It is always inspiring and motivational when successful CSU
Chico alumni speak at our weekly Accounting Club meetings. Jeff Gutsch, Partner
at Moss Adams LLP, returns each semester to Chico where he completed his
undergraduate degree in Accounting in 1987. Jeff provides an excellent
presentation to the Accounting Club and shows how the field can be rewarding
yet very challenging. His commitment and willingness to take time
out of his busy schedule to speak to the club is deeply appreciated and enjoyed
by many.
During his education at CSU Chico, Jeff took advantage of
the several great aspects about the community. He would ride his motorcycle up
to Honey Run and fish in the creek or visit Bear Hole for a swim in Upper
Bidwell. Enjoying the outdoors and establishing a well-rounded social and
academic life were major drivers in the valuable experience Jeff had at Chico
State. He developed work experience as a pension consultant and
administrator for Ken Callan & Associates and also provided bookkeeping for
the Italian Cottage. As a part of the fraternity Theta Chi, there was a
strong need to maintain balance between fun activities and classwork especially
when faced with the rigorous curriculum of CSU Chico’s Accounting Option. Jeff
remembers one of his professors being particularly challenging. This professor
still teaches and is an integral figure in the accounting department today.
“Even though Dr. Leese’s classes could be frustrating and required countless
hours of tedious studying, I feel his method of teaching benefited me greatly
in the long-run,” Jeff reminisces. Many current students in Cost Accounting
courses can relate to this sentiment – Dr. Leese’s courses are considered some
of the most difficult in the entire major.
After finishing his education in Chico, Jeff returned to
Santa Rosa and started his career with a small local CPA firm, where he
excelled in public accounting. During the years following Jeff grew to enjoy
and take pride in his work while developing meaningful relationships with his
clients. Currently a partner at Moss Adams LLP, he has had the opportunity to
take part in many valuable and engaging projects. A recent endeavor was the
opening of a new office in Napa, which Jeff coordinated and made possible.
Since he takes interest in the wine industry and has written numerous articles
on vineyard and winery management, he finds a great deal of joy in his career
and the clients he has the opportunity to work with. This is the root of one of
the most influential pieces of advice he provides for students. “Make sure to
find a firm that has a culture and is in an industry that allows you to thrive
and enjoy the clients you’ll work with on a daily basis. If you can develop a
passion for the line of work, the success will follow”. The Accounting Society
and Beta Alpha Psi look forward to having Jeff return for future meetings and
continue to motivate and engage the next generation of accountants from CSU
Chico.
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