Kai Bottomley found his way to Hellam Varon in 1989. Working mostly with small businesses, he finds the planning aspect of his job the most fascinating. "It's analyzing issues and helping businesses be successful," he says. He also loves being part of a firm that so strongly believes in fostering personal relationships with its clients. "We always try to have our employees interact directly with clients. That's one of the reasons we've been able to grow successfully." And that, in turn, helps employees break new ground with clients. "We've had growth within the firm so our employees always have new challenges.”
Kai is a technical reviewer of peer reviews required by all WSCPA firms, one of only three such persons to hold this position in Washington. Such technical expertise bodes well for Hellam Varon clients!
When not in his office or doing a technical review, Kai is often headed off with his wife, Penelope, and son, Brett, to their small property in the North Cascades to go cross country skiing or snowshoeing. What can one expect from a man who spent part of his adolescence in Alaska? If not in the mountains, he might be cheering at a Sounders game or reading a mystery novel.
Back in the office, Kai comes back to ‘the clients’ as his reason for loving the job. "I like the people," he says. "And the diversity of the clients we have. We're very service oriented."
Education
Pacific Lutheran University, B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting, magna cum laude
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Professional Associations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
WSCPA Peer Review Program Technical Reviewer
Practice Emphasis
Accounting assurance services including audits, reviews and compilations
Tax planning and consulting to closely-held businesses and their owners
