Alan S. Kalfen
Alan S. Kalfen CPA
Principal
847.580.4100 x.123
akalfen@koscpa.com
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Since entering the accounting practice in 1977, Alan has concentrated on serving clients in real estate, professional services, and family businesses.
Alan works with developers, property managers, and investors in managing the details of every phase of their real estate transactions. For those in professional services, Alan guides in tax and business planning, as well as new partner buy-ins. Families and individuals seek Alan's advice in organizing their financial holdings and reducing tax obligations.
He works with closely held businesses—existing and emerging—and provides financial and business planning.
As the human resources partner, Alan collaborates with staff on improving career paths, employee satisfaction, and retention.
Practice Areas
Real Estate & Construction, Professional Service Firms, Families & Individuals
Education
B.S., in Accountancy, University of Illinois-Champaign
Professional Activities
CPA Associates International, Family Business Committee
American Institute of CPAs
Illinois CPA Society
Florida CPA Society
Community Involvement
Northside Community Bank of Riverwoods, advisory board
Congregation B’nai Tikvah, officer and board member
What was it about the accounting industry that drew your interest?
I enjoy working with numbers and appreciate the opportunity to help people financially balance their lives.
Tell us how you most enjoy helping clients.
Teaming up with clients, watching our plan in action, and seeing the success in more profits in the business or substantial tax savings is what I most enjoy.
What wisdom would you offer to aspiring accountants?
Accounting is not just about numbers. It's also about developing relationships with clients and fellow coworkers.
How do you want to be remembered?
Not to write my own eulogy, but hopefully my family will remember me as someone who loved them very much and would always be there in times of need. I hope my friends found me to be a fun and dependable person to be around, and I hope my coworkers remember me as someone who was always fair and willing to help and listen.
Who is your hero and why?
My heroes are my parents. My dad, although he died young, showed the courage to fight his illness and found a balance between working hard and attending my sporting and other school events. I admire my mom for having a constant positive attitude, her willingness to help a friend in need and, of course, always being there for me and my sister.
What was your first job?
I used to cut lawns in the neighborhood when I was 12 years old. I wanted to make money so I could buy my neighbor’s car!
What music/bands do you like to listen to?
My favorite bands are The Beatles and Chicago, and I also like Harry Chapin. I do like most types of music from the 50s to the present.
What do you most look forward to?
I look forward to the time when both of my kids have finished college and have found good jobs—this way they will be off my personal payroll. I have always said that when I am reincarnated, I want to come back as one of my kids!
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy playing softball and tennis, bicycling, long walks, time with friends, and following all the Chicago professional sports teams. I also enjoy watching my wonderful wife work in the garden, and spending the evening with friends having a nice dinner and then going out to hit the town. Currently, one of my all-time favorites has been going on cruises at the end of each year with the family. Nothing is more relaxing than a cruise to get ready for the upcoming tax season.
Quotable quote:
“Make it a great day or not—the choice is yours.”
If you hadn’t become a CPA, what job would you have chosen and why? |