Ryan Nielsen is a Principal with over 20 years’ experience in public accounting. He began his career here in Bakersfield as a tax intern with Brown Armstrong while working on his degree in business from CSUB. Since graduating with high honors in 2003, Ryan has grown up with the firm, serving a diverse client base ranging from small, family-owned Oil and Gas producers to large, publicly traded companies. In 2011, Ryan was named Niche Leader of the firm’s Oil and Gas practice and is focused on promoting the Brown Armstrong Energy Team and ensuring that we provide the highest level of audit, tax, and consulting services to the broad Oil and Gas client base we serve.
As he has gained experience, Ryan has been able to branch out into various specialties beyond the Oil and Gas industry. He works with numerous non-profit organizations, such as foster family agencies and foster group homes. Ryan also serves governmental clients in the public transit and transportation planning arena, including County planning agencies, bus systems, and road construction. As head of the Audit Department and Personnel, he takes many roles within the company to accomplish each client’s goals.
Ryan participates in numerous professional organizations such as the Petroleum Accounting Society of California, California Transit Agency, and California Society of Certified Public Accountants, where he served as the Bakersfield Chapter President in 2007-08 and past Chairman of the Accounting Principles and Auditing Standards Committee.
Ryan is also actively involved in the California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA), the leading Oil and Gas trade organization in the state to further promote California independent energy producers. He currently serves as the CIPA’s Economic Policy and Taxation Chairman and has joined CIPA representatives in Washington, D.C. to meet with numerous United States Congressmen and national energy agencies to speak on behalf of California Oil and Gas businesses.
As a lifetime resident of Kern County, Ryan takes pride in being involved in the local community. He is the director and Treasurer of the Kern Energy Foundation, Treasurer of the National Association of Royalty Owners-California chapter, and Treasurer of the Wounded Heroes Fund. He also serves on the board of R.M. Pyles Boy’s Camp.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys traveling with his wife, Wendie, and their kids, Shianne, Bryn, and Barrett, as well as volunteering with a number of community organizations. He is a huge fan of hunting, shooting, and fishing, as well as supporting local, family-owned establishments to unwind.
Ryan is a dedicated partner who takes an individualized approach to every client. He and his team work to ensure financial statements are accurate, consistent, and acceptable according to all accounting standards. From oil and gas producers to non-profits and transit organizations, he remains focused on providing the highest level of service for each client.