Sanford B. Alper
Sanford B. Alper CPA, MBA
Principal
847.580.4100 x.125
salper@koscpa.com
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Sandy joined KOS in 1987. His 30+ years in professional practice have been dedicated to serving those in the areas of manufacturing, long-term health care, and not-for-profit. He is well-versed in governmental and student financial aid auditing, and serves as the chairman of the firm’s accounting and auditing committee.
He is a frequent speaker on preparing for financial aid audits and related matters.
Practice Areas
Health Care, Professional Service Firms, Career Colleges
Education
MBA and B.A., in Accounting, Northern Illinois University
Professional Activities
American Institute of CPAs
Illinois CPA Society
Community Involvement
Niles Township High School , former elected school board member and president
Niles Township Legislative Committee
Lincolnwood Library, treasurer
Lincolnwood School District #74, board member
Lincolnwood Youth Baseball
Lincolnwood Girls Softball
Lincolnwood PTA
What was it about the accounting industry that drew your interest?
My father had suggested quite strongly that accounting was the key area to go into if you wanted to get into business because, at that time, accounting got you into most areas of business. Additionally, at some point in your career you had to understand accounting if you wanted to move up in the world.
My father owned his own business. He was primarily a salesman, but I was surprised at how much time he spent in accounting and trying to understand it as his business grew. Once I entered the business as an assistant to the controller, I enjoyed it—not only the numbers, but also working with various people in all aspects of the business.
If you hadn’t become a CPA, what job would you have chosen and why?
A forest ranger. As a youngster, my family camped every year for six weeks. Campfires were a huge part of that. At one national park, my parents went to talk with some people, and my brother and I made a very large campfire—one that a forest ranger spotted from his lookout post! Needless to say, he sent a ranger to have us put it out. My parents were not too happy!
To this day my family and I enjoy camping and making campfires in our backyard fire pit. I love the outdoors and what better way to be outdoors than to be a forest ranger.
Tell us how you most enjoy helping clients.
A great way to make a difference is to meet once a week—not only to review the results of the previous month, but to plan for big events like the transition from one generation to the next. I like not only helping and watching a company grow, but providing meaningful assistance in the estate tax aspect of their family business.
What wisdom would you offer to aspiring accountants?
Be a good listener.
What’s your career highlight?
Being made a partner in two firms.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a good father and good grandfather.
Who is your hero and why?
My mother—she was always there when I needed her and always available for her family.
What was your first job?
A newspaper delivery boy.
What lesson from mom or dad do you still live by today?
Work hard and always be available for your family.
What music/bands do you like to listen to?
Beach Boys, Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel.
What do you most look forward to?
Being with my family.
When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
Hiking and camping in the mountains, or snorkeling.
Quotable quote.
“You can’t handle the truth!”
What book are you currently reading?
Consent to Kill
What word best describes you? |