Brian Kot oversees technology and quality assurance within the firm’s assurance department. Having grown up in his father’s accounting firm, Brian knew early on he would pursue a career as a CPA, bringing both technical expertise and a practical, people-first mindset to his work. In his role today, he helps ensure compliance with professional standards while continuously improving systems and processes that support consistent, high-quality audits.

As a practitioner, Brian knows his clients’ time is best spent running their businesses rather than navigating accounting complexities. He’s known for streamlining engagements to make the process efficient, informative, and client-focused. Central to his approach is listening. Brian begins each engagement by gaining a deep understanding of a client’s operations, risks, and goals, allowing him to quickly identify needs and deliver an unparalleled level of service.

While Brian serves across a wide range of industries, his niche lies in manufacturing. He brings a strong understanding of the operational, financial, and regulatory challenges manufacturers face and works closely with leadership teams to ensure that audits deliver value to support decision-making and long-term growth.

Brian is a member of the Illinois CPA Society’s Accounting Principles Committee, a senior committee responsible for developing responses to new accounting standards issued by regulators. This role is especially important to Brian because new standards often have trickle-down effects on non-public companies, frequently increasing audit costs without delivering additional value. Through his committee work, Brian serves as an advocate for non-public businesses, bringing a practical, business-minded perspective to standard-setting discussions while keeping clients informed of changes that truly matter.

Brian was also selected to serve as the United States Regional Quality Ambassador for Russell Bedford International, a global network of independent professional services firms. In this role, he collaborates with peer firms to share best practices and support consistency across international engagements, strengthening the firm’s ability to serve clients with global operations or aspirations.

Committed to continuous learning and connection, Brian is a member of CFO Mastermind Group, where he engages with finance leaders across industries to expand his perspective, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of emerging trends affecting today’s CFOs and business owners.

Brian earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Bradley University and a Master’s Degree in Accountancy from Elmhurst College.

Community: Member, and Past-Chairman of the Illinois CPA Society Accounting Principles Committee; Treasurer of the Harris Farm Homeowners Association; Committee Member with Boy Scouts of America

Service: Mentoring boy scouts by teaching them new skills and assisting them as they make progress in their scouting careers.