Weiss Internship Program Yields Three New Associates for 2020

In what has become a company tradition, Weiss and Co. recently welcomed three new full-time associates who participated in the 2020 tax season internship program. Vasilios Kanakaris, Aijan Talantbek-Kyzy and Shaz Shah all began their internships in January, and all were offered full-time positions this summer.

“We pride ourselves on identifying the most promising, up-and-coming accountants for our internship program,” said managing partner Dan Fortman. “We’re always thrilled when interns continue on as associates, but to get three in one year is truly exceptional.”

Kanakaris, a staff accountant in the firm’s audit and assurance services department, graduated from Elmhurst University with a degree in accounting and a minor in psychology. He chose accounting because he wanted to work directly with clients to help solve their problems, and as an intern, he enjoyed getting hands-on experience working with different types of clients in several industries. “I get to learn something new every day,” he said of working at Weiss, “and the company culture is second to none.” In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer.

Talantbek-Kyzy, a staff accountant in the accounting services department, graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and studied accounting because she wanted to help businesses make decisions. She chose Weiss for her internship because she wanted to work at a firm that served small- to mid-size businesses. “My experience was great,” she said. “Everyone has been friendly and helpful, and I’m learning so many things.” As an associate, she has enjoyed working on corporate returns. In her free time, she enjoys Zumba and spending time with her family.

Shah, a staff accountant in the firm’s accounting and advisory services department, graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a degree in business management and is currently attending DePaul University for his master’s in accounting. He enjoys accounting because it gives him a chance to solve problems in real time using his knowledge and technical skills. He joined Weiss because it is a “company that genuinely cares about its employees and their future. They really want you to succeed professionally, and this internship serves as a great stepping stone to anyone looking to jumpstart a career in public accounting.” Weiss’s mentorship program has also helped him develop short and long-term goals for his career. In his free time, he loves to travel and is an avid sports fan.