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Jeffrey A. Arnol

Jeffrey A. Arnol CPA, JD
Principal, Managing Partner
847.580.4100 x.109
jarnol@koscpa.com
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Jeff, the managing partner of KOS, is responsible for the firm’s management and administrative operations as well as its long-term strategy.

With over 25 years in public accounting, Jeff has extensive experience with all significant aspects of federal and state tax matters including tax planning, research, and compliance issues of corporations, partnerships, LLCs, individuals, estates and trusts. He specializes in income and estate tax planning for closely held businesses, business owners, and high net worth individuals.

In addition, he works with clients in a number of industries including professional service, real estate, not-for-profit, and health care. He advises clients on such matters as business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning and employee benefit plans.

Jeff is a member of the practice management committee of CPA Associates International and also a member of the Summary of Operations Task Force.

He serves as chairman of the firm's marketing committee and editor of the newsletter.

Practice Areas
Families & Individuals, Professional Service Firms, Health Care, Real Estate & Construction

Education
J.D., Indiana University
B.B.A., in Accounting, University of Wisconsin

Professional Activities
CPA Associates International, Summary of Operations Task Force
American Institute of CPAs, tax division
Illinois CPA Society
Illinois Bar
Chicago Estate Planning Council
Greater North Shore Estate Planning Council

Community Involvement
University of Wisconsin Club of Chicago
Deerfield Youth Baseball Association

What was it about the accounting industry that drew your interest?
I was initially drawn into accounting from my desire to utilize my college degrees—accounting and law—along with my interests in business and taxes. Accounting seemed to offer a solid foundation and excellent experience for whatever I might choose down the road. As I spent more time in the profession I realized I enjoyed what it offered—diversity, intellectual stimulation, challenges, opportunities to help others and solve problems, and the chance to develop non-technical skills such as marketing and leadership.

If you hadn’t become a CPA, what job would you have chosen and why?
I have a number of interests outside of the accounting field. Perhaps the most “out of the ordinary” profession would be a career in some forensic or investigative field with an agency such as the CIA, NSA or FBI—an interest that started when, as a young boy, I read every Hardy Boy book written. To this day, I still enjoy reading spy and financial thrillers. However, after spending one summer clerking for the white-collar crime unit of the Milwaukee District Attorneys office, I realized it’s a little less glamorous than it reads or sounds.

Tell us how you most enjoy helping clients.
I most appreciate the opportunity to be a valuable member of the professional advisory team, where clients actively seek my counsel on both business and personal financial and tax matters. I find great satisfaction from watching the client's business and personal growth and enjoy the development of our personal relationship that transcends my role as accountant.

What wisdom would you offer to aspiring accountants?
I would tell them to be prepared to work hard, be willing to continually learn and grow as a professional, appreciate the diversity the profession offers, find a niche or specialty, maintain the highest levels of integrity and professional standards, treat every client as if it was your best client and never automatically follow what was done last year—think on your own and let common sense dictate (although this is not always possible when it comes to our tax laws).

What’s your career highlight?
No single highlight stands out. However, perhaps what I appreciate most—and do consider a highlight—is when clients actively seek my advice and treat me as a trusted and respected key advisor, as a result of my earning their confidence and trust.

How do you want to be remembered?
The traits that come to mind are caring, honest, thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent, and creative.

Who is your hero and why?
I can’t name a specific person but, to me, heroes are people willing to stand up for their convictions, to fight for a moral or noble cause, to persevere or stand tall in the face of adversity, to maintain their sense of righteousness and honesty, to accept life-altering challenges head on or take on, and to be willing to fight for the greater good instead of their own self-interest. I see these people all around us (although I wish more were in politics).

What book are you currently reading?
As part of my professional development, I read several business books a year. However, I much prefer to read fictional thrillers in my free time. I enjoy the newest releases authored by any of the following, among others: Clive Cussler, Vince Flynn, Stephen Frey, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, Brad Thor, Daniel Silva, John Grisham and Stephen Coonts.