Finding Success in Big Sky Country: Tyler Bryant’s Story at JCCS
You don’t have to join the “Big Four” public accounting firms to be successful as an accountant, says Tyler Bryant, who has experienced rapid growth at JCCS. He firmly believes that if people want career progression, they can have it here in Big Sky Country.
Personal and professional growth
You may not recognize the Tyler Bryant who joined JCCS sixteen years ago. Armed with an accounting degree from Montana State University and a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) certification, he began work – quietly – at the Great Falls office.
“If I had to talk in front of a group, I’d be worried about it for a month beforehand.”
He put his head down and focused on the numbers. However, his JCCS colleagues recognized his desire to develop personally and professionally and mentored and supported his growth.
Now Tyler leads JCCS’s Helena office, helps lead the firm’s Audit service line, and is a shareholder.
“Now I’m leading a team, helping them grow, and being decisive on everything from everyday decisions to long-term choices that affect the firm. With that comes confidence. I’m more comfortable and self-assured than I used to be,” he said.
A family-friendly culture
Several years ago, someone had the foresight to purchase a package of toys for the Helena office. Now, every child who visits sprints down the hall, heading straight for the toys.
Tyler’s children, ages 9, 5, and 5 months, are no different. JCCS is a place, he says, where it’s not uncommon to see spouses and children visit. It’s family friendly.
“Everyone likes to watch each other’s families grow up and be a part of that. And life gets hard too, so we try to be there for one another when tragedy hits.”
Summer and holiday events are held at JCCS offices across Montana, and team members’ families are often part of the fun.
Why leave Montana’s wide-open spaces?
Tyler, who grew up in Great Falls, toyed with the idea of moving after college – he did get a job offer in Seattle he considered. In the end, though, he couldn’t leave the friendly culture, wide open spaces, and outdoor recreation Montana offers.
“In Montana, the cities are spread out so not everyone is on top of one another. There’s a friendliness toward strangers here that I love. And it doesn’t take long to get to national parks and local lakes.”
In the summer months, you’ll find Tyler at the family cabin hiking, kayaking, and fishing with his kids.
In the office, Tyler is no longer just looking at numbers. He’s a JCCS leader who acts as a mentor to his colleagues – an act someone once performed for him that led to great success.
