Steven P. Kessler
Steven P. Kessler CPA
Principal
847.580.4100 x.110
spkessler@koscpa.com
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Combining his tax experience with his desire to learn and understand his client's goals, Steve serves closely held businesses, individuals, not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers and wholesalers, government related entities, and the music industry. He also performs peer and quality reviews and provides litigation support (bankruptcy and divorce-related) services.
In the area of bankruptcy, Steve has worked with Federal Bankruptcy Trustees to help reconstruct and ascertain the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of corporations, partnerships, and individuals. He prepared detailed accounting records to determine if payroll and income taxes required filing with federal and state agencies and oversaw the preparation of such returns.
Steve has taught accounting courses and spoken nationally on accounting and peer/quality review. Additionally, he authored the Peer Review Manual for the National Society of Accountants. Steve oversees KOS' peer review subcommittee of the accounting and auditing committee, and chairs the technology committee.
Practice Areas
Families & Individuals, Manufacturers & Wholesalers, Professional Service Firms, Real Estate & Construction
Education
B.Mus., with honors, DePaul University
Professional Activities
American Institute of CPAs
Illinois CPA Society, former peer review committee
Community Involvement
Green Oaks-Libertyville-Mundelein-Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce
North Shore Unitarian Church, audit committee
Business Networking Group
Chicago Caledonian Pipes and Drums, former member
Coaching/managing various youth athletic teams
What was it about the accounting industry that drew your interest?
I have been surrounded by accounting my whole life (grandfather, grandmother, father, uncle, cousins, etc.). With a birthday on April 15, it just seemed part of the natural progression.
If you hadn’t become a CPA, what job would you have chosen and why?
I would like to help people assemble the toys, playgrounds, etc. that they have difficulty putting together by themselves. There is terrific satisfaction in seeing a child’s face as they play with a piece of equipment that you built, knowing that it is safe for them to enjoy for years.
What is your career highlight?
Working with my father on clients that were originally clients of my grandfather—multigenerational firms are the exception in business. Having two firms continuing to work with each other that long is special.
Tell us how you most enjoy helping clients.
A good way to illustrate this is by mentioning the first client I brought into the firm. To see their growth, the growth of their ideas, and the development of their family has been tremendous. Additionally, I love that the clients that started with my grandfather are themselves in their third generation working with me, the third generation of our firm.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a man of integrity who helped those he met to improve themselves.
Who is your hero and why?
My father—a terrific teacher and compassionate man. He always made time in his life for what he thought was important. I have seen him become a father figure to many who have lost their own fathers. He is a mensch.
What lesson from mom or dad do you still live by today?
Life is a two-way street. Actions speak louder than words.
What music/bands do you like to listen to?
Rush, Queen, 78th Fraser Highlanders, classical, all kinds.
What do you most look forward to?
Time with my family.
Quotable quote:
An experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want.
"I am not young enough to know everything." — Oscar Wilde
What book are you currently reading?
Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road by Neil Peart.
When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
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