Have Questions? We have answers.
Contact Us
Making a career change can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re considering a shift into an entirely new field. If you’re exploring a pivot to accounting, one of the most powerful ways to understand your options is by hearing directly from people who’ve already made the leap.
Last week, we hosted our “Pivoting to Accounting” panel, featuring a group of accounting professionals (all MSU Denver alumni!) who came to the field from remarkably diverse educational and career backgrounds. From pharmaceutical sciences and restaurant services to insurance, journalism, and even high school teaching, our panelists highlighted various skills that translate seamlessly into the accounting profession.
Throughout the event, speakers shared the challenges they encountered, the strategies they used to navigate their transitions, and the paths they each took and are taking toward credentialing. Their stories made one thing clear: there’s no single “right” background for entering the accounting profession. What truly fuels a successful pivot is determination, curiosity, and a willingness to grow!
Check out the video recording of the panel to hear each speaker’s inspiring journey:
The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of MSU Denver.
Speaker Profiles
Amy Cardillo, CPA, MPAcc | Senior Lecturer of Accounting, MSU Denver
I have an undergraduate degree in Marketing from Colorado State University. I had an international marketing internship in the Slovak Republic that helped me land NO jobs upon my return to the United States. This is where I began my service career at Red Robin. Through contacts at Red Robin, I found my first “real job” at Farmers Insurance (not in marketing), where the company paid for my Master of Science in Finance from UCD. I worked my way up to the highest position in the claims operation in the state of Colorado, but quit working to stay home when I became a Mom. However, I knew I would reenter the workforce one day. I found my way to MSU, pursued my MPAcc, met a classmate who owned a tax firm who hired me, and started my accounting career in tax. I became a CPA and, when an unexpected opening occurred in the MSU Denver accounting department, I was blessed with being able to fill the position. I love my current role and am truly grateful to MSU for giving me this opportunity.
Sonya LaVeau, CPA, CGMA, CFE | Director of Internal Audit, YES! Communities
Before beginning her accounting career, Sonya worked her way up in the restaurant industry—from dishwasher and server to becoming a General Manager at twenty‑one and a partner by twenty‑five. Sonya is now an experienced internal audit leader who has spent her career helping organizations strengthen their controls, processes, and governance. She began her public accounting career at KPMG as an external auditor and later went on to lead internal audit and risk advisory practices at multiple firms. Today, she serves as a Director of Internal Audit and is passionate about developing future leaders while encouraging students to explore the many diverse paths available within the accounting profession. She is a proud MSU Denver alum and serves on both the MSU Risk Assurance and Advisory Board and the MSU Accounting Program Advisory Board, as well as the Board of the Denver Chapter of the IIA.
Julia Ortiz Hollenback, MPAcc | Tax Technical Specialist, Accuity Advisors
Former high school teacher turned tax accountant. Julia graduated from MSU Denver’s MPAcc program in 2019 and has been in public accounting for 6 years.
Scott Schlaufman, CPA, MPAcc | Senior Tax Associate, CBIZ – Colorado Springs
Before becoming an accountant, Scott Schlaufman was an award-winning sports newspaper reporter who covered athletes ranging from pee wee football players to future MLB and NBA draft picks. He attended MSU Denver from 2016 to 2018, earning his master’s degree and co-authoring a faculty research paper on Colorado sales tax compliance. During his time as a Roadrunner, Scott also worked with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which helped launch his successful career in tax. He currently works for CBIZ in Colorado Springs.
Cole Teare, MPAcc, PharmD | Tax Controversy Associate, Eide Bailly LLP
Greetings, my name is Cole Teare (he/him). I’m a graduate of MSU Denver and in the process of applying for my CPA license. I’ve been with Eide Bailly in there Tax Controversy and Procedure group since 2023. I am also an adjunct instructor for FRCC and help out each year at their VITA tax site. Prior to switching careers to accounting, I worked in the healthcare field for 10 years as a pharmacist. Dedicated to providing professional service while maintaining high standards of integrity, authenticity, and trust.
Opportunities & Tips for Students Looking to Make a Pivot to Accounting:
The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of MSU Denver.
This Spring ’26 term is centered on thinking about the future for our Accounting Roadrunner Community. This “Accounting For Your Future” interactive series is designed for accounting students, career changers, and professionals who want to build essential skills, embrace technology, and position themselves for success. RSVP to join us in the next session in this virtual event series:
- AI in Accounting: Trust, Verify & Stay Ethical – February 13, 2026 noon MT
Check out the slate of upcoming Spring ‘26 events we’ve got lined up here!