Nebel retires after long accounting and civic career

After 41 years of long hours during tax return season, Great Falls business and civic leader Robert E. “Bob” Nebel decided to retire to travel some with his wife Marsha and ski more with his grandchildren.

A Helena native, Nebel, 65, was a certified public accountant for 40 years with the large Junkermier Clark Campanella Stevens accounting firm, serving at times as office manager and CEO. The firm started in Great Falls and now has six offices in Montana, with more than 50 CPAs.

Nebel graduated from the University of Montana with a business degree and an emphasis in accounting. His parents Ellis and Nina ran the popular, blue-collar Western Bar in downtown Helena. Nebel said his mother and the family business adviser recommended he go into accounting.

Nebel said he’s always enjoyed advising clients about tax strategy or business succession plans more than simply balancing rows of debits and credits.

“The one aspect of the profession I enjoy the most is the opportunity to provide solutions to individuals and business owners at all levels,” he said.

There haven’t been a lot of changes in the accounting profession since he joined it in 1975, Nebel said, but it seemed like there were new wrinkles every two or three years in the tax codes and rules that CPAs had to interpret for their clients.

“It’s been even worse the last few years, with Congress not passing the laws to clarify changes until late in the calendar year or even into January,” he said. “Having some key issues left in the air made it really difficult for CPAs and other financial advisers to give our clients prudent tax planning strategy.”

Nebel said he won’t miss those headaches, but will miss seeing his clients and colleagues each day.

Nebel’s wife Marsha retired a few years ago from a long career as a family and consumer science teacher. They’ll remain in Great Falls, he said, but travel a little more frequently.

Nebel has been active in several civic groups, including a stint as chairman of the Great Falls Development Authority and an active member of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.

“I think Great Falls has a bright future,” he said, noting recent industrial growth and the GFDA building a new rail-served AgriTech Park expected to attract more manufacturers.

He’s also optimistic that Malmstrom Air Force Base will retain its missile mission for years to come.