What Are We Up To?

"What began as a summer job at the Gaylord Rockies turned into a career opportunity I couldn't have imagined. While completing my accounting degree online at MSU Denver, supportive faculty mentors helped me discover a passion for accounting and build the skills needed to succeed in the profession. Combined with the relationships I developed at the Gaylord Rockies, those experiences ultimately helped me land my new job as a General Accountant (September 2026)."

Congrats David!

David Johnson, current Accounting major

General Accountant at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

"Securing my Sumer 2027 internship with Forvis Mazars has been an exciting milestone in my accounting journey. Interestingly, accounting was originally my dad’s idea after I spent years trying to figure out what career path was right for me. Once I began taking accounting courses at MSU Denver, I quickly realized how much I loved the field and the opportunities within it. MSU Denver’s Accounting Department, faculty, and networking opportunities such as Meet the Firms played a huge role in helping me build confidence, make professional connections, and explore different career paths within accounting. Thanks to Professor Sheri Betzer, I also discovered a strong interest in forensic accounting and hope to pursue my CFE in the future. I’m excited to continue learning and growing within the profession through my internship with Forvis Mazars."

Congrats Alex!

Alex Lackman, current Accounting major

Future Tax Intern at Forvis Mazars

“Every step forward is proof that the work pays off. Securing a payroll internship with Game Time Events is just the beginning — the marathon continues. MSU Denver, my academic advisor, the C2 Hub, and the Accounting Department believed in me and helped me get here. I came in with a goal and I’m leaving with experience, confidence, and a foundation to build something great. This is only the start.”

Congrats Mareon!

Mareon Chapman, current Accounting major

Future Payroll Intern at Game Time Events

"In 2024, I started the MPAcc program at MSU Denver, stepping into a new culture, language, and accounting system. It was a challenging transition that taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of pushing through discomfort. Thanks to the support of dedicated professors, professional events like Meet the Firms, ASO meetings, and guidance from my advisor, I grew both personally and professionally, and started building the confidence to pursue real-world experience. That’s when I began working as a part-time Student Accounting Generalist in the Office of the Controller, which led to my first full-time role in August 2025 as a Fund Accountant and my first professional job in the U.S. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for where I’m going. MSU Denver didn’t just give me an education; it helped me build a new life."

Congrats Suzy!

Suzy Victoria Manoka, current MPAcc student

Fund Accountant at MSU Denver

"I am excited to share I started a new position this July 2025 as a Tax Consultant at Sorren! MSU Denver paved the way for me to land this opportunity through an abundance of resources, like the Meet the Firms event, ASO, and faculty mentorship. Thank you to the accounting department faculty for helping me feel more prepared, encouraged, and supported to enter a career in accounting. I am looking forward to graduating this Summer!

Congrats Hannah!

Hannah Rollins, current Accounting major

Tax Consultant at Sorren

"I’m proud to announce that I’ve officially earned my CMA Certification from the Institute of Management Accountants this July 2025! I’d like to thank Jim Murphy for not only introducing the CMA certification to me but also nominating me for the CMA Student program. I could not have achieved this without the support I received from Jim and the rest of the faculty at MSU Denver. I’m excited for this next step in my career path."

Congrats Everett!

Everett Owens, B.S. in Accounting '23

General Accountant at DeZURIK

"I'm happy to announce that I have been hired as a Tax Associate at ATBS. The MPAcc program has helped prepare me for this role by introducing me to the accounting world and giving me the knowledge and skills I'll need to succeed. I look forward to the experience and seeing how it will accentuate my learning throughout the degree!"

Congrats Griffin!

CR Griffin, current MPAcc student

Tax Associate at ATBS

"I am extremely blessed to announce that I have accepted a future full-time Staff Accountant position at Wipfli! The feeling of securing a job after doing everything you can in an internship is one of the greatest feelings. MSU Denver and professors helped prepare me for the internship, teaching me how to build relationships with others and work in a professional setting. MSU Denver helped prepare me for the diversity of who I would be working with, clients I would be communicating with, and how to communicate with anyone and everyone. I look forward to starting full-time at Wipfli in January 2026 at the Denver office!"

Congrats Mario!

Mario Garcia, current Accounting major

Future Staff Accountant at Wipfli

"After completing the MPAcc program at MSU Denver in 2016, I transitioned to Richey May & Co. to continue my public accounting career in audit, specifically in the Alternative Investments space. The MPAcc program provided a strong foundation and ensured I had all the necessary coursework to pursue my CPA. I’m proud to have recently earned my CPA and was promoted to Audit Director in March 2025. I’m incredibly grateful for the role MSU Denver played in helping me reach this milestone."

Congrats Sabina!

Sabina Miroshnikov, CPA (MPAcc '16)

Audit Director, Alternative Investments at Richey May & Co.

"Completing my degree and changing careers in my mid 30’s was very intimidating. The “Meet the Firms” gatherings at MSU Denver really helped my anxiety and confidence. I was able to speak with not only professionals but also recent graduates from MSU Denver that were in my shoes the year before. This way I was able to speak with people that could truly relate to me and my position. As of March 2025, I am proud to announce that I am currently the newest General Accountant for the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center!"

Congrats Jonathan!

Jonathan Tatum, current Accounting major

General Accountant at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

"I am thrilled to announce that I have received an offer for a Tax Intern position at Plante Moran for Summer 2025! During my undergraduate studies, I was grateful to be part of the Accounting Student Organization (ASO) and appreciate the Classroom to Career Hub for making the Meet the Firms event possible at MSU Denver. Through ASO events and Meet the Firms, I had the opportunity to connect with Plante Moran and learn more about the firm. I then applied for this summer internship, was fortunate to be accepted for this incredible opportunity, and will step into this internship as a graduate student pursuing my Master of Professional Accountancy degree!"

Congrats Zaw!

Zaw Oo, current MPAcc student

Future Tax Intern at Plante Moran

"I am thrilled to announce that after meeting with a recruiter at a previous Meet the Firms and applying for a position, I've accepted an internship at CBIZ as a Tax Intern this Spring 2025! I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to gain hands-on experience, connect with new colleagues, and further develop my accounting skills. This internship is a major step in my professional journey, and I can't wait to start!"

Congrats Jessica!

Jessica Galvez, current MPAcc student

Tax Intern at CBIZ

"After graduation, I am glad to have returned to MSU Denver, a place where I truly feel like I fit in and where so many career opportunities have been created for me. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in professional accountancy, and I am incredibly grateful for the Accounting Student Organization (ASO) and Meet the Firms events. They were both critical in kickstarting my career by connecting me with professionals in the field, providing networking experiences, and helping me secure my upcoming audit internship with BDO. I'm excited to take this next step in my journey!"

Congrats Kevin!

Kevin Roman, current MPAcc student

Assurance Intern at BDO USA

"I'm thrilled to announce that I've accepted an internship offer with Grant Thornton starting in January 2025! I met Grant Thornton at MSU Denver's Meet the Firms event, did my research, applied for an opportunity, got an interview, and got the offer! Not only does this opportunity allow me to get hands-on experience, but also paves a way for me to grow both personally and professionally."

Congrats Christian!

Christian Pool, current Accounting major

Future Audit & Assurance Intern at Grant Thornton

Ivan started the MPAcc program this August 2024 to break into the accounting profession. After attending Meet the Firms, they connected with Grant Thornton and already secured a Winter 2026 audit & assurance internship. In the meantime, Ivan started working as a Student Accounting Generalist with MSU Denver's Office of the Controller in November 2024. Congrats Ivan!

Ivan Dodge, current MPAcc student

Student Accounting Generalist at MSU Denver

After completing her undergraduate degree in accounting at MSU Denver, Stephanie started the MPAcc program while also making the career switch to tax life at Richey May & Co. in the Alternative Investments group. In September 2024, she was promoted to Alternative Investments Senior Tax Associate and is also currently in the process of getting her CPA. Congrats Stephanie!

Stephanie Long, current MPAcc student

Alternative Investments Senior Tax Associate at Richey May

"I found a summer 2023 audit internship at Plante Moran through Career Link, which counted for credits during the last semester of my undergrad. During the internship, I secured a winter 2024 internship in tax that counted for credit towards my MPAcc degree. At Plante Moran, I met a colleague who became a mentor and helped me discover that consulting is an excellent fit for me. I’m happy to share that I will begin a full-time position as a Consultant with Plante Moran’s Government Accounting Professionals (PMGAP) in August 2024. I can't wait to make my mark!"

Congrats Milinda!

Milinda Sandoval, current MPAcc student

Consultant at Plante Moran

“I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to work as a tax student associate for the remainder of my master’s degree until I can transition into full-time in July of 2026! I found my original internship with Forvis Mazars through MSU Denver’s Meet the Firms event in 2022. I was welcomed back with another internship this summer 2024, which is where I was able to land this new position!”

Congrats Deja!

Deja Rowe, current MPAcc student

Tax Student Associate at Forvis Mazars

"I am utterly grateful to have begun my accounting journey with MSU Denver! I landed my first accounting position working as a Student Accounting Generalist for the school’s Office of the Controller. MSU Denver events such as ‘Meet The Firms’ allowed me the chance to become acquainted with different accounting firms in the area. Shortly after I graduated, I was given the opportunity to start as a full time Entry-Level Tax Accountant with the RubinBrown accounting firm. I happily accepted the offer and am eager to join! I have also been accepted into MSU Denver’s Master of Professional Accountancy program for the Fall '24 term and am hopeful to continue learning all that I can!"

Congrats Dez!

Adaeze (Dez) Onyewuenyi, B.S. in Accounting '24

Entry-Level Tax Accountant at RubinBrown

"I intended to pursue forensic accounting upon graduation, but found myself at a successful local artisanal pizza restaurant, Walter's303 (try the cauliflower crust, seriously!). My time in the MPAcc program allowed me to pursue a variety of interests and truly thrive, and is a testament to how well MSU Denver prepares their students for real world challenges. In May 2024, I was promoted to Accounting Manager, working closely with the leadership team as the business expands within Colorado and abroad in Puerto Vallarta."

Congrats London!

London Chua, MPAcc, B.S. in Accounting (2019)

Accounting Manager at Walter's303

In May 2024, MPAcc alum Kerry Wilfert started her new role as Tax Manager at Plante Moran! Congrats Kerry!

"I am excited to continue to advance my career in public accounting. I could not have done it without the people and the foundation I built in the MPAcc program at MSU Denver!" 

Kerry Wilfert, CPA, MPAcc '18

Tax Manager at Plante Moran

"I'm thrilled to embark on my Summer 2024 audit internship with Plante Moran. I first learned about Plante Moran through the Meet the Firms Event, where I had the chance to connect with representatives and learn more about their firm culture and opportunities. This internship presents an exciting opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience in the field of audit, building upon the knowledge and skills I've acquired in my classes. As I work towards obtaining my CPA certification, I look forward to immersing myself in the audit process and gaining invaluable insights into the profession. I'm eager to contribute to the team at Plante Moran and further develop my expertise in auditing." 

Congrats Blaine!

Blaine Pierce, current Accounting major

Future Audit Intern at Plante Moran

After participating in MSU Denver’s COMPASS mentorship program, Danielle met a Tax Partner at Ian D Gardenswartz & Associates and heard about an upcoming internship. The rest is history as she’s been an Accounting Paraprofessional there this Spring 2024 term! Through College of Business resources that connected her to local professionals and her accounting coursework that has further developed her analytical skills, Danielle has been doing wonderfully as she is confidently tackling this tax season. Congrats Danielle!

Danielle Cohen, current Accounting major

Accounting Paraprofessional at Ian D Gardenswartz & Associates

Sara started the MPAcc program this January 2024 and hit the ground running. Looking to transition into the accounting profession, she jumped onto C2Hub’s CareerLink and applied for various internship and job opportunities. Even before the February Meet the Firms event, she already had secured an audit internship with CBIZ for Spring 2025. In March, Sara also started a student position with MSU Denver’s accounting services team. Congrats Sara!

Sara Francisco, current MPAcc student

Future Audit Intern at CBIZ

In his search for an internship, junior Accounting major Jackson Teets has just secured a Summer 2024 tax internship with Moss Adams! As he continued to take advantage of MSU Denver resources and events like Meet the Firms, it was his presence on LinkedIn that allowed for multiple recruiters to reach out to him about various opportunities. Congrats Jackson!

Jackson Teets, current Accounting major

Future Tax Intern at Moss Adams

Junior Accounting major Zev Cohen is applying what he learned in his income tax class as a Tax Intern at SingerLewak this Spring 2024 term. Building upon what he learned in class about the differences between incomes, he is now getting experience in putting these incomes on a tax return and applying exclusions and deductions from a tax return. Congrats Zev!

Zev Cohen, current Accounting major

Tax Intern at SingerLewak

After earning both her B.S. in Accounting and Master of Professional Accountancy degrees in December 2023 as part of our Combined Degree MPAcc program, Morgan started a new position in February 2024 as a Senior Revenue Accountant at Air Methods. Congrats Morgan!

Morgan Hendricks, MPAcc, B.S. in Accounting (2023)

Senior Revenue Accountant, Air Methods

MPAcc alum Scott Crawford celebrated the new year with a new professional home! In January 2024, Scott joined Thea Pharma Inc. as Assistant Controller – OTC. Then in February, Scott shifted roles to the Associate Director, Financial Planning & Analysis. Congrats Scott!

Scott Crawford, MPAcc '20

Associate Director, Financial Planning & Analysis at Thea Pharma Inc.

After completing an internship at Grant Thornton that she first got connected to through a Meet the Firms event, Thanh Cao received a full-time job offer well before she crossed the graduation stage. Thanh completed her master's degree in December 2023 and transitioned her role as an intern to a full-time role as an Audit Associate in January 2024. Congrats Thanh!

Thanh Cao, MPAcc '23

Audit Associate, Grant Thornton

Christian Allognon has had quite the educational journey since completing his bachelor’s degree in international relations & political science in Benin, Africa in 2012. From there he completed an intensive English language program in Nevada, took undergraduate accounting courses at CCD and MSU Denver, and then started our master’s program. Christian earned his MPAcc degree in August 2020 and has been working in the field and preparing for the CPA. In January 2024, Christian officially got his CPA license. Congrats Christian!

Christian Allognon, MPAcc '20

Reporting Accountant at Ovintiv

Recent MSU Denver alum Deja Rowe was fortunate enough to not only get one but THREE internships through MSU Denver's Meet the Firms event. She recently started her career at Plante Moran as a tax intern out of the Denver Tech Center. Congratulations Deja!      

Deja Rowe, B.S. in Accounting '23

Tax Intern at Plante Moran

Through active networking, Marni Horan secured a risk assurance internship at Armanino LLP in Summer 2023 which led to her full-time job offer after her December 2023 graduation. Now as an MPAcc alum, Marni started her role as Associate I, Trust-Assurance with Armanino LLP in January 2024. Congratulations Marni!    

Marni Horan, MPAcc '23

Associate I, Trust-Assurance at Armanino LLP

Jo Erven, Lecturer and Director of Internal Audit Education, was recognized for her community impact as a recipient of COCPA's 2023 Everyday Heroes & Heroines award. Congratulations Jo!

Amanda "Jo" Erven, CPA, CIA, CFE, CTQA

COCPA Gala - CPAs Make a Difference

After completing both his B.S. in Accounting and MPAcc degrees at MSU Denver, Dylan diligently focused on studying for the CPA. Dylan passed all 4 CPA exams on his first attempt and earned his CPA in October 2023. Congrats Dylan!

Dylan Jones, MPAcc '22

Audit Staff at Plante Moran