Get To Know MORE About Brian Coller

Brian Coller, Assurance Partner  | bcoller@berganpauslen.com | LinkedIn  

Bergan Paulsen Assurance Partner, Brian Coller, was recently honored to be recognized by the Corridor Business Journal as one of the 40 of the Corridor’s outstanding leaders under the age of 40.  We spent 15 minutes with him to pick his brain on leadership, family and the importance of communication skills!

1.  What are some of the more important leadership lessons you’ve learned in your career?
I believe it is extremely important to lead by example.  In order to lead effectively your actions must align with your words or your words become meaningless. 

2.  Why accounting?  What brought you to this career and what do you like most about it?
Accounting was a subject I enjoyed in high school and excelled at.  As I explored it further I knew it could provide me a great base for a career in business.  Ironically, what I like most about the career today isn’t the numbers, it’s the people!  Even though our profession is very numbers-driven, the true focus is how those numbers can be used to help people succeed.

3.  Why BP?  What differentiates this firm for you?
When I interviewed with BP, I liked the approach the partners took towards client service.  The focus always has been, and continues to be, on providing service that is in the best interest of our clients.  We are driven by what will help them achieve their goals both in the near and long term. 

The culture at BP is focused on taking the time to understand our clients and what they want to accomplish.   And, I believe, we have the best people available to help them meet those goals!

4.  What do you look for when you hire?
Communication skills and the ability to relate to clients are the most important things I look for.  Sometimes these are skills that people don’t relate to accountants, but they are critical to success in our business.

5.  How would you summarize your leadership philosophy?
I believe in setting the example, and then providing expectations and support without micromanaging.

6.  What advice would you give someone getting out of school right now?
Be prepared to work hard and ask a lot of questions.  I believe the learning process never ends and if you commit to continued learning, you will be successful!