Cathy Macchietto, CPA, BB, M. Acct.
A licensed certified public accountant with 28 years of professional accounting experience. She has her Masters of Accountancy and Bachelors of Business from Western Illinois University. Cathy has extensive experience in governmental audit, individual and business taxation, and accounting services of various small to medium size businesses. She has managed numerous engagements, including Chicago collar counties with populations in excess of 50,000 and villages with populations in excess of 15,000, as well as townships and fire protection districts.

She is an active member of the AICPA and the Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society.

Get to know Cathy

What would your clients be surprised to know about you?
I think they would be surprised to learn that I ride a motorcycle.  I took a class in 2010 and bought my bike the following year.  I ride a HD Softail Slim.

Where would you like to travel to that you have never been to before?
Italy!  My grandparents immigrated here from Italy leaving some family behind.  I would love to meet them and experience their world.  Also I would like to take my Dad along as he has never been their either.

What is your Favorite movie?
The Big Chill.  I just love that movie.  Nothing better than a group of old friends getting together and catching up with each other’s lives.  It’s both a sad and feel good movie.  I think it is very reflective of our daily lives.  We tend to move on with our lives as we age and lose contact with old friends.  A life event may come along that will get people from long ago back together again.  We may find out how much everyone has changed and how such different people we have all become but at the same time realize that there is still a bond or connection between you that will bring you back together again.

What advice do you have for your clients?
Life is what you put into it.  Live for today but knowing that your choices today effect your future.  And of course, don’t forget to file your income tax return on time.

What would I do if you won the lottery?
Being the practical minded person that I am, I would pay off my debts first, then put most of the money in savings.  But I would keep enough out to take my family and friends on some great vacations where we could all relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Kaeleigh Walters, BB, MBA
Kaeleigh has been with the firm since June 2006. Kaeleigh has a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of St. Francis and is currently working towards her Masters in Business Administration.

She has experience in auditing for small governmental entities. She is an active member of the AICPA and the Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society.

Get to know Kaeleigh

What is the most exciting thing you’ve done while traveling?
The most exciting thing I have done would be swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling in Florida at Dolphins Cove. It was amazing how friendly the dolphins were and how beautiful and peaceful the ocean life was.

If you were not an accountant, what would you be?
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would like to own my own coffee shop/cafe. I love coffee and I like to bake desserts when I have time. I love going to small hometown coffee shops. They are all different but they have the same warm and welcoming feel to them.

What is the longest road trip you’ve taken?
The longest road trip I have taken would be to Branson, MO. I go there about every 2 years or so with my mom, grandpa, great aunt, and cousin. We use this trip as our family reunion. This year we found a plaque that says “Our family must be God’s favorite sitcom.”€ This saying definitely sums up our trip!!

What do you enjoy when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I like to go to concerts, go to the movies, shopping, and spent time with my family and friends.

What is your favorite type of exercise?
My favorite type of exercise would be swimming. I used to be on the swim team in High School. I love any kind of exercise that is fun and doesn’t feel like exercise.