MEET OUR
partners
Anton Hendler
Bill Finestone
Nahrain Mikhael
Michael Rice
Michael Rubin
Anton Hendler
CA, CPA, Managing Partner
As the managing partner of LLG, Anton plays a pivotal role in guiding the owners and managers of privately held firms. He thrives on the variety of his work—one day analyzing investment performance for a family office and the next delving into a complex corporate tax issue for a general contractor. Anton joined the firm in 1995 and became a partner in 2000, eventually rising to his current leadership position.
With experience from a Big Four accounting firm, Anton offers a global perspective to his clients. He began his career with Deloitte in South Africa, where he grew up and attended the University of Cape Town, before continuing with Deloitte in Chicago and then joining LLG. As the managing partner of the firm, Anton’s goal is to deliver exceptional service and create lasting value for his clients by delivering solutions. “My clients know their businesses better than I do,” he explains. “But I can provide insights from my experiences with other clients, which adds significant value to our partnerships.”
Advice
You can only manage what you measure. Track your key performance indicators.
Credentials and Affiliations
Anton received his Bachelor of Commerce and Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA Society and the Construction Financial Management Association.
Standout Memory
When he came to the U.S. Anton thought he would be here for a brief adventure. More than 30 years later, he calls it home.
Interests
Bill Finestone
CA, CPA, Partner, Executive Committee Member
Bill Finestone offers poignant, honest, business advice to clients based on more than 30 years of accounting and tax experience in the U.S., United Kingdom and Israel. His international experience benefits clients with global vision.
As a partner at LLG, Bill’s aim is fostering value-added relationships. “We understand the narrative behind the numbers,” says Bill. He enjoys working with privately-held clients. “At the helm are decision makers who are creating wealth. It is a positive influence going both ways.”
Bill is one of the keepers of the firm’s innovative culture that has been recognized in the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine and the Accounting Today Magazine. He nurtures professionalism, creativity, openness and flexibility. You won’t find doors or walls surrounding his desk or a suit in his closet.
Advice
Stay organized.
Credentials and Affiliations
Bill joined LLG in 1989 and was made partner in 1993. Bill is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) where he received the “Elijah Watt Sells Award with High Distinction,” the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, the Illinois CPA Society, and the Association of Chartered Accountants in the U.S.
Growing up in Glasgow, Scotland, he earned a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from the esteemed University of Glasgow. He worked as an accountant in the United Kingdom and later in Israel before moving to Chicago.
Standout Memory
Bill once worked inside a refrigerated truck counting carcasses for inventory at a meat packing company.
Interests
Bill is an avid soccer fan who watches the games from Glasgow with members of the Celtic Supporters Club of Chicago. If there’s no soccer game, you will likely find Bill on the courts, enjoying playing in a tennis tournament or league. He is married with four children.
Nahrain Mikhael
CPA, Partner
With over 20 years of experience, Nahrain is one of LLG’s “go to” professionals for advice on tax and accounting matters. Keen on research, if she does not know the answer right away, you can be sure she knows how to research the solution. Nahrain is a detailed professional who understands the desired outcome of the client and strives to achieve it using her tax and accounting knowledge coupled with her experience, and simultaneously being a personable and practical advisor.
Nahrain started her career in the Small Business Group of a national firm where she worked closely with the owners and managers of privately held companies. In November 2019 she recognized that LLG presented the perfect environment and opportunity to continue her professional growth.
Advice
Don’t minimize the details in tax planning.
Credentials and Affiliations
Nahrain received her B.S. in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she has served as a Board Member of the Business Alumni Association from 2004-2009. Currently, she is the firm’s representative for the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce and is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Illinois CPA Society.
Standout Memory
“Hard hat on and blueprints in hand, I was tasked with counting the available inventory of a residential real estate developer and confirming the sale of units during an audit. Fortunately, received positive feedback from the buyers and no police escort.”
Interests
In addition to being an avid swimmer and puzzle master, Nahrain decided to expand on her desire to prepare a gourmet meal and received her AAS in Culinary Arts. Her husband and two children enjoy the meals she prepares.
Michael Rice
CPA, CEPA, Partner
With over 15 years of experience in tax, auditing and consulting, Michael Rice is a trusted advisor to privately held businesses. Working diligently with clients on accounting and auditing, tax planning, exit planning, and mergers and acquisitions, he maintains a steadfast focus on value and quality within his client engagements. His diversified experience includes a wide range of financial specialties, with a focus on construction, real estate, manufacturing, distribution and hospitality. He has worked one-on-one with many entrepreneurs, providing direction for new business ventures. Michael is driven by his passion for the field and his fervent desire to assist clients in addressing their most complex needs. As a dedicated member of LLG, he works to ensure the firm delivers the best it has to offer for every client.
Advice
There is no substitute for hard work and a disciplined focus.
Credentials and Affiliations
Michael received a B.S degree in Accounting from Illinois State University and completed his M.S. degree in accounting from Governors State University. He started his career in a public accounting firm, joined LLG in 2014 and advanced to partner in 2021. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA Society and the Construction Financial Management Association.
Standout Memory
During one particularly cold Chicago busy season Michael was hard at work at a Florida based client when he went from 80 degrees and sunny to the -25 windy polar vortex at O’Hare airport.
Interests
When he is not working on his financial portfolio, Michael likes to stay active and fit through weight lifting, Muay Thai, golf, tennis, basketball and hiking. He is also an avid Chicago sports fan. Michael loves to travel and enjoys experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. He is married, has one daughter and a dog.
Michael Rubin
CPA, Partner
With more than 25 years of experience, Michael provides audit and accounting solutions to LLG’s varied corporate client base and is the firms Technical Accounting Advisor, responsible for keeping firm personnel and LLG clients up-to-date with the latest updates to the standards. He is integrally involved with assisting clients in implementing the latest in accounting standards such as revenue recognition and leases. Michael is one of the main technical reviewers of the firm’s engagements, and he also spearheads the firm’s quality control and peer review initiative and ensures that firm policies are up to date and implemented by all personnel.
Michael joined LLG in August 2010, moving to the Chicago after spending the first 16 years of his career in St. Louis, including many years in the internal audit department of a Fortune 500 company. It was a unique experience for him to see the flipside of the coin working on the private side, but it gives him the satisfaction of working with clients to help them achieve their objectives.
Advice
Do not hesitate to reach out to your accountant for help.
Credentials and Affiliations
Michael received his BS in Accounting from Washington University in St. Louis, then started his career with a local CPA firm in St. Louis, followed by an 11 year tenure at an international firm, focusing a large portion in internal audit. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.
Standout Memory
While Michael worked as an internal auditor, one assignment was an annual visit to the company’s location in Puerto Rico. It was a tough task, but someone had to do it!
Interests
Michael is a huge baseball and football fan. He grew up in Rochester, NY and remains extremely loyal to the Buffalo Bills. When he is not working, you will probably find Michael and his fiancée on a Caribbean cruise — their favorite form of vacation.