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.

GETTING TO KNOW KATHY

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.   

WHY CK?

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.

MORE ABOUT KATHY

• What motto do you live by?

Family, friends, and honesty – together we can accomplish anything!

Never stop learning and growing.

• Tell us about your family.

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. 

• Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?

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.

• What was your favorite vacation? Or, what is the #1 place on your vacation list?

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!!

• What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A good mystery, detective show or forensics with a little sci-fi thrown in.

• What’s on your music playlist?

Everything from good old rock to country, I listen to it all.