When Krissy Eksten joined Hellam Varon in late 2018, she already had over 10 years working in public accounting. But she also had several years working in the private sector learning accounting and bookkeeping from the ground up. Krissy was introduced at an early age to accounting and bookkeeping, helping her mother with the books at her uncle’s bodywork shop. Her experience broadened into retail and manufacturing where she cross-trained in all functions of the accounting department, until a friend and owner of an accounting firm suggested she might prefer the challenges and rewards of public accounting.
Over the next 4 years, while Krissy completed her degree in accounting at Central Washington University, she worked at her friend’s CPA firm. Not only did she utilize all of her bookkeeping skills during that time, she expanded into tax work…and her interest was completely peaked. After making a move closer to Seattle, Krissy worked for an accounting firm in the north end, adding financial statement preparation to an already long list of skills. “I couldn’t go back to the private sector now. I love the diversity of clients, the different industries, and most importantly, the different story each client has”, she comments. Her passion is giving outstanding client service. “I like thinking ahead for my clients.”
Little did Krissy know in 2009 when she recommended Hellam Varon as the next accounting firm for her uncle’s body shop that she would one day be working at the firm herself! More than coincidence brought Krissy to that first interview, which she appreciated as a casual and friendly process. “It was warm and welcoming”, she says. “I knew this was home. This was where I needed to be.”
When she is not setting the accounting world on fire, Krissy likes to bury herself in a good novel, her escape from the stresses of everyday life. But Krissy is far from being reclusive. She trains as a half marathon runner (and found she has some kindred spirits at Hellam Varon). She can also be found on the myriad of hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Here at Hellam Varon, we are all going to have to exercise our business and physical muscles to keep up with Krissy!
Education
Central Washington University, BA Accounting
Certification
Certified Public Accountant, in process
Practice Emphasis
Federal income tax for closely held businesses and individuals
"I love the diversity of clients, the different industries, and the different story each client has."
