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 Sheila Grisamore.
GETTING TO KNOW SHEILA
As an In-Charge Accountant working in the tax department, Sheila works on S-Corp, Partnership and individual tax returns.
Prior to joining CK, Sheila spent many years working in public accounting and corporate America in the areas of tax, audit and accounting. In her previous positions, she facilitated a variety of system rollouts including transfer pricing, workflow process improvements and client portal/document management.
Lifelong learning is a priority for Sheila and she continues to develop her skills in tax and accounting to expand her expertise to other areas such as trusts and non-profits. Sheila is motivated by a personal commitment to quality work and providing outstanding service to clients.
Sheila earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University and is a licensed CPA. She began working on a Master’s in Science Taxation (MST) at NIU before the program was discontinued; she hopes to finish her MST at another school one day.
WHY CK?
Sheila is one of the firm’s newest employees, joining the CK team in January 2022. During the interview process, Sheila was struck by the kindness she was shown by everyone she talked to and their interest in her career aspirations and where she wanted to grow her experience.
That demonstrated to Sheila that CK values and truly cares about their employees. She also appreciates the firm’s mentor program, commitment to growth and learning, and the respect that she has been shown by staff, managers and partners.
Responding to which CK core value means the most to her Sheila said, “Care means the most to me because if we don’t care about people, the world, our communities, our business and our work then what does it all matter?”
As a new employee, Sheila hasn’t had an opportunity to attend any company outings yet, but she loved the chocolate calculator on everyone’s desk for Valentine’s Day.
MORE ABOUT SHEILA
- How do you like to spend your weekends/time off?
I love to spend the weekends at home with my family and visiting my mom. I am a homebody to some degree, but I also love to travel and go to new restaurants! I love to read and am also very interested in the news and current events. Recently, I started knitting which to my surprise is very calming. I love to walk as well and for years my dog, Finian would accompany me. He just turned 14 and unfortunately can’t walk with me like he used to.
- What motto do you live by?
The golden rule of “treat others as you would want to be treated.”
- Tell us about your family.
I have a wonderful family. My husband and I met at NIU and have two beautiful and kind children in their 20s. My husband is in corporate accounting so we like to joke we are two boring accountants but we try not to be!
Our daughter graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a double major in English Literature and History and currently works with Special Education high school children. Our son graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in International Business and a minor in Spanish. He works in supply chain/logistics.
We have a simply wonderful soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Finian, who I frequently say is the best listener in the house, although that is not saying much.
I am the youngest of my two sisters. The most influential person in my life has been my wonderful mom who I see at least once a week and talk to all the time.
- Do you have a special/hidden talent or hobby?
Of course, I have a hidden talent! I was a competitive artistic roller skater in my day and actually started skating again last year for a local rink. This talent is so hidden that most people don’t realize that there is such a sport as artistic roller skating but indeed there is. Different aspects of the sport include dance, freestyle single, pairs, fours and figures. I did them all except pairs.
My other talent is cooking. I actually wanted to be a chef at one time and even went to chef school the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. I love to cook and of course, eat.
- What was your favorite vacation?
I honestly love to travel anywhere. We do a bit of research before we go on a trip to find excellent restaurants and interesting sites to see.
I must say my favorite trip so far though has been Spain. We went there on a small family trip before my son began a study abroad program in Avila, Spain. We visited Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Granada, Madrid and Avila. They were all different but equally breathtaking.
- What is on your music playlist?
I love all genres of music from alternative, rock, country and classical. But I’m all about the BAND! I was a proud high school band member and my kids have been involved in music since they were very young children and were members of their grade school and the high school bands including wind ensemble and marching band. My daughter also played in her college pep band. My husband and I loved going to the many college football and basketball games to hear IWU’s pep band.
- What’s the last book you read?
I’ve participated in a local book club for many years and I am currently reading Rules of Civility by Amor Towles.