Bill Finestone, CA, CPA, Managing Partner
Bill Finestone offers poignant, honest, business advice to clients based on more than 20 years of accounting and tax experience in the U.S., United Kingdom and Israel. His International experience benefits clients with global vision.
As managing partner of LLG, Bill’s aim is fostering value-added relationships. “We understand the narrative behind the numbers,” says Bill. He enjoys working with privately-held clients. “At the helm are decision makers who are creating wealth. It is a positive influence going both ways.”
Bill is one of the keepers of the firm’s innovative culture that has been recognized in the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine and the Accounting Today Magazine. He nurtures professionalism, creativity, openness and flexibility. You won’t find doors or walls surrounding his desk or a suit in his closet.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bill joined LLG in 1989, was made partner in 1993 and became managing partner in 1999. Bill is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) where he received the “Elijah Watt Sells Award with High Distinction,” the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, the Illinois CPA Society, and the Association of Chartered Accountants in the U.S.
Growing up in Glasgow, Scotland, he earned a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from the esteemed University of Glasgow. He worked as an accountant in the United Kingdom and later in Israel before moving to Chicago.
Advice
“Stay organized.”
Standout Memory
Bill once worked inside a refrigerated truck counting carcasses for inventory at a meat packing company.
Interests
Bill is an avid soccer fan who watches the games from Glasgow with members of the Celtic Supporters Club of Chicago. If there’s no soccer game, you will likely find Bill on the courts, enjoying playing in a tennis tournament or league. He is married with four children.
Contact
William H. Finestone
Phone 847-205-5452
Cell 847-508-3871
Email BillF@TheThinkers.com
Bruce Horwitz, CPA, Partner
With more than 30 years experience, Bruce Horwitz helps privately held businesses stay nimble and flexible so they can reach their goals. He consults with clients on tax planning, accounting and auditing, family office issues, litigation, mergers & acquisitions and technology. “Privately held companies are run by hard working people who took a risk,” says Bruce. “They deserve all the rewards they get.”
Not content sitting behind a desk, Bruce prefers to work at his clients’ locations. That typically means factories, warehouses and sometimes job sites, for clients in manufacturing, distribution and construction. He believes one of his most important roles is helping clients bridge the information flow between their finance and marketing needs.
As a partner, Bruce is instrumental in developing a talented team and helping them flourish in the firm’s innovative environment. The resulting stable workforce of LLG continues to support long-term relationships with clients. In addition, Bruce’s expertise in technology implementation helps clients save time and improve efficiencies.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bruce received a B.S. degree in accounting from Bradley University, in Peoria, Ill. He spent the following three years in commercial lending at a major Chicago bank before joining LLG in 1981. He became a partner in 1988. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. He is also a Certified Quickbooks Pro Advisor.
Advice
“Associate costs with real revenues, not projections.”
Standout Memory
While auditing the inventory of a mattress manufacturer Bruce toppled and was carried out on a stretcher. Not one to be easily defeated, he returned the same day on crutches to finish the job.
Interests
Bruce is an avid boater who admits never going off shore far enough to lose his cell phone signal. He is married with three sons.
Contact
Bruce Horwitz
Phone 847-205-5407
Cell 847-508-3919
Email BruceH@TheThinkers.com
Sander Berman, CPA, Partner
Nothing makes Sander Berman happier than watching his clients succeed. As a partner at LLG, he provides valued professional advice to clients in real estate, distribution and manufacturing. He’s very involved with his clients accounting and tax issues and knowledgeable about the industries they operate in. When a new tax law is announced, clients are likely to hear about it directly from Sander. “We don’t sit back and wait for the phone to ring,” says Sander. “We get on the phone and call our clients on a regular basis.”
Sander quarterbacks the recruitment arm of LLG, Sharp Circle Recruiting, which fills executive and staff positions for LLG and outside firms. His talent for finding the right people is evidenced in LLG’s extremely low turnover rate. Clients appreciate the quality and stability of the company’s workforce. Sander also coordinates all professional continuing education programs within LLG. Through his efforts, the firm earned recognition as a state-licensed sponsor of Continuing Professional Education. Most recently he became responsible for overseeing the Illinois CPA Society’s Peer Review.
Credentials and Affiliations
Sander started his career at a CPA firm in Chicago and then worked as a CFO for a national trucking and warehouse firm. He joined LLG in 1979 and advanced to partner in 1985. Sander holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from DePaul University in Chicago and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is also an Illinois-licensed real estate broker.
Stand-out Memory
Sander was conducting an audit when a major rain storm erupted and the power went out at the client’s facility. The client set up heavy duty flashlights at either end of the conference table so the audit could continue without interruption.
Advice
“Be flexible and willing to accept change.”
Interests
Sander likes to fish and be anywhere close to the water. He also enjoys working with people and dogs, particularly his golden doodle. He and his wife were professional dog breeders before he became too busy with grandchildren and volunteering for his favorite charity. Sander is a passionate supporter of Children’s Oncology Services Inc., which provides various programs for children with cancer. He has served the organization on its board of directors and as president. He is married, has two daughters and four granddaughters.
Contact
Sander Berman
Phone 847-205-5408
Cell 847-508-3541
Email SanderB@thethinkers.com
Anton Hendler, C.A., CPA, Partner
As a partner at LLG, Anton Hendler works one-on-one with the owners and managers of privately held firms. He enjoys the variety. One day supervising an employee benefit plan audit for a manufacturer and the next researching a complex corporate tax issue for a general contractor. Anton joined the firm in 1995 and became a partner in 2000.
Anton brings big four accounting firm experience and a global perspective to his clients. He has worked for Deloitte & Touche in South Africa where he grew up and attended the University of Cape Town. He continued working for Deloitte and Touche in Chicago before joining LLG. “My clients know their business better than I know,” says Anton. “But I am able to bring the experiences of my other clients to them. I think that’s a significant benefit.”
Credentials and Affiliations
Anton received his Bachelor of Commerce and Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA Society and the Construction Financial Management Association.
Advice
“You can only manage what you measure. Track your key performance indicators.”
Stand-out Memory
When he came to the U.S. Anton thought he would be here for a brief adventure. Nearly 20 years later, he calls it home.
Interests
A former high school and college rugby player, Anton still enjoys following the sport, but has since turned his attention to golf. He married his high school sweetheart whom he met at age 14. They have two daughters.
Contact
Anton Hendler
Phone 847-205-5430
Cell (847) 508-4069
Email AntonH@thethinkers.com
Darcie Streckfuss, CPA, Featured Team Member
Darcie Streckfuss likes getting the job done right, finding solutions, and working with satisfied clients. “With privately held companies we witness the passion and excitement they hold for their business.” The variety of clients she serves includes manufacturing, distribution and professional service firms.
As a team member Darcie participates in the professional, collaborative approach found at LLG. “It’s a great place to ask questions and work with people who are finding solutions day to day.” Her primary role as auditor has been expanded to include tax services.
Credentials & Affiliations
Darcie joined LLG in 2009 after leaving her position at a mid-size, city accounting firm. She received a B.S. degree and a Masters degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. “Their business school accounting program is one of the top in the nation,” she says. Darcie is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Illinois CPA Society, and the Illinois CPA Society Young Professionals.
Philosophy
“Do the job right the first time and make your clients happy.”
Standout Memory
Counting RV door parts for inventory at a manufacturing firm.
Interests
Darcie plays volleyball in different leagues around the city of Chicago. She likes to travel near and far. When home, she may be found in her kitchen doing what she likes best – baking.
Contact
Darcie Streckfuss
Phone 847-205-5436
Email DarcieS@thethinkers.com
