Accounting
As Rinderknecht Associates' first accounting and finance intern, she says her course material is immediately applicable to her internship.
Why should I choose MMU?
Challenge your skills with hands-on projects
All accounting students start learning with our strong integrated course sequence called the business core. Once your foundational knowledge is established, accounting students benefit from practical experience through advanced accounting projects.
By simulating what you can expect in a job environment, you can learn what subtypes of accounting interest you, how to handle data, and experience the complexities of taxes firsthand.
Utilize tax software to generate tax returns, learn about audit errors and discovery by conducting a full audit, and keep the books for a non-profit organization while enhancing your professional communication skills. These experiences beyond the textbook help you figure out your path to entering the workforce and give you a leg up on other accounting graduates when you get there.
Opportunity abounds in the high-demand accounting field
Accounting happens in every business setting, in businesses of all sizes and of all industries. An effective accountant who can communicate interpretations of numbers is an essential asset to employers—that’s where you come in.
Our partnerships with local businesses in the Cedar Rapids Corridor assist with internship and job placement in a variety of paths like tax accounting, non-profit accounting, accounting management, auditing, and more.
In addition to entering the workforce, many accounting students pursue additional certification through professional exams, including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. Mount Mercy’s accounting program is designed to provide you with the skills and coursework necessary to prepare for these exams.
Continued education, like combining your accounting degree with a finance double major or continuing to a Master's of Business Administration at Mount Mercy University—or one of our three other graduate Business & Leadership programs—provides even more options for your future career.
We also have an articulation agreement with the University of Iowa's Master of Accountancy program to facilitate the admission of our graduates into the program.
"My professors have made learning relatable, and that makes for an interesting experience—they helped me seal the deal for my major."
Alice Vontalge '90
Accounting, Administrative Management
Mount Mercy University helped foster the confidence Alice Vontalge ’90 has used throughout her 25+ year career at Crescent Electric Supply Company.
Sam Whalen '19
Accounting
Before graduation, Sam’s internship turned into a full-time job offer. She believes work experience before graduating is the key to finding a fulfilling career.
Joe Hinkel '20
Accounting
Wanting to expand his role, Joe Hinkel went through the accelerated program to work his way out of a "stall." Now, he says Mount Mercy events and connections have helped his career take off.
Annie Ertz '19, '22 MBA
Accounting, finance, & management
Due to hard work and some helpful community connections, Annie Ertz was able to secure a job six months before graduation.
Kathy Halvorsen-Enstrom '96
Accounting & Administrative Management
As Director of Operations, Policy, and Support, Kathy Halvorsen-Enstrom climbed her way to success in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
What courses will I take?
What are the next steps?
Build off previous experiences by transferring up to 75 credits form an Iowa community college or up to 93 credits form a regionally accredited 4-year university.
Veterans may also earn credit for military training via the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.
We encourage all students to apply for federal, state and other kinds of financial assistance.
Learn more about:
- Federal and state grants and loans
- MMU-offered scholarships
- Tuition reimbursement from employers
- 10% tuition discount for employees of partner organizations
- Veterans benefits
We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.
- Create your application
- Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
- Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:
* Mount Mercy University Admissions
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"
For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.
Careers in accounting
Chart your own path in an in-demand field
During your time at Mount Mercy, you will be exposed to multiple accounting specialties like tax preparation, auditing, management, and more that help you decide what type of role would be the best fit for your skills and interests.
After graduating from Mount Mercy, many accounting majors pursue professional accounting certifications with the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. Mount Mercy also has an articulation agreement with the University of Iowa’s Master of Accountancy program to facilitate the admission of Mount Mercy accounting graduates into their program.
You can find Mount Mercy accounting alumni at companies like:
- AEGON/Transamerica
- Alliant Energy
- BerganKDV [Accounting Firm]
- BGHN Associates [Accounting Firm]
- Collins Aerospace
- Dahm, Knapp & Associates [Accounting Firm]
- GE Capital
- GreatAmerica Financial Services
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- TaxACT
- Terry, Lockridge & Dunn
- Toyota Financial Services
- Transamerica Corporation
- United Life Insurance
- World Trend Financial