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 Ivy Williams.
Between phone calls, mail duties, preparing tax returns, payroll and more, Ivy’s days are filled with exciting new things to learn. She holds one of the most important roles as the CK receptionist, the first person CK clients meet! Every day in her role brings on a different challenge but she enjoys helping her team be successful!
Ivy joined the CK team in September of 2021. The warm welcome she felt at her very first interview was an immediate indication that she was in the right place. She’s most motivated every day by the team.
When asked which of CK’s core values mean the most to her and why, Ivy says it’s people. A supportive, kind, and helpful team can totally transform your work environment.
Over the last year, Ivy has helped the CK team grow and thrive. To those just getting started in the accounting industry, she says, “It’s going to be a journey, but you have got this! Work hard and do your best.”
I like to hang out with my family and friends. We go to restaurants, walk downtown and go bowling. After tax season is over, I like to travel. It helps me to relax and clear my head.
Go for it, you only live once.
The #1 place to visit on my vacation list is Dubai.
My favorite tv shows to watch are Martin, Sanford & Son, Law & Order (SVU).
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 Holly Kolschefski.
For Holly, a typical day at CK never looks the same. Whether she’s collaborating with leadership in improving and administering the billing process, assisting engagement teams in monitoring budget to increase job performance, or overseeing the daily process of invoicing to show the client the value of the services provided, each day is an exciting opportunity for Holly. As the Executive Coordinator, she loves to collaborate and learn from the amazing team at CK.
As one who is always up for a challenge, Holly made the decision to move from inside sales to the accounting space. After 23 years of working in accounting, Holly chose to join the CK team in October of 2020. The great team of people that make up the organization was a key factor in her decision to join the team. From the partners to the staff, she enjoys the friendly, positive culture they create and the knowledge she gains from others.
Holly believes trust is core to any relationship, whether it be personal or professional. That’s why CK’s core value of ‘Trust’ means the most to her. Holly said, “It’s vital to build trust in every interaction by conducting ourselves in a professional and honest manner.”
When asked what piece of advice she would give someone who is just starting in the accounting industry, Holly said, “Get to know as many people as you can and learn as much as you can every day. It’s the best way to grow in your career. The world is changing around us every day and there is always something new to learn to keep you engaged at being the best you can be.”
For Holly, the future is full of opportunity. She’s most looking forward to growing her experience within the firm over the next 10-plus years. After that, she plans to retire somewhere perhaps in a warmer climate!
Pianist or learning how to play the saxophone. I love music!
Spending time with my husband, kids, and grandchildren during my time off which means taking small trips to Tennessee and Minnesota as often as possible.
Be kind; you never know the battles others are fighting.
My husband is a Preplanning Consultant and Business Director at Hultgren Funeral Home. I have two daughters and one son and 6 grandchildren.
Hawaii was my favorite vacation (a once-in-a-lifetime chance). Hawaii is relaxing, and beautiful and there is so much to see and do. Now my #1 place to visit is where my kids are living.
My current favorite tv show is Yellowstone. I have watched Season 1 and am excited to watch the other seasons very soon.
Everything from 70’s and 80’s hits to worship music.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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).
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.
In Cray Kaiser’s Employee Spotlight series, we highlight a member of the CK team. We are extremely proud of the team we have grown and are excited for you to get to know them. This month, we’re shining our spotlight on Bohdan Domino.
Bohdan is a staff accountant, and his day consists of working on audits and reviews. He has been with Cray Kaiser for four years, since his father’s accounting practice was acquired by CKL. Bohdan took the acquisition as an opportunity and was excited about being able to work with new clients.
Bohdan attended Villanova University for his undergraduate degree before earning an MST and MSA from DePaul University.
He appreciates that CK is a learning environment, which gives him the opportunity to grow his skills. Working on more advanced audits and with a great team are a plus, too! When asked which of CK’s core values mean the most to him, Bohdan said education, as he is always trying to learn and improve.
Bohdan’s favorite CK group activity is the annual golf outing, which allows him to connect with coworkers in a fun and casual way.
I like to play golf.
My #1 vacation destination would have to be either Tokyo, Japan or Australia to see the great barrier reef before it’s gone.
My favorite TV show right now is Ozark on Netflix.
Pearl Jam
Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
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 Kathy Myli.
As an Administrative Assistant for Accounts Receivables, Accounts Payable and CK Bookkeepers, Kathy is never at a loss for something to do. She assists the Accounts Receivable team with application of payments, invoicing, producing statements, and helping clients with their inquiries. On the Accounts Payable side, Kathy is responsible for receiving invoices, entering approved invoices into our AP system, reconciling monthly credit cards, and answering vendor inquiries.
Kathy also provides administrative support for the CK bookkeeping team as well as all partners and staff. She has created various reports for monitoring internal processes and provides computer support and general office maintenance – if it stops working Kathy is on the scene troubleshooting the problem whether it be hardware or software. Willing to help wherever needed, you can also find Kathy answering phones.
Kathy joined Cray Kaiser in 2013 working three days a week and moved to full-time in 2015.
Before joining the CK team, Kathy held a variety of positions with a common theme, helping others. She worked as a front desk supervisor for Marriot Courtyard, as an HR administrator for a manufacturing company, did administrative work for a medical insurance company during the time HIPAA was enacted, and provided childcare in her home for 12 years.
Kathy attended Harper College and Elmhurst College studying math, science, and business.
Kathy names integrity as the CK value that means the most to her because it encompasses other values too. “I don’t think you can have integrity without being someone that can be trusted; a person who is willing to share your abilities and continue to grow in knowledge.” CK is all about true caring she added, “people are there for each other in times of need and times of joy!”
Her desire to help her CK family keeps Kathy at the firm as well as her dedication to her own family. “I want both of my families to be proud of who I am and what I do for others.”
For those who are just getting started in the accounting industry Kathy advises “It’s a great career but remember to keep a good balance between work and family.” She has learned at CK that the little things count. So slow down and when things get too fast, reset, and enjoy the ride.
Family, friends, and honesty – together we can accomplish anything!
Never stop learning and growing.
My husband Larry is a Solutions Architect for Caterpillar. I have three daughters Mariah, a veterinary lab tech, Miranda, a wildlife ecologist and Makayla, a professionally trained pastry chef, and a stepdaughter Lyndsay. I am also grandmother to Arianna, William, Aislyn and Elenya.
I enjoy spending time lounging by the pool, snow skiing, camping, and most of all family time. I can sew and have a knack for guessing the end of movies, especially who done it.
Fun fact, I was once certified as a scuba ice diver, and I have 7 skydiving jumps under my belt with 2 freefalls.
My favorite vacation was a great family camping trip at Custer State Park in South Dakota. We had fabulous views and saw so many animals. At one point we were in the middle of a herd of about 1,500 buffalo, it was amazing!
I also love Hawaii!!
A good mystery, detective show or forensics with a little sci-fi thrown in.
Everything from good old rock to country, I listen to it all.
“The only constant in life is change,” observed the Greek philosopher Heraclitus thousands of years ago. That statement seems to only ring truer in today’s world. In the midst of such rapid change, we at CK embrace opportunities for introspection, alignment and growth. It is in that spirit that we are pleased to announce that Jim Scherzinger will be passing the role of Managing Principal of our firm to Deanna Salo on September 27, 2021.
The Managing Principal is responsible for driving the strategic vision of our firm while continuing to manage our day-to-day operations along with our other Principals. It is a role in which Jim excelled as the growth of our firm can attest. Jim will continue to serve as a Principal of CK and most-trusted advisor to his clients, providing the utmost in counsel, dedication and care as he has done his entire career.
As Deanna steps into the Managing Principal role, her entire career has, without a doubt, prepared her to lead our firm. Deanna has spent her career at CK, joining in 1986 and becoming a Principal in 2001. Her ability to identify strategic opportunities as well as uncover the smallest of details – an ability to focus on both the forest and the trees, if you will – will undoubtedly serve CK as well as it has served her clients for decades. Deanna will remain a most trusted advisor for her clients as she continues to educate and care for them while also serving in her new role as Managing Principal.
Deanna, Jim, all our other Principals, and all CK team members remain fully committed to living our Mission of being the team of trusted advisors for companies and individuals, empowering you to succeed financially and in all aspects of your businesses. No matter the changes that the world may bring, or the pace of those changes, the last two years have only reaffirmed our commitment to each other and to you.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact Deanna, Jim or any CK team member should you have any questions.
We at Cray Kaiser believe in lifelong learning. We know that knowledge is empowering and leads to success for both our team members and our clients. In fact, we are so passionate about education and sharing knowledge, it is one of our core values.
CK takes pride in providing employees a well-rounded experience. Whether working on the tax side or assurance side, our team members have the ability to expand their area of knowledge through hands-on experience.
Education and knowledge sharing isn’t just confined to the team members inside the firm. No matter the shape or size of our clients, understanding their financial results can be very intimidating. We are intentional about teaching our clients and empowering them with the knowledge to deepen their understanding of their business to make better decisions, every day.
Click below to hear Cray Kaiser team members Karen Hoban and Josh Auskalnis share their perspectives on education and the role it plays in the CK experience.
If you’ve spent any time on LinkedIn lately you’ve no doubt seen multiple posts talking about company culture, all with the similar theme—culture can make or break an organization.
At Cray Kaiser we are extremely proud of the company culture we have created. Our core values of education, integrity, people, care and trust define our work and our actions.
CK is not just an accounting firm, we are a community. Our family atmosphere promotes strong relationships. We care not only about our work, but about each other on a personal level. Which leads to greater engagement and a healthy work environment.
We believe that every member of our team has something to offer, regardless of title or experience level. We all have a common goal, and everyone contributes to the success of the firm and our clients.
To learn more about our culture listen to what Aaron McWilliams, Eva Koziel, Raimonda Kesler, and Maria Gordon have to say.
As college students are heading back to campus and beginning to hunt for the perfect internship, Cray Kaiser asked interns Thomas Cirrincione and Priyangiben Patel to reflect on their time at CK. From discussing their daily roles as interns to sharing their favorite parts of the experience, listen in on how impactful a CK internship can be for you!
In his two summers interning at Cray Kaiser, Thomas Cirrincione experienced many aspects of the business, from administrative work to employee audits and working in the field. His time at CK allowed him to connect the dots between classroom curriculum and real-world situations.
Hear Thomas reflect on his time spent interning with the CK Team in the audio recording below.
Priyangiben interned with Cray Kaiser for seven months and is excited to apply the knowledge she gained at CK when she heads back to the classroom. She credits Cray Kaiser with giving her clarity on which aspect of accounting to pursue after her graduation from DePaul University.
Listen to Priyangiben’s audio blog below to hear more about her CK internship experience.
If you are interested in learning more about internship opportunities at Cray Kaiser, learn more here.
Studies show that workplace mentors have a positive impact on mentees, mentors, and organizations, including improved employee engagement, retention, inclusion, and career outcomes.
As showcased in our Core Values, our People and Education are at the center of our success. The growth and advancement of our team members, through strong mentor and mentee relationships, are an integral part of how we operate at Cray Kaiser, with senior employees taking an active role in career development.
The Mentor Program provides guidance, support and understanding by sharing experiences and knowledge to help employees reach their full potential; a win for everyone.
Weekly Planning on Demanding Schedules or PODS meetings provide a time for staff to check in with their supervisor or manager. These weekly touchpoints are a platform to address training opportunities and promote communication throughout the firm. The PODS also assist in onboarding new staff and allowing them to experience CK with a buddy.
To learn more about these opportunities we provide to employees, click below to hear what teammates Kayla Daniels, Maria Gordon, and Rolake Adedara have to say about mentorship at Cray Kaiser.
