NEW HIRES
Ellary Shipman | Staff Accountant
Ellary Shipman joined CDS in 2025 as a Staff Accountant in our Willmar office, after working as a seasonal Tax Accountant with the firm. Prior to CDS, she worked in public accounting for over three years. Ellary graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Accounting degree. Ellary specializes in tax preparation, bookkeeping, and QuickBooks®.
Kiara Eischens-Larson | Staff Accountant
Kiara Eischens-Larson joined CDS in 2025 as a Staff Accountant in our Willmar office. Kiara graduated from the Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Kiara specializes in tax preparation and bookkeeping.
OBBBA Tax Update and Minnesota Paid Leave Presentation
October 21 | 8:00-9:30 AM | Willmar Conference Center
Four CPA firms in Willmar will present on the impact of the OBBBA for businesses and individuals, as well as Minnesota Paid Leave. The event takes place on October 21st at the Willmar Conference Center, from 8:00 to 9:30 am. It is hosted by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Anfinson Thompson, CDS CPAs & Advisors, Christianson CPAs and Consultants, and Westberg Eischens. To register, visit http://bit.ly/46kQUVB
2025 Summer Internship Experiences
Hear firsthand from our interns as they share highlights of their experiences with us this summer. Their testimonials offer insight into the valuable skills they gained, the projects they contributed to, and the supportive environment they enjoyed as part of our team.
Alayna Willcutt
“My Internship at CDS was a fantastic opportunity for growth, both in my technical skills and my personal development. I felt that everyone I worked with genuinely wanted me to succeed. Everyone’s willingness to offer guidance made it easy to learn and take on challenges. I especially enjoyed the trust people placed in me to help with real work, making my experience even more rewarding. The team’s energy and commitment created a welcoming environment where I always felt supported and inspired. My internship with CDS gave me valuable hands-on experience and insight into the workplace that I will carry forward in my career.”
Erin White
“My internship at CDS was an amazing experience that significantly enhanced my understanding of accounting principles and practices! The accounting team was incredibly caring and supportive, always willing to guide me through challenges and answer my questions with patience. Their mentorship created a welcoming environment where I felt valued and encouraged to learn. This hands-on experience, combined with the team’s genuine care, allowed me to develop practical skills and confidence in my abilities. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and the invaluable experience gained during my time at CDS!”
Shelby Kimm
“I had an incredible experience as a summer intern at CDS. The firm’s rotational structure allowed me to explore audit, tax, bookkeeping, and more, while gaining hands-on experience with exciting projects and new applications. I also had the chance to connect with professionals across multiple offices, which made the experience even more rewarding. It is clear that CDS truly values its employees by offering flexible schedules and hosting firm-wide events. This internship not only strengthened my technical skills, but it also gave me valuable insight into the career path I want to pursue and what I value in a workplace. I am grateful for the opportunity to begin my professional career at CDS!”
