Elena Kruger just joined Caloris Engineering & Seitz Stainless as our senior accountant. Get to know her here.
Caloris: How did you get involved in your field?
Elena: My journey into accounting began with a friend who was an accountant. While most people see spreadsheets and run in the opposite direction, I found myself fascinated by the mysterious world of debits and credits she navigated daily. One day, she explained what she was doing, and suddenly numbers made more sense than some conversations I was having in English at the time.
Elena Kruger
She influenced me to pursue an accounting degree, and here I am—willingly doing math for a living. My parents would be proud; they’d say it’s the most Russian choice possible—after all, not everyone is capable of becoming a world chess master or a rocket scientist, so I settled on accounting.
Caloris: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Elena: I love digging into the details and uncovering the why behind the numbers. Every account tells a story, and I enjoy being the detective who solves financial mysteries.
You are based in Minnesota. What do you like most about living/working there?
Elena: Minnesota has everything a Russian heart appreciates—four seasons, friendly people, and winters cold enough to feel like home.
Caloris: What are your hobbies?
Elena: Because accounting is a highly athletic mental sport, I balance it with physical hobbies. In the summer, you’ll find me gardening, biking, or kayaking. In the winter, I switch to yoga and cross-country skiing because nothing says relaxation like gliding across frozen landscapes while wondering if your legs will forgive you later.
Caloris: What’s your favorite cheese?
Elena: Choosing a favorite cheese feels like picking a favorite Excel formula—there are just too many contenders. I enjoy many types, from aged cheddar to gouda. Let’s just say my fridge and I have a very diverse dairy relationship.
Caloris: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Elena: Chocolate and mango. One represents comfort; the other represents adventure—much like accounting during month/year-end close.
Caloris: Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
Elena: Despite being an accountant, I dislike doing my own taxes. It’s an occupational paradox. Give me a company’s books, and I’m happy. Give me my own tax return, and suddenly I consider becoming a minimalist living off the grid. But until that day arrives, I’ll continue reconciling ledgers and occasionally my life choices.
Caloris: We can all relate!
Get to know the rest of our team by visiting our Meet Our Team page.