Team Bios
Jim White
Founder & Managing Partner
Jim brings 24 years of experience in top firms to J.S. White & Associates. A CPA since 1994, Jim has worked for one of the “Big Four” accounting firms as well as another mid-tier firm, where his client base has been exclusively the non-profit and government sectors, including school districts, counties, and municipalities, as well as non-profit entities organized as both 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 statuses. He also has experience in the private sector with Northern Trust and Exelon.
Jim has presented on numerous governmental and non-profit accounting and auditing topics to groups such as the Illinois CPA Society, the Illinois Governmental Finance Officers Association, and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials. Jim has a BBA in Accounting from Loyola University Chicago and is licensed as a CPA in the State of Illinois.
Christine Grobart
Director of Not-For-Profit Services
Serving as the Accounting Supervisor for J.S. White & Associates, Christine brings a wealth of experience to the position. Since graduating from Benedictine University with a BA in International Business and Economics, Christine has worked in several finance and accounting positions with local small businesses. Christine’s rich and diverse background brings a unique skill set to her position, as well as the analytical skills needed to excel in her supervisor position. Christine is also the owner of her own small business, and has served in a volunteer finance role for several organizations in the community.
Karen Corcoran
Director of Accounting and Tax Services
Karen joins J S White & Associates with over 30 years of professional accounting and audit experience. She graduated with honors from Northern Illinois University with a BS in accounting and a CPA . Her drive, work ethic, attention to detail, and dedication to constant improvement has propelled Karen from an audit intern to her current position. Improving efficiencies, reducing costs and streamlining processes have been her intent with every client and employer. Karen is actively involved as a Parent Club board member and volunteer at ICCP High School.
Deisy Hernandez
Staff Accountant
Deisy serves as the Staff Accountant for J. S. White & Associates. Her accounting knowledge and experience allow Deisy to play a major role in providing auditing, bookkeeping, and tax services for our clients. Deisy brings with her a proficiency in Quickbooks, as well as additional accounting software. These skills combined with her strong attention to detail enable Deisy to deliver top quality, professional services for our clients. Deisy holds a BA in Accounting from Roosevelt University.
Sara Petiprin
Office Manager
Sara joins the team at J.S. White & Associates with over 10 years of Managerial and Human Resource experience. Prior to her role as Office Manager for our firm, Sara held a General Manger position with a national retail company. This experience gives Sara the skills to provide our accounting team, as well as our clients with quality, professional administrative skills. Sara graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Management, and Training & Development.