In Cray Kaiser’s Employee Spotlight series, we highlight a member of the CK team. We couldn’t be more proud 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 Maria Gordon.

GETTING TO KNOW MARIA

As a Tax Senior at CK, Maria specializes in business tax and state and local tax issues. She works with clients and assurance team members to analyze financial information and determine tax implications. Most days she can be found digging through the tax code or CK’s handy “depreciation guide”, estimating her clients’ tax exposure and payment requirements, preparing and reviewing tax returns, and answering any questions that her clients may have.

Maria earned her accounting degree from John Brown University in Arkansas. She began her career working in private industry for an oil and gas conglomerate. After gaining years of experience in corporate and partnership taxation, she took a position specializing in business tax for a public accounting firm. Throughout the years of raising kids and relocating to the Chicago area, Maria has worked both in private industry and public accounting.

WHY CK?

In February 2017, Maria joined CK. She was drawn to the firm because she wanted to be part of a larger team. She values the opportunity to gain new skills by learning from her colleagues. Maria has remained at CK because each day she feels that her expertise is needed and recognized. She also enjoys developing relationships with clients and supporting them in their businesses.

When asked about her favorite CK core value, Maria chose “Care” because it’s important to her to support her teammates and clients each and every day.

MORE ABOUT MARIA

• What piece of advice would you give to someone who is just getting started in the accounting industry?
  I would advise a new accountant to not be afraid of taking on projects that seem “over your head”. In my first job, when our team’s director position was eliminated, I was forced to take on some very challenging projects for a new staff accountant. I learned a lot through that experience. It’s important to know that you can ask questions and believe that your teammates want to see you succeed.

• What was your favorite CK group outing from the last year?
  The annual golf outing is always my favorite. I am not a golfer, but somehow, on that day, my teammates convinced me I could do it and cheered me on with every stroke!

• How do you like to spend your time off?
  I like to spend my weekends reading books, watching Netflix, and walking with friends. I also enjoy trying out local restaurants.

• What motto do you live by?
  This is more of a mantra, but it is important to me: “I trust that every relationship is a perfect assignment.” I believe every person is put in my life for a reason, and I try to learn what I can from them and learn what I can about myself.

• What’s your favorite movie?
  I love any movie with music and humor. My favorite movie of all time is White Christmas. If you haven’t attended a showing of White Christmas at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, you need to check it out!

• What’s the last book you read?
  The last book I finished was Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It is the story of a band rising to fame in the 70’s and written as if the band members were being interviewed in present day. I usually have several books going at once. I love getting lost in stories.