Gretchen Kalk-Castro, CPA

Director, CLH CPAs & Consultants
INCPAS member

Where are you in your picture and how did you get up there?

I had just climbed the back of a small mountain at a park in Utah after my second attempt. I had never completed a climb like that before. I never realized how difficult it was to climb rocks and at the same time make sure my footing and hands were in the right place to make sure I didn’t slip back down.

How many states have you visited?

31

What is your favorite place you have visited?

My absolute favorite vacation was our honeymoon to Santa Monica, CA. We purchased a 1967 Camaro and drove Route 66 back to Illinois.

What keeps you up at night?

That a tax return was not completed by the due date.

What made you decide to become a CPA?

I took two high school courses in accounting and liked them so much I decided to continue my education in accounting in college. My next step was taking an internship at the public accounting firm, and eventually accepting a full-time job there. I haven’t left since.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the profession?

Do not be too hard on yourself when you first come into the profession. There is so much more you will know after one tax season that is not learned in college.

What's the best thing you've read recently?

“No Ego” by Cy Wakeman – great book on leadership and how to cut workplace drama.

How do you think the profession will be different in five years?

The virtual office is happening. I think it will be common for us to be working from a lot of places, and no longer required to be in one place. It is already happening in our office, which is rather nice because I can take more vacations, yet still attend to work if I need to.

What’s your favorite app and why?

Groupon – I love finding deals or ideas for when I travel.

What’s on your desk right now?

Lists. Lots and lots of lists. As the project coordinator, I have to make sure all of the tax returns are completed and filed for the fall deadlines. I rely on these lists and check them daily.