In addition to Jim Scherzinger’s extensive experience as a tax, accounting and audit professional, he has become a driving force behind Cray Kaiser’s strategic consulting activities. Leveraging his expertise, refined over decades of practice, Jim assumes advisory roles for clients across a diverse spectrum of industries and financial needs.

Over the years, he has counseled clients on such far-ranging matters as start-up projections, cash management, exit planning, buy-side due diligence, seller negotiations and transaction structure, among many others. With deep knowledge of financial markets, financial models and tax and regulatory requirements—and a commitment to understanding clients’ needs and potential exposures—Jim and Cray Kaiser’s multidisciplinary team have the depth of knowledge to resolve a myriad of business issues and augment clients’ internal resources.

As one of three Certified Valuation Analysts at Cray Kaiser, Jim helps clients understand value concepts as they relate to market transfers, internal company transfers and family and generational transfers of business assets and wealth. He applies his understanding of exit strategies to help clients protect their wealth and preserve and shape their legacy.

As a CK Principal, Jim embraces the firm’s client-focused definition of “success.” For Cray Kaiser, success hinges on the extent to which the firm helps clients solve problems and make better business decisions. In realizing that vision of success, Cray Kaiser adds value to clients’ businesses, giving them heightened confidence in their ability to meet objectives.

In addition to his CPA license, Jim is a licensed real estate broker. He holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois-Champaign.

Community: Past Director, Real Estate Investment Association. Certification of Membership, The Exit Planning Institute, National Association of Valuation Analysts. Committee Member, Union League Club of Chicago. Board Membership, Various Nonprofit Organizations.

A CK Principal since 1994, Jim Slager delivers on Cray Kaiser’s promise as a full-service public accounting practice, providing a vast scope of services pertaining to audits, accounting and tax planning and preparation. Having joined Cray Kaiser in 1986, his accumulated wealth of knowledge spans industries and competencies.

Jim is one of three leaders at the firm with accreditation as a Certified Valuation Analyst. His expertise lies in valuations related to gift tax, divorce, shareholder dispute, buy-sell and estate planning. In the latter case, he works with clients to ensure that they maximize the transfer of wealth to heirs while minimizing tax-related expenses.

In addition, Jim leads the firm’s offering in the heavily regulated area of employee benefit plan audits. As the Department of Labor steps up its requisites in this sphere, Jim’s specialty fills a need not many other firms can.

In more recent years, Jim has turned his attention to the next generation of leaders. He aims to give the current crop of junior talent the same opportunities he had as a 27-year-old new hire. With an open-door policy, he inspires Cray Kaiser’s staff accountants to deepen their skills at every turn. By fostering talent within the firm today, he’s passing on the highest standards of integrity and professionalism for tomorrow.

Jim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics from Calvin College.

Community: Former Treasurer/Board Member, Will County Habitat for Humanity. Graduate: Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School.