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.