Phil Kent

Phil Kent is a partner in KSM’s Chicago office and a member of the firm’s Audit & Assurance Services Group. Phil provides audit, review, and compilation services to help businesses ensure accurate financial reporting and establish strong, efficient financial controls. He also assists clients with accounting for complex transactions, including business acquisitions, equity arrangements, revenue recognition, profitability strategies, succession planning, and talent recruitment.

With more than 30 years of experience, Phil advises family‑owned and entrepreneurial businesses across a variety of industries, including automobile and truck dealerships, vehicle equipment leasing, manufacturing and distribution, and real estate. He applies deep expertise in the dealership and leasing sectors to address unique compliance and profitability challenges. He also advises clients in the real estate sector on accounting design, Section 1031 deferred exchanges, and cost segregation studies, as well as compliance for both large multistate residential lessors and captive real estate entities. In addition, Phil works with manufacturing and distribution companies to strengthen financial reporting integrity and improve operational efficiency.

Phil’s collaborative, hands‑on approach emphasizes high‑touch service while meeting the fast-paced demands of real estate and business transactions.

Prior to joining KSM, Phil was a partner at MichaelSilver, an independent advisory, tax, and assurance firm in the Chicagoland area, where he led the audit and assurance services team.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career is to treat your job as a career, not just a job. Success comes from commitment, humility, and embracing learning opportunities, both professionally and personally. Most importantly, enjoy what you do.