Experienced
Ken has been with Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd., since 1986, and became a director in 1999. He joined the firm right out of school and has spent his career working with privately-owned companies, their owners and not-for-profit organizations. In addition to accounting and auditing services, Ken provides tax planning, financial analysis and business consulting services.
Ken specializes in representing closely held companies, including manufacturing, retail, landscaping, construction, as well as professional service firms and not-for-profit organizations.
Proactive
Ken finds what differentiates him and the firm is being hands-on with each of his clients. Ken is often going to meet his clients on site, to interact with them and see firsthand what value he can bring in a face-to-face context. It is what he enjoys doing the most, as it represents the clear value he brings to his client relationships.
Ken focuses on helping his clients become more profitable across their business. He works with clients on setting up new accounting software, identifying inefficient operations and developing proper systems and internal controls for their financial functions. Ken also brings the same focus to the unique needs of not-for-profit organizations, including helping them create more efficient operations.
As a Certified Fraud Examiner, Ken has also helped clients and legal practitioners with a variety of fraud-related cases ranging from recommending fraud prevention controls to investigating suspected fraud. His experience as a CFE also allows Ken to see where companies’ internal controls and accounting processes might be leaving them more vulnerable to fraud.
Resourceful
Memberships/affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Illinois CPA Society
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- BKR International Forensic Accounting Committee
- Former member of the Nonprofit Committee of the Illinois CPA Society
- Former board member of the Nonprofit Financial Center in Chicago
Education
- B.S. in Accounting from Indiana University
Surveyor
Ken and his family all share a love of travel and baseball. They enjoy their periodic travel to Japan and other countries throughout East and Southeast Asia, where they enjoy urban hiking and getting acclimated to local culture. Their travels in the U.S. are usually by car which always includes a visit to a city with a major league baseball team so they can catch a game or two. During the spring and summer, Ken can often be found at Wrigley Field with family or friends enjoying his beloved Chicago Cubs.