How a Film Major Discovered His Future in Accounting
You could call Tom Anders an unconventional accountant. When he first enrolled at Montana State University, his sights were set on film, with a minor in accounting on the side. But after earning his film degree, he realized accounting offered both stability and a natural fit for the way he thinks. So, he stayed at MSU to earn a second degree — this time in accounting.
“The math made sense, and the process made sense,” Anders says. “Accounting projects are like puzzles, but they’re puzzles I can get invested in and learn from.”
Born in Ketchikan, Alaska, Anders moved to Helena at age five and later spent a year of high school in Seattle before confirming he was happiest in smaller communities. Today, Bozeman, a city he considers just the right size, is home.
His decision to stay in Bozeman came after an internship with JCCS’s local office, which led to a full-time role in the firm’s tax service line. Between preparing returns and helping train new interns, Anders says his workdays are anything but bland.
“I like the changes that happen in tax. Every client brings new situations and different complexities.”
What keeps him energized, though, is the work environment.
He credits JCCS with supporting his professional growth and creating a culture where he genuinely enjoys coming to work. “I’d been considering leaving Montana before I got the internship and full-time offer. The only reason I stayed was because I like JCCS so much. The people are friendly and welcoming. It feels more like spending time with friends who happen to be working on the same projects, not like working separately next to coworkers.”
For students exploring accounting, Anders recommends attending the career fairs at MSU—after all, that’s where JCCS met him. He also encourages learning about the wide range of paths available within the profession to find the best personal fit.
“Exploring new avenues and getting your name out there are pretty important.”
Today, Anders has no doubts about the path he chose. A year into his role, he says he’s found both a career he loves and a place he’s proud to call home.
