Accounting Alumni Feature: Michael J. Bryant, CPA

It all started when…

Continuing his efforts to give back to his alma mater, Michael J. Bryant, CPA (Business Administration, ’98) has hosted accounting students for firm tours at Wheeler Accountants, LLP in San Jose. These firm tours give students the chance to visit potential employers and learn about a firm’s culture by visiting the office in person.

Bryant maintains a strong presence on campus as well. He frequently attends the annual Meet the Firms recruiting event, and speaks at the Accounting Club’s technical meetings every semester. Students are always encouraged when they are able to hear about a successful alumni’s career path, and these events offer students valuable networking opportunities to meet future employers.

“Everyone from my firm that has interacted with the Chico State students were very impressed with their energy, professionalism, and ability to communicate,” said Bryant. “They made me proud to be a Chico alumni.”

Bryant was born and raised in Santa Cruz County, and studied accounting and production and operations management while a student at CSU, Chico. Over the course of his career, Bryant has worked at several firms. He has worked at Ernst & Young, LLP in Sacramento, where he served as audit manager to nonprofits, ski resort holding companies, real estate companies, and agriculture companies. Bryant continued his career at Dole Fresh Vegetables, where he served as the assistant controller. Some of his duties included contract negotiations, system implementation, financial statement closes, and grower mediations. He also worked for an equipment leasing company where he served as chief financial officer, preparing financial packages for loan committees, and negotiated lease contracts.

Bryant is currently a partner of audit and litigation support services with Wheeler Accountants, LLP. His audit clients include technology, construction, and manufacturing, as well as nonprofits. Bryant also provides litigation support services for attorneys working on business disputes and serves as a peer reviewer to other CPA firms providing attest services.

Bryant enjoys giving back to his community by serving on the board of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. When not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Justina, son Trenten, and daughter Taylor. He also enjoys skiing, running, mountain biking, and cooking.