. Don’t fall into the trap of spinning your wheels. Your team is there to support you.”
Looking ahead, Ted is focused on continuing to grow within the assurance practice and deepening his expertise to bring even more insight and value to clients. He’s especially interested in data analytics and automation within accounting and audit, leveraging technology to identify trends, anomalies, and risks more efficiently and free up time for higher-level analysis and client conversations.
What was your favorite CK group outing?
The company bowling party! Despite only bowling a handful of times in my life, I walked away with two strikes and a great time.
How do you spend your weekends or time off?
Right now, much of my free time is dedicated to studying for the CPA exam. When I’m not hitting the books, I enjoy spending time with friends, watching shows, and being outdoors. I often travel to Michigan or Oregon to help family on farms and vineyards. Part farmhand, part family guest.
Tell us about your family.
My dad is a writer and my mom is an event planner for senior living communities. I spent summers in Michigan working on my family’s fruit and vegetable farm, and in the fall in Oregon helping with the grape harvest. Safe to say, I know my way around both spreadsheets and vineyards.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Farmer.
Favorite vacation spot?
The Boundary Waters in Minnesota. You can’t top crystal clear water, almost zero light pollution, and unbeatable hiking and canoeing.
Favorite TV show?
Suits. I admit I’m drawn to stories about sharp young professionals excelling in their field.
What’s on your music playlist?
A little bit of everything: metal, jazz, rock, classical, rap, and R&B. Lately, I’ve been on a “divorced dad rock” kick featuring Nickelback, Foo Fighters, and Alice in Chains.
When we give, we gain. It sounds simple but this year’s International Women’s Day theme is anything but small.
“Give to Gain” challenges us to see generosity not as subtraction but as intentional multiplication. When we give our time, knowledge, visibility, advocacy, mentorship, resources, or support, we’re not losing something. We’re building something. It comes in the form of stronger networks, confidence, and opportunities. And when women thrive, we all rise.
At Cray Kaiser, we asked several of our team members what this year’s theme means to them. Their responses remind us that giving isn’t just an action, it’s a mindset.
For Maria Gordon, “Give to Gain” is about shared growth.
“The theme ‘Give to Gain’ reminds me that sharing my expertise with others is a way to build trust and relationships, and as a result, develop a community of support. Together we grow stronger.”
Brigette Oberlander sees “Give to Gain” as a call to action.
“To me, ‘Give to Gain’ is a powerful reminder that progress, especially gender equality, is rarely achieved by taking, but by sharing, supporting, and uplifting other women. ‘Give to Gain’ isn’t just about what you give. It’s about creating a cycle where generosity fuels equality, empowerment, and collective success.”
She also shares one of the most practical ways she gives:
“One way I try to give to women in the community is by sharing access to clear, judgment-free information and encouragement.”
And her advice to women everywhere?
“Take the step. Adjust as you go. You are allowed to grow in public.”
For Deanna Salo, “Give to Gain” reflects the arc of a career and the privilege of paying it forward.
“Throughout my career, the ‘Give to Gain’ has lived well. Early in my career, I gave effort to gain experience and then by mid-career, I was given leadership to gain impact. Now, it’s a privilege to give opportunity to gain legacy. This is not my legacy, but about creating an environment where talented women have support to navigate without boundaries.”
Her lesson for others?
“Create space for talented women to advance, even if they are next to you. Build pathways that didn’t exist before you. Lead in a way where strength, compassion and empathy belong in the same room.”
Natalie McHugh offers a perspective we don’t talk about enough.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Women often silently take on most responsibilities in a family, and this often extends to work and other aspects of our lives. No one person can ‘do it all’ – and asking for help from your partner, kids, coworkers, etc., is okay.”
Raimonda Kesler shared a favorite quote from Untamed by Glennon Doyle:
“When women lose themselves, the world loses its way… What we need right now is more women who have detoxed themselves so completely from the world’s expectations that they are full of nothing but themselves… A woman who is full of herself knows and trusts herself enough to say and do what must be done. She lets the rest burn.”
Kathy Myli reframed the theme in a way that stopped us in our tracks.
“We define “give” as to freely transfer the possession of, or cause or allow (someone/something) to have something; or the capacity to bend or alter in shape under pressure. As women, mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues, we do these things unconsciously. They are an innately inherent part of our beings and souls. Therefore, to define the word “give” is to define the word “women” With that, I reissue the theme as “Women to Gain.”
This year’s theme is a call for strength, unity and resilience. To come together and stand as one community, one voice. Not to break under pressure but to be REFORMED into something POWERFUL.”
“Give to Gain” is a mindset of abundant generosity and collaboration. We have so many things to offer each other, like knowledge, mentorship, visibility, advocacy, time, encouragement, opportunity, and more. When we give these things, we don’t just advance individual women. We create a more supportive, interconnected world.
At Cray Kaiser, we believe that when women have the support to grow without boundaries, businesses grow stronger, communities grow healthier and the future grows even brighter.
So, this International Women’s Day, we’ll leave you with this question: What will you give to gain in the upcoming year?
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 Brigette Oberlander. Listen to her audio blog and learn more about why she chose to be a part of the CK team.
Transcript:
Brigette Oberlander. I am the Client Accounting and Advisory Supervisor. As the Accounting and Advisory Supervisor, my day-to-day responsibilities involve a diverse range of tasks, ranging from preparing monthly financial statements, navigating complex accounting regulations, and training and mentoring staff.
I joined the team in October of 2025. I was initially drawn to CK for their reputation for culture and personal development. I’m excited to gain more exposure to a diverse client base, giving me more opportunities to solve problems and grow my accounting knowledge, while also providing a chance to make an impact both internally and with clients. as the firm evolves. Since I’m brand new, I really just enjoy the people-first relationship-driven environment that Cray Kaiser provides.
The people, they provide a balanced, respectful work environment, and I really appreciate CK’s commitment to balance and well-being, and they really invest in their staff through multiple things like mentoring, training, and leadership opportunities.
I have a strong foundation in accounting and advisory work, supported by a master’s degree from Keller Graduate School of Management. My career has been built across several industries, primarily manufacturing for the most recent seven years, with additional experience in construction and real estate.
I would have to say, stay curious and always be willing to ask questions. I think the best thing you can do is build a habit of learning and focus on developing really good work habits and being open to continuous growth.
Family is a big part of my life. I have two kids. My son is 18, my daughter is 21, and they are both in college right now, which has been an exciting chapter for all of us. And at home, I have two dogs who keep things very lively and make sure there’s never a dull moment in my house.
Uh, not really a special talent, but I do know a lot of very random movie quotes. It’s never anything useful, but it does come in handy more often than you would expect. So, I recently suffered a pretty major knee injury, which has kept me away from sports for the last six, seven months.
So, I’m currently reading a book called On Top of Your Game, Mental Skills to Maximize Your Athletic Performance. I’m hoping it tries to help me both physically and mentally recover from this injury.
In Cray Kaiser’s Employee Spotlight series, we shine a light on the people who make CK such a great place to work. This month, we’re proud to introduce Cody Squires, one of our talented In-Charge Tax Accountants.
As an In-Charge Tax Accountant, Cody wears a lot of hats. A true generalist, he works across a wide range of tax returns, from pass-through entities and corporations to individuals, making sure every client’s reporting is accurate and compliant. Cody is also the go-to for cleaning up books when clients need a little extra help getting things in order. Beyond preparing returns, he’s involved in the review process, ensuring each file reflects CK’s high standards for quality and precision.
For Cody, it’s not just about crunching numbers, it’s about problem-solving and helping clients find confidence in their financial picture.
Immediately drawn to the team and atmosphere, Cody joined the CK team in August 2025, “The people and the environment felt supportive during my interview process,” he shares. “I also enjoy the sense of humor and camaraderie around the office.”
That positive culture is also why he’s chosen to stay. “CK has a very collaborative atmosphere. The people here are quick to help and provide support,” he says. For Cody, teamwork isn’t just a buzzword, it’s part of what makes coming to work every day enjoyable.
When it comes to CK’s core values, one stands out most: Education. “The world and tax law are constantly evolving and changing, so I feel it’s important to stay educated and continue lifelong learning to stay up to date,” Cody explains. “I also really enjoy learning new things!”
Originally from Tennessee, Cody earned his master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before joining Cray Kaiser, he worked at another CPA firm in North Carolina, performing similar work and sharpening his expertise in tax preparation and client service.
When asked about the most impactful moment in Cody’s career, he can’t narrow it down to just one. It’s any time he’s able to resolve a client’s issue directly with the IRS or state revenue department. “When I can call on behalf of a client and get everything squared away, and then deliver the good news, it’s a great feeling.”
Cody is excited about continuing to grow his tax strategy knowledge. “I think it can be fun to play around with a client’s tax position and brainstorm ways to create tax-efficient solutions,” he says. That curiosity and drive for improvement are what make Cody a great fit for CK’s culture of continuous learning.
What motto do you live by?
Whenever I find that I am comparing myself to other people, I tell myself, ‘Not my journey, not my path.’ It helps me focus inward and reflect on my own growth. It’s my take on ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’
Favorite vacation?
One of my favorites was going to the Bonnaroo music festival. I love live music and being unplugged for a long weekend while camping and discovering new artists.
Favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Elf! I watch it every year with my family in Tennessee during the holidays.
What’s on your music playlist?
I listen to a wide range of music but mostly pop—Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Dua Lipa are some of my go-tos. Fleetwood Mac is also on repeat!
At Cray Kaiser, we believe that every number tells a story. At the heart of that story are the people whose businesses and lives those numbers represent. This year, one number in particular stood out above the rest because of what it says about the relationships we’ve built and the trust our clients place in us. That number is our Net Promoter Score. For 2025, we’re proud to share that we received a score of 86.
If you’re new to Net Promoter Score, or NPS for short, it’s a widely used benchmark across industries that measures client loyalty and satisfaction. Clients are asked how likely they are to recommend our firm to a friend or colleague on a scale of 0 to 10.
Based on client’s response, they are categorized into one of three groups:
The score is calculated by subtracting the percentage of detractors from the percentage of promoters. While a score above 0 is considered good, anything above 50 is excellent. Scores in the 80s? They’re exceptional!
The accounting industry’s average NPS hovers around 41, which makes our 86 particularly meaningful. More than just a statistic, it’s a reflection of the confidence our clients have in us and the empowerment we provide as trusted advisors.
We’re deeply grateful to our clients for their trust, loyalty, and feedback. We’re equally proud of the incredible team that makes up Cray Kaiser. The people who raise the bar every day and live out our Core Values in every interaction.
Together, we look forward to another year of building trust, reaching milestones, and celebrating success, because your success will always be ours.
We are incredibly excited to share that Cray Kaiser has been ranked in USA Top 500 CPA Firms, #425, by Inside Public Accounting (IPA), a national ranking of accounting firms based on net revenue.
Each year, IPA ranks firms across the country that are growing and thriving. Earning a spot in the top 500 is a meaningful milestone for our CK team and we know we wouldn’t be here without the incredible clients who trust us with their business. Your partnership, loyalty, and confidence in our team make achievements like this possible.
From all of us at Cray Kaiser, thank you for being part of our story. We’re honored to serve as your trusted advisors and remain committed to providing the insight, integrity, and personal attention you deserve to help your business succeed.
To learn more about the IPA 500 and this year’s rankings, visit here.
