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.
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 Helen Kubitschek.
At Cray Kaiser, no two days are the same for Helen, our Tax Administrator. She plays a vital role in keeping tax administration running smoothly, ensuring every process is seamless and efficient. As the tax season approaches, Helen diligently oversees the distribution and collection of engagement letters for our 2,000+ clients. Once tax season is in full swing, she takes charge of e-filing tax returns, managing critical deadlines, and providing support to her team on a variety of administrative tasks. Helen’s dedication keeps everything on track, ensuring our clients receive the exceptional service they deserve.
As one of the newest members of the Cray Kaiser team, Helen was immediately drawn to CK’s welcoming culture. The close-knit, collaborative atmosphere stood out, offering the perfect balance of teamwork and growth. For Helen, seeing how seamlessly the team works together—and how that dynamic fosters genuine, lasting relationships with clients—was truly inspiring. She was especially impressed by how comfortable and confident clients feel when partnering with the CK team, a testament to the trust and strong connections they’ve built.
So, it’s no surprise that when asked which of CK’s core values resonates with her the most, Helen answered without hesitation: “People”.
When asked, “What piece of advice would you give to someone new in the industry?” Helen emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind. “The accounting industry has so many different aspects to explore. My advice is to seek guidance, talk to seasoned professionals, and get a taste of everything. Focusing on one area too soon isn’t ideal, you don’t know what you’re going to love until you try it.” For Helen, curiosity and a willingness to learn are key. “The more you learn, the more valuable you become.”
Now, let’s shift gears with some lighter questions to get to know Helen a little better—straight from her own words!
How do you like to spend your weekends?
In my free time, I love being with family and friends, often enjoying a bit of cooking or hanging out with my Goldendoodle, Phoebe. I’m also a big fan of exploring new restaurants and catching musicals and plays. Recently, I had the chance to see Frozen—and it was absolutely incredible!
What motto do you live by?
“Mind over matter” is something my dad told me as a young child. So, when things get hard, that’s what sticks in my head. I say it out loud to get me through whatever I’m facing.
What was your favorite vacation?
Years ago, my friends and I took a girls’ trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida—right around the time Hulk Hogan’s reality TV show was being filmed there. As a fan of both Hulk Hogan and the show, I was thrilled at the possibility of spotting him in person. Our driver for the weekend happened to know where he lived, so naturally, we cruised by his house, hoping for a glimpse of the celebrity. Unfortunately, no luck.
Fast forward to our last night in town, we decided to visit one of Hulk Hogan’s favorite local spots. As we were sitting and chatting, my friend suddenly grabbed my arm, her face frozen in shock—Hulk Hogan had just walked in! We couldn’t believe it, and I knew I couldn’t let the moment pass without saying hello.
With a mix of excitement and nerves, I walked over and introduced myself. To my surprise, he was incredibly kind and personable. We chatted for a few minutes, and he even took a picture with me and hugged me before I rejoined my friends. It was such an unbelievable moment and made the trip one I’ll never forget!
And last, what’s on your music playlist?
I love a variety of music! 80’s, 90’s, classic rock, country… it depends on whatever I’m in the mood for!
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 Emily Zeko
As a Senior Tax Accountant, Emily is a key player on the CK tax team. She spends her days preparing and reviewing tax returns, assisting with tax planning, and responding to federal and state tax notices. As a generalist, Emily has experience with a wide range of tax returns, from individuals to passthrough entities and corporations. While she’s well-versed in many areas, she has a growing passion for international tax and hopes to make it her area of expertise as she continues to gain experience.
Emily joined Cray Kaiser in October 2024, eager to grow her skills and strengthen her expertise across diverse clients. But what truly set CK apart for her was the welcoming, friendly atmosphere she experienced during her interview. “Everyone I met was incredibly kind, and the environment was so positive; it made me excited to be part of this team.”
When asked which of CK’s core values resonates with her most, Emily immediately chose Integrity. “In the tax profession, there are moments when we might feel pressure to make morally gray decisions to satisfy clients. I believe that maintaining a strong ethical code is essential in everything we do.”
For Emily, the most meaningful moments in her career come when she gets to meet clients face to face. “In tax preparation, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and forget that there are real people behind them. Meeting clients in person, hearing about their businesses, or even seeing their operations firsthand is always a powerful reminder of why our work matters.”
For anyone just starting in the accounting field, Emily offers this advice: Be kind to yourself when it comes to the CPA exam. “It’s completely normal to struggle with studying after a full day of work. I had to take time off to pass my exams, and that’s okay. Everyone’s journey is different. What matters is finding what works for you.”
Now, let’s get to know the lighter side of Emily – straight from her own words!
Do you have a special talent or hobby?
I love to sing! I was in choir up until college, and I miss it dearly. My forte (no pun intended) was blending and harmonizing.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Disney World in Florida. I’m very in touch with my inner child, and nothing beats the magical feeling of being there!
What’s on your music playlist?
I’m a diehard Swiftie! Taylor Swift’s music has a song for every mood. I also love current pop music, especially anything with influences from ’70s funk.
What’s the last book you read?
I’m currently reading Les Misérables. I love the musical and wanted to dive deeper into the original story. It’s been refreshing to read something older and so rich in history.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we take this opportunity to honor the incredible women of Cray Kaiser. Their dedication, expertise, and leadership drive our firm’s success and make a lasting impact on the accounting profession.
International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s. It’s a day to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide and to advocate for gender equality.
We’re proud that women make up 54% of our team with 67% of the Firm being women-owned. Their contributions across accounting, tax, and advisory services bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to our clients every day.
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of gender equality and the need to continue fostering an environment where women can thrive and lead. At CK, we are committed to empowering women by providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and leadership at every level.
Today, and every day, we celebrate the achievements and resilience of women around the world. Join us in recognizing the remarkable women who shape our industry and inspire future generations.
Tax season is upon us, and at Cray Kaiser, that means two things: extra efforts and the fiercest office rivalry this side of the accounting world. While our team spends their weekdays crunching numbers, lunchtime on Saturdays is reserved for a different kind of competition. Welcome to Season 3 of CK Nation – a high-stakes battle between Team Assurance and Team Tax, where spreadsheets take a backseat to sportsmanship (and sometimes sheer luck).
CK Nation isn’t just about bragging rights. Oh, no, it’s more than that. It’s about survival. When the calculators are put down and the coffee pots are refilled, our accountants, auditors, and tax professionals engage in epic lunchtime showdowns. Every Saturday, these two powerhouse teams face off in challenges designed to test their skill, precision, and ability to function on a diet of takeout and caffeine. Game on!
Will Team Assurance audit their past performances and give themselves a glowing review? Or will Team Tax claim the ultimate deduction, writing off their opponents’ chances entirely? No one knows for sure but with fierce competition, nonstop puns, and the ever-watchful eyes of our dynamic ref duo (one tall, one questionable, both equally ruthless), there’s no room for funny business. Every match is a battle for bragging rights!
Every year brings a fresh season of wild, heart-pounding challenges, but past competitions have included some true greats. There’s Cards, where players master the high-stakes art of flicking playing cards into a distant trash can. Top Gun takes paper airplane precision to legendary heights – so intense that even Maverick and Goose might think twice. And then there’s Field Goal, where the delicate craft of finger football meets tiny uprights and big bragging rights. Of course, we also honor the classics like Hot Potato, Chopsticks, and Bowling because some games never go out of style.
But here’s the twist: teams never know what game they’ll face next. Each challenge is kept top secret, adding to the suspense and strategy. Every Saturday brings a spectacular surprise, turning players into quick-thinking competitors ready to conquer whatever comes their way!
At stake? The illustrious, highly sought-after CK Cup. Forget championship rings or gold medals – this trophy represents the pinnacle of tax-season athleticism. Only one team will claim the honor of hoisting the CK Cup at season’s end. Will it be a meticulous strategist of Assurance or a tax-savvy tactician from Team Tax? The battle rages on.
One thing’s for sure: when April rolls around, there will be one winner and one office full of high fives and celebration, knowing we thrived through another tax season – not just with spreadsheets, but with a bit of fun along the way.
Stay tuned for more updates, and may the best team win!
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 Raimonda Kesler. Raimonda is returning to Cray Kaiser after spending some time working for another CPA firm. Listen to her audio blog and learn more about why she came back to the CK team.
Transcript:
My name is Raimonda Kesler and I am an Assurance Senior here at Cray Kaiser. As an Assurance Senior, I manage audits and reviews for non-public companies, which definitely keeps me on my toes and engaged with a variety of clients. I also havethe responsibility of supervising and mentoring our staff, which is very fulfilling to help them grow and develop their skills. There’s more to my role. I am part of a dedicated team here at Cray Kaiser that’s focused on evaluating and improving our processes. We are always looking for ways to improve our efficiency and prioritize the tasks that truly offer more value to our clients.
As I am settling back into my role at Cray Kaiser, I’m reminded of what makes this place so special. The culture here is all about teamwork and support. It’s very refreshing to work in an environment where everyone genuinely cares about each other’s success. I miss the brainstorming sessions here at Cray Kaiser, being able to bounce off ideas of my colleagues and learn from their experiences, something I’ve really missed. I’m also excited about all the new initiatives Cray Kaiser is rolling out. It’s very inspiring to be a part of a company that values innovation and is constantly looking for ways to improve. I can’t wait to dive in into some of these projects and contribute my own ideas.
The five core values that guide us here at Cray Kaiser are education, integrity, people, care, and trust. A couple of years ago, I felt that integrity was the most important core value. It really resonated with me because integrity forms the foundation of everything we do. However, as I’ve grown and evolved in my role, I come to realize that care is now the value that’s sent out the most. While integrity is still incredibly important, I believe that care encompasses so much more. Caring for each other and our clients allows us to fulfill our other values like trust and integrity in a much deeper way. When we genuinely care, we create a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best work.
My journey in public accounting has been a bit unconventional. I earned my accounting degree and my CPA license while juggling the responsibilities of being a mom to two little girls. It was truly a family effort. Everyone played a role in making this happen. I couldn’t have done it without my husband, Jack. He supported and encouraged me all the way. I’ve worked in public accounting for the last seven years, taking various roles along the way. I started my CPA career here at Cray Kaiser, where I spent five years learning and growing within the firm. After that, I spent two years at a large CPA firm where I gained new experiences and insights. However, at the end, I realized that my heart belongs here at Cray Kaiser, and I’m thrilled to be back.
If you are starting your journey in public accounting, my top piece of advice is to never stop learning. This field is always evolving, so staying updated on industry trends and regulations is essential. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out for mentorship from more experienced colleagues, whether it’s through email, a quick phone call or just stopping by the office. We’ve all been there. We’ve all been beginners and someone helped us along the way. Remember, we wouldn’t be where we are today without that support.
So my life motto is if you’re not falling, you’re not learning. This wise advice comes from my father-in-law who used to share it with his five kids when they were learning how to water ski. I have embraced this motto in my own life and it really resonates with me. For me, it’s a reminder that you have to step out of your comfort zone to truly learn something new. Sometimes that means you might stumble along the way, so it’s important to learn how to fall softly.
My family absolutely loves water sports. We really believe in working hard and playing hard and our vacation reflects that. Almost every trip that we take involves some kind of water sport, water activity. One of our absolute favorites is spending time at the lake house. There, it’s all about skiing, eating delicious food, catching up, and always, and of course, getting some sleep. It’s basically a fun cycle of ski, eat, sleep, and repeat. There’s just something special about being on the water. It’s these moments that create unforgettable memories for our family.
So last summer my family, my husband, and my daughters and I watched Inside Out 2 together. My daughters were very young when we watched the first, the original movie about nine years ago. So it was fun to revisit the story with them now. As parents, we could really appreciate how the sequel beautifully explored the complexity of growing up and the emotional challenges that come with it.
I’m a total bookworm, and I have to say that the story of Edgar Sautel by David Roblesque is definitely one of my favorite this year. I absolutely love this story. The way it explores the bond between Edgar and his dogs is incredibly moving and really pulls at your heartstrings. The writing is beautiful too. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there in the world of Sautel. Plus the dynamics of family relationships along the themes of loyalty and betrayal kept me completely hooked. Overall, it’s just a fantastic book.
Cray Kaiser is proud to announce that Deanna Salo, Managing Principal at Cray Kaiser, has been named a 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honoree. This marks her second year receiving this prestigious recognition. The Titan 100 program celebrates the region’s most accomplished business leaders based on their exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. The 2025 Titan 100 honorees collectively represent companies employing over 439,000 individuals and generating more than $70 billion in annual revenues.
Earning a Titan 100 recognition for two consecutive years is no small feat. The process requires reapplying and undergoing a fierce evaluation by an independent selection committee, raising the bar even higher for the competition. If selected, second-year honorees have the opportunity to further relationships within the Titan 100 community, deepening their connections and amplifying their impact.
Reflecting on her second-year recognition, Deanna shared, “Being recognized as a second-year Titan 100 honoree is an incredible honor. It’s a testament to the value of persistence, collaboration, and the power of building meaningful connections. This recognition inspires me to continue pushing boundaries, supporting others, and contributing to the growth of our business community in even greater ways.”
Our Cray Kaiser team congratulates Deanna on this outstanding achievement and for continuing to exemplify the core values that make Cray Kaiser a trusted leader throughout the Chicago business community. We look forward to seeing how her contributions continue to inspire and shape the future.
In Cray Kaiser’s Employee Spotlight series, we highlight a member of our CK team. We’re proud of the team we’ve grown and excited for you to get to know them. This month, we’re shining our spotlight on Ryan Maloney.
GETTING TO KNOW RYAN
Ryan plays an integral role as a Staff Accountant on the assurance team at Cray Kaiser. In his day-to-day work, Ryan performs various audit tests and corresponds with clients, ensuring that all processes are thorough and accurate. During tax season, he also steps in to assist with tax return preparations, showcasing his adaptability across different areas of accounting. Ryan is eager to learn and make the most of the opportunities provided at CK to develop his skills further.
Before joining CK, Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Goshen College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. His previous role as an accounting tutor allowed him to impact fellow students’ journeys, sparking his passion for helping others.
WHY CK?
Ryan joined the CK team in July of this past year. He was drawn to the firm by the warm and welcoming team members he met during his interview process and by the opportunity to grow in an environment that values learning. At CK, he appreciates being able to work across different facets of accounting, building a foundation for a successful career.
For Ryan, CK’s core value of education resonates deeply. He views every day as a learning opportunity and is grateful for the support and mentorship he receives from experienced colleagues. Ryan credits his rapid growth to the guidance of the CK team, who genuinely care about his development as a young accountant.
Ryan advises newcomers to the accounting field to take note of feedback from managers. He emphasizes the importance of reflecting on review comments and implementing them in future tasks, as this has been a key learning method for him.
MORE ABOUT RYAN
What’s your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is that I am very good at solving Rubik’s Cubes. I have a collection of them, with the largest being 8×8 sides. My fastest time with a 3×3 (normal-sized) is 11 seconds.
What’s on your vacation bucket list?
My #1 vacation spot would be Ireland. I have never been, but my grandparents immigrated from Ireland, and the pictures I have seen are amazing.
Favorite TV Show?
My favorite TV show is Peaky Blinders on Netflix. The movie is coming out soon, so maybe this will be my favorite movie, too!
What’s on your music playlist?
My music playlist is basically all country music. I have many favorite artists, but number one is Darius Rucker.
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 Sohaiba Khan.
GETTING TO KNOW SOHAIBA
Sohaiba is an Accounting Services Specialist at Cray Kaiser, where she plays a crucial role in maintaining financial accuracy. Her day-to-day responsibilities include reconciling accounts, managing the AF roll forward, handling bookkeeping, and preparing returns. With such a diverse range of tasks, no two days are ever the same for Sohaiba as she navigates various accounting and tax-related challenges with expertise.
Looking ahead, Sohaiba aspires to deepen her expertise in tax regulations and accounting technologies, recognizing these areas as pivotal to the industry’s future. She is committed to embracing new challenges and continuously expanding her skill set to make an even more significant impact in her role.
Before joining Cray Kaiser, Sohaiba gained valuable experience working with various firms and companies, which enriched her skills and allowed her to thrive in diverse cultural and professional environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Governors State University, where she built a strong foundation. This background has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to excel at Cray Kaiser.
WHY CK?
Sohaiba joined the Cray Kaiser team in July 2024, eager to dive into a role offering comprehensive exposure to tax and accounting services. The dynamic work environment and the promise of continuous learning and growth immediately attracted her, allowing her to make meaningful contributions from day one.
The core values that resonate most with Sohaiba are education, integrity, and care. She believes fostering a culture of continuous learning, upholding ethical standards, and genuinely caring for clients and colleagues is essential for personal and professional growth.
When it comes to her favorite CK outing, Sohaiba enjoyed this year’s “Spa Day and Golf Card.” It provided a delightful opportunity to unwind and bond with colleagues, allowing her to relax and recharge while enjoying some well-deserved downtime.
MORE ABOUT SOHAIBA
If you could be an expert at anything, what would it be and why?
Cooking has always been a passion of mine; I started cooking when I was just 11 years old. I truly believe that food has the power to bring people and cultures together and create moments of joy and connection.
How do you like to spend your weekends/time off? Bonus question: what do you want to do most when tax season is over?
During my weekends and time off, I love to spend quality time with my family, immerse myself in good books, and take the opportunity to rest and recharge. After the busy tax season, I look forward to relaxing and possibly exploring new recipes in the kitchen.
What motto do you live by?
My motto is, “When you do good, God does you good.” This belief encourages me to lead a life of kindness and integrity, knowing that my actions can positively impact others.
What’s your favorite movie or tv show?
“Catch Me If You Can” on Netflix!
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 David Dang.
GETTING TO KNOW DAVID
David plays a crucial role in the assurance department at Cray Kaiser. As an in-charge assurance accountant, he is deeply involved in the audit process, whether it’s for-profit, non-profit, or employee benefit plan (EBP) audits. David’s day-to-day responsibilities include performing audit tests and conducting analytical procedures to ensure that financial statements are accurate and comply with relevant regulations.
Before joining Cray Kaiser, David earned a Bachelor of Accountancy and Finance from DePaul University. He then spent two years working at Baker Tilly, where he gained valuable experience that has shaped his approach to accounting. David’s background has equipped him with a strong foundation in both theory and practice, which he now applies to his work at CK.
WHY CK?
David was drawn to Cray Kaiser by the firm’s commitment to “lifelong learning.” This motto resonates with David, who is passionate about continually expanding his knowledge in both assurance and tax. The opportunity to grow and learn in a supportive environment was a major factor in his decision to join the CK team in July of 2024. Since coming on board, David has embraced the firm’s culture of education and is eager to develop his skills further.
For David, the core values of “education” and “people” hold special significance. He values the chance to learn from new experiences and the mentorship provided by his colleagues. The supportive environment at CK, where everyone embodies these values, has been instrumental in David’s professional development. He aspires to follow in the footsteps of his mentors and contribute to the growth of others in the firm.
David’s advice for those just starting out in the accounting industry is simple but profound: be open to new experiences and ask a lot of questions. He believes that there is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when you are new to the field. For David, the key to success is a willingness to learn and the courage to seek out knowledge whenever possible.
MORE ABOUT DAVID
How do you like to spend your weekends/time off?
I like to cook and try new recipes; I am currently on the hunt for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe!
What motto do you live by?
Failure builds confidence. You learn so much from your mistakes so you should be open to trying new things and know you won’t be perfect.
Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?
I can solve a Rubik’s cube in less than 30 seconds. I hope to improve my time and learn how to solve it blindfolded!
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
Oceans 11 is my favorite heist movie, and it has a star-studded cast! Community is my favorite TV show (6 seasons and a movie)!
What’s the last book you read?
Atomic Habits and Dessert Person. My favorite self-improvement book and my current baking obsession.
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 Jack Thompson.
GETTING TO KNOW JACK
Jack joined the Cray Kaiser team in July 2024 and has quickly become an integral part of our assurance department. As an in-charge accountant, Jack is responsible for performing compilation and review engagements and lending his expertise to audit projects. With a background in tax, Jack is a versatile team member, assisting the tax department during his downtime. His multifaceted role allows him to stay engaged with a variety of accounting functions, making him a valuable asset to the firm.
Jack’s journey in the accounting field has given him valuable insights that he is eager to share with those just starting out. His advice? Stay in public accounting. Jack has spent time in both public and industry accounting, and while he values the experience gained in each sector, public accounting provided the most valuable experience for his career. Jack believes that the challenges and learning opportunities in public accounting are unparalleled and provide a solid foundation for a successful career.
WHY CK?
When asked what drew him to Cray Kaiser, Jack highlighted the firm’s client base, which is largely comprised of family-owned businesses. This aspect of CK’s work resonates deeply with Jack, as it aligns with his values and provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients. The family-oriented environment at CK offers Jack a unique professional experience that fuels his enthusiasm for his work.
Although Jack is relatively new to CK, he is already motivated by the firm’s culture and values. He believes that working in public accounting is incredibly valuable for his personal growth as an accountant, and he is eager to develop his skills further at CK. Among the firm’s core values, the one that stands out most to Jack is “care.” This value aligns perfectly with Jack’s own commitment to delivering the highest quality care to CK’s clients. He appreciates that CK’s management truly cares for their clients and is dedicated to producing the best possible results.
As Jack looks ahead, he is focused on growing and developing his auditing abilities. While he has gained some experience in this area, he is determined to build the confidence and skillset necessary to operate independently in all assurance functions. Auditing is a key area where Jack sees room for growth, and he is committed to mastering it as part of his professional development.
MORE ABOUT JACK
If you could be an expert at anything, what would it be and why?
I would like to become an expert working in the review line of assurance work. I have some background in this area, but I am far from becoming an expert on this product. I would like to be able to operate completely independently while having the support and confidence of the management team.
How do you like to spend your weekends/time off? Bonus question: what do you want to do most when tax season is over?
In my downtime, I like to go fishing and play chess, but I most like to spend the summer weekends at my family’s lake house in Laporte.
Tell us about your family.
I live in Lombard, Illinois, with my wife, Allyson, and my dog, Lennon. We’ll be married for three years this coming October 2024. Newlywed life has been great for us over the past three years, and we are looking to grow our family.
Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?
My hidden talent is that I love to sing! I like to sing while working at times so I’m sure that I will be notorious for humming or singing amongst my cubemates.
