Our Team

Henri “Hank” Boone

Hank has been with the firm since 2004 and is a partner specializing in business tax, mergers, and acquisitions for closely held and family-run businesses. He brings a wealth of expertise in helping these businesses navigate complex tax landscapes and achieve their financial goals. Hank’s specialties include strategic tax planning, business restructuring, and succession planning for family-owned companies. Hank is particularly passionate about helping business owners understand the tax implications of their strategic decisions. His clients appreciate his ability to explain complex concepts in clear, actionable terms and his proactive approach to identifying opportunities for tax efficiency.

Hank earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Iowa State University. He holds an active CPA license and maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society (ILCPA). Outside of work, Hank serves as the treasurer of the Athletic Board for St. Emily Schools. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and attending sporting events.

Steve Burns

With over a decade of diverse experience in forensic accounting, operations, and business analysis, Steve Burns brings valuable expertise to his role as a Partner at CJG. Before joining CJG Partners in 2014, Steve worked with an international accounting firm providing forensic and investigative services to private, public, and governmental clients. He also spent time at various distribution businesses in operational and analyst roles. Drawing on his past experiences, he brings a unique perspective to deliver quality service to clients.

Steve is particularly passionate about building long-lasting relationships with clients and their stakeholders, assisting them with addressing their pressing business challenges, and identifying unique opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements. His clients’ business success is as important to him as it is to them.

Steve earned his Master of Science in Accountancy from DePaul University and his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign. He holds an active CPA license and maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of CPAs and the Illinois CPA Society. He is also a Certified Valuation Analyst and a National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts member.

Outside the office, Steve volunteers at organizations focused on poverty alleviation and local food pantries. He enjoys spending time with his family, following Chicago sports, traveling, and playing golf.

Greg Nelson

Greg leads our Assurance Practice and has close to 30 years of experience performing audits, reviews, and compilations for closely held and family businesses. He also serves as our head of IT and has been instrumental in transforming the firm into an entirely paperless system.

Greg began his career at CJG Partners after finishing school. He enjoys the client base, the type of work he does, and the challenges it brings. With this experience, he can provide current and lasting help to companies working through their compliance needs.

He is proud to have been a long-term and consistent partner with business owners, helping them navigate their financial reporting needs. His clients enjoy his straightforward and practical approach to complex areas and his ability to simplify things so everyone can understand.

Greg received his CPA in May 1997. He holds an active license in Illinois and is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting.

When not working, Greg and his wife enjoy traveling and experiencing life outside the Chicagoland area. At home, he digests the rules for the newest modern board game, listens to music, and watches movies.

Ken Orth, Jr.

Ken has over 14 years of experience helping closely held businesses grow by assisting them with their assurance, tax, and valuation needs. His specialties include audits and valuations of family-owned businesses, 401k Plans, and non-profits.

Ken is particularly passionate about helping business owners understand the accounting and tax implications of their strategic decisions. His clients appreciate his ability to explain complex concepts in clear, actionable terms and having a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for efficiency.

Ken earned his Master of Accounting Science with an emphasis in Taxation and Leadership and his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University. He holds an active CPA and CVA license and maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of CPAs, the Illinois CPA Society and the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.

Outside the office, Ken enjoys traveling the world with his wife. They have visited many historical sites and eight presidential libraries. When not traveling, he works on small projects around the house and relaxes on his backyard patio.

Paul Zajac

Paul oversees the firm’s tax practice and brings over 17 years of experience in tax compliance, strategic planning, advisory, and tax resolution services. He assists closely-held businesses and high-net-worth individuals across various industries, including manufacturing, real estate, technology, and professional services.

Paul started his professional career with CJG Partners in 2007. With a keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills, Paul is committed to helping his clients reach their goals by assisting them in navigating complex tax matters. His approach is rooted in compliance with all tax laws while uncovering opportunities for tax savings and implementing strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Paul earned his Master of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degrees from Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business. He is a licensed CPA in Illinois and an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. When he’s not crunching numbers, Paul seeks his next adventure outdoors. He enjoys hiking, biking, and camping and will try to go on a ski trip before the start of each busy season.

Jim McCollam

As Audit Manager, Jim oversees the planning, execution, and reporting of audits, reviews, and compilations. Jim began his career with CJG Partners LLP in 2016 and left in 2021 to join a national firm to gain experience in audit services. Jim returned to CJG in 2024. Jim brings a client-centered focused approach to the firm, prioritizing building strong relationships with clients and taking time to understand their specific needs and business operations.

Jim earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Governors State University. He holds an active CPA license and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. Jim enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with his wife and two children outside the office.

Kelly Coyle

Kelly works in our Tax Department and brings many years of experience preparing business and individual tax returns. Her specialties include preparing corporate, partnership, multi-state, and personal income tax returns for business owners and active investors.

Kelly joined CJG in 1993 as a new college graduate. She worked as an auditor before settling into various roles in the tax department. Kelly assumed the position of Tax Manager until she left the firm in 2002 to raise her four sons. After a 20-year hiatus, she rejoined the firm and Tax Department in 2022. Kelly is particularly passionate about working with business owners and individual taxpayers to ensure they fully understand how their activities affect their tax situation.

Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1995, she became a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois. Outside of the office, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to warm places, and playing tennis.

Danny La Rue

Danny is a staff accountant who works on engagements related to audits, reviews, compilations, and tax. Danny applies his expertise in financial reporting and compliance to help clients build robust financial processes and gain clear insights into their business performance. Before joining CJG Partners in 2024, Danny had just graduated from college with an accounting degree. He looks forward to continuously developing his skills and relationships here at CJG. Danny is particularly passionate about helping clients with any of their financial needs. Clients will appreciate his enthusiasm for finding answers to questions and ensuring needs are met by paying attention to detail.

Danny earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Iowa State University. He also has a professional membership with the Illinois CPA Society. Outside the office, Danny enjoys watching the Iowa State Cyclones and likes to get out and play a round of golf or disc golf when the weather allows.

Hetel Patel

Hetel joined our business in 2022 and has a non-profit and public accounting background. She is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and is experienced in client accounting. Her specialties include detailed bookkeeping and preparation of payroll and sales tax returns. Before joining CJG Partners, Hetel worked with CUNY, the City College of New York, for over 8 years as the student Bursar, accounting for students’ tuition and fees. She is familiar with various accounting software, helps companies manage their books, and assists in tax filing.

Hetel earned a dual degree in Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Queens College of the City University of New York. Beyond the office, Hetel enjoys traveling with her family and exploring new places with her two children.

Jigar Patel

Jigar is dedicated to accounting and tax services. He has worked on several audits, reviews, and compilations for various CJG Partner clients. His tax experience includes corporations, partnerships, employee benefit plans, and individual returns. Jigar has gained experience working with many clients in manufacturing, personal service, HUD, and business service industries while at CJG. Jigar is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He graduated from DeVry University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting/Finance.

Cathy Wiesner

With over four decades of experience, Cathy provides strategic software implementation and training while offering interim controller services to support businesses during key transitions. Her expertise helps companies optimize their accounting processes and maintain strong financial operations. Cathy uses her detailed mind and concern for client satisfaction to provide various accounting functions. Cathy also has expertise that centers around payroll and sales tax return preparation.

Before joining CJG in 1997, Cathy worked with other CPA firms, gaining experience serving businesses across many sectors. She now applies this broad expertise to help clients with clarity and confidence. Cathy specializes in optimizing QuickBooks systems and training teams to use the software effectively, assisting businesses to streamline their financial processes and improve operational efficiency. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Illinois Chicago and is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online. Outside the office, Cathy volunteers with her church and various local community organizations. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing outdoor activities, and cruising.

Sally Neil

With over 45 years of accounting experience, Sally has been an integral part of CJG Partners since 1993. Before joining the firm, she worked at a Big Ten accounting firm in Norwich, England, where she was born and raised. As CJG’s administrator, she oversees all administrative operations and supports the tax department in preparing individual returns. Outside the office, Sally cherishes spending time with her young grandson.