Eric, CPA

Manager

Education

Eric attended Rockhurst College, where he received a B.S. degree in accounting finance in 2002.  He received his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2005.

Area of Focus

Since joining the firm in July 2004, Eric has performed audits for financial service clients.

What He Likes Best About BKD

Eric says he enjoys working with a wide variety of clients.  “One week you’re working on a manufacturer, the next week at a library.  The next, I was working at a bank,” he says.

Advice for Those Considering a Career at BKD

Eric says new recruits can expect to gain a lot of experience early in their careers.  “If you go to a Big Four firm, and you’re there three to four years, you might not get much responsibility.  At BKD, you can work on the entire engagement from beginning to end.  You get more hands-on experience early,” he says.  “I think BKD is a great place to work.  It’s what you make of it.”

Hobbies & Interests

Eric’s interests include playing golf and traveling to beach destinations.

Tracy, CPA

Supervisor

Education

Tracy graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 2005 with a B.S. degree in accounting.

Area of Focus

With more than four years of experience, Tracy provides wealth planning services and also works with manufacturing and distribution clients.

What She Likes Best About BKD

“I really love the people I work with,” says Tracy.  “We get to do stuff outside of work, and I really enjoy that.  I also really like the flexibility.  I don’t have to clock in and out at exactly the same time every day.  If there’s a project I need to get done, I can work extra one day and not work as much the next day.  I like being my own boss and just being in charge of my hours.”

Hobbies & Interests

Tracy says she enjoys playing sand volleyball with her office team and participating in charity fundraiser events such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

John, CPA

Senior Accountant

Education

John attended the University of Kansas, where he received a B.S. degree in accounting and business administration in 2006 and a master’s degree in accounting in 2007.

Area of Focus

John has worked at BKD since 2007, primarily serving health care, manufacturing and distribution clients.

What He Likes Best About BKD

“I like working with the people here at BKD,” says John.  “I feel that everybody is real easy to work with, and I like the flexibility."  John says he appreciates that BKD allows new employees to do meaningful work right off the bat.  “You get put immediately on audits and start doing work that actually contributes to the final product.  At BKD, you can expect to learn a lot very quickly.  You get a good mix of different types of areas, and you get a lot of opportunities.”

Chelsea, CPA

Senior Accountant

Education

Chelsea attended the University of Kansas, where she received a B.S. degree in accounting and a master’s degree in accounting with an audit emphasis.

Area of Focus

Since she began working at BKD two years ago, she has served clients in the manufacturing and distribution industry.

What She Likes Best About BKD

“The best part is the people,” says Chelsea.  “Everyone is very hard-working, but fun at the same time.”  In addition, Chelsea says she enjoys being exposed to many different types of clients and cultures and is grateful she was able to learn so much in a short period.  She says another benefit of BKD is being able to work closely with managers and partners.  “Most of them are very hands-on and very helpful,” she says.  “BKD has provided great learning experiences.”

Hobbies & Interests

Outside the office, Chelsea’s interests include running, going to concerts, traveling and trying new restaurants.

Jenifer, CPA

Supervisor

Education

Jenifer attended Truman State University, where she received a B.S. degree in accounting in 2005 and a master’s degree in accounting in 2006 with a tax focus.

Area of Focus

With more than four years of accounting experience, Jenifer primarily works with manufacturing and distribution clients. Her secondary niche is construction and real estate.

What She Likes Best About BKD

Jenifer says working at BKD allows her to work with a variety of clients in different industries.  She also values the abundant career opportunities BKD offers.  “I feel like I have so much experience and the ability to guide my own career and pick my own niche,” she says.  “I love my job, and I love what I do.  Tax is extremely interesting and ever-changing.  I feel like I’ve learned so much in four years.”

Hobbies & Interests

Outside the office, Jenifer’s interests center on the outdoors.  “I love going to the lake, and I’ve been learning to wakeboard and ski this summer.  So that’s been a challenge and quite fun,” she says.