Russ launched his career in the financial services industry in the government sector, as a tax auditor for the state of Montana. The Butte native achieved his CPA license and transitioned into public accounting where he serviced JCCS clients in Helena and the surrounding area for just under a decade. His next career opportunity was taking his expertise and family back to his alma mater where he is now based in the JCCS Missoula office.

Russ approaches each client and task, no matter how overwhelming it may seem at first glance, by breaking the challenge into workable components and then prioritizing forward toward a solution and clarity. The important and rewarding part, he admits, is communicating results back to the client in a way that is both understandable and valuable. It is imperative that information is accessible and shared between staff so that the team can establish the best products appropriate for each client.

Depending on a client’s needs and situation, Russ’s services range from working with clients on biweekly payrolls, monthly bookkeeping, quarterly advising, yearly compliance and future planning. And frequently larger opportunities such as retirement investing, employee benefit plans, and business transitions also present themselves. “Our world continues to drastically change, and accounting and tax are no different. We must adapt and change with it, or get left behind adding little value. I’m a firm believer in automation and working smarter, not harder, in order to free up time for more critical thinking and proactive planning that truly adds value and makes a difference in our clients’ lives.”

He currently serves on the board of directors for the Montana Society of CPAs. Some of his past endeavors include serving as the past president of the Helena Chapter of CPAs, treasurer of the Last Chance Riders Motorcycle Club, and multiple Young Professional groups through the Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies are seasonal; everything from skis to boards, jiu-jitsu to motorcycles. But as free time becomes a thing of the past, Russ’s most important roles are husband and father. Two teenage daughters, a toddler son, and multiple dogs keep him and his wife busy and full of life.