New accounting business opens in Libby

Fjelstad Accounting Services and Taxes opened in Libby this weekend, moving from its original location in Forsyth and taking the place of Hirst Accounting. The new business’ owner views the move as an opportunity on an economic and social level.

Fjelstad Accounting is located at 209 Mineral Ave. and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The firm offers accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services.

Deveny Fjelstad, owner and operator of Fjelstad Accounting, has been an accountant for 20 years. Out of those years, Fjelstad spent 17 as the owner of her own accounting firm. 

Fjelstad is an enrolled agent, which, she said, means she is licensed by the Department of the Treasury and could practice in all 50 states if she so chose.

Fjelstad said that she moved to Libby in order to be closer to family as she worked her business.

“My daughter and her husband, and my only grandson are here in town,” said Fjelstad. “I wanted to be closer to them. Family is important to me.”

According to Fjelstad, she acquired the current location for her business from Wayne Hirst of Hirst Accounting. She bought it out when he decided it was time to retire. 

At the moment, Fjelstad said, her firm in Libby serves as a branch of her business in Forsyth, but the Libby location is poised to become the sole location of her business once her property in Forsyth has been sold. Fjelstad also said that she will retain the clients who signed on with her while she did business in Forsyth.

Fjelstad said she looks forward to being actively involved in the community.

“I’m looking forward to owning a business here and getting involved in some local activities,” said Fjelstad. “I’ve always been involved in local events and I intend to continue that just like I did before I moved here.”