Interview with Staff Accountant, Kiara Eischens-Larson

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: I have lived in Willmar all my life. My father, Jim, currently works for REM Community Services where they help individuals with disabilities. My mother, Zayna works for Atwater Ford and does their bookkeeping. I have a brother, Mackenze (Mack), who works in construction and a sister, Hailey, who works with children that struggle cognitively and emotionally. As a family, we have a total of 6 dogs and sometimes they are all at the house at the same time. When they are, I call our house a doggy daycare.

Q: What inspired your career path?

A: Several key experiences inspired my path in accounting. My interest was first sparked in high school, when I took my initial accounting course. The teacher’s passion for the subject and her ability to demonstrate both the intellectual challenges and problem-solving opportunities within accounting left a lasting impression on me. This early exposure piqued my curiosity and set the foundation for my future endeavors.

In college, my interest in accounting deepened through coursework and volunteer experiences. Professors and mentors consistently supported and encouraged my professional growth, providing valuable guidance and fostering my development. Their mentorship played a crucial role in solidifying my decision to pursue a career in accounting.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: In my spare time, I frequently spend time with family and friends especially in the outdoors. I love to travel and go camping when I have the time. Additionally, I frequently go golfing with my family when the weather is nice.

Q: Why CDS?

A: At first, I was drawn to CDS for their summer internship program. My goal was to start an internship with CDS, in college, to get experience in the accounting field. I have heard from family, friends, and faculty about CDS and their exceptional service as well as the positive atmosphere they have. After joining the team, it is clearly shown to me that CDS cares about their team members and clients. They and are constantly providing opportunities for the employees to grow and going above and beyond for their clients. To me, this is a key component in what I want in my career.

Kiara’s Full Bio