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Some people think Kelsey Thompson files tax returns for dead people, but that’s not what she does for a living.
Thompson is a forensic accountant, which means she helps attorneys find hidden money and assets in cases such as divorces and business fraud.
Thompson digs through bank records and other documents to find hidden assets in the U.S. or overseas. Her team once found evidence of an offshore business in an innocuous marketing document. “People really do those things,” she chuckles.
The documents Thompson reviews are produced as part of court cases. “We don’t do any dumpster diving or that kind of stuff,” she says.
But be warned: Thompson is well armed.
Her hobbies include skeet shooting and she owns a Remington 870 Express shotgun. “I don’t compete, but I do enjoy it and I’m not too bad,” Thompson says.
Thompson grew up in a home in the woods and shoots skeet on her dad’s property. “I like to be outside and do outdoorsy stuff,” says Thompson, whose family outings include dove hunting.
Accounting isn’t exactly an outdoorsy profession, Thompson acknowledges. “I would love to do my job outdoors,” she laughs.
—Jean Gruss
Twitter handle: @Thompson_Kelsey
City of residence: Fort Myers
Birthplace: Fort Myers
Alma mater: University of South Florida – Tampa (bachelor’s), Florida Gulf Coast University (master’s)
Best place to network: Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business
The most important business lesson I’ve learned: Treat your clients and fellow team members like gold.
Two people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: Can I have three? My grandmothers and Jesus.
Book you’re reading now: “True Professionalism,” by David H. Maister
Favorite off-hours activity: Skeet shooting or boating
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Sandra Bullock, or so I’d like to dream!
If I had a magic wand I’d: Make the proverbial “common sense” a little more common
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