Department of Accountancy

About Our Department

The Department of Accountancy at John Carroll University is a community of dedicated scholars and professionals committed to developing ethical, competent accountants. Grounded in Jesuit values and real-world practice, we prepare our students not just to succeed on the CPA exam, but to lead with integrity and serve their communities as accounting professionals. Our faculty bring deep expertise in audit, taxation, and financial reporting, and our graduates achieve among the highest CPA pass rates in Ohio

Our Track Record

The Department of Accountancy holds the top spot among Ohio's large university accounting programs for CPA exam pass rates. Our graduates achieve near 100% job placement, with many beginning their careers at Big Four firms while others pursue positions in corporate finance, government, and nonprofit organizations. This track record reflects both the quality of our faculty instruction and the dedication of our students.

#1 CPA Pass Rates in Ohio
100% Job Placement Rate
Big 4 Career Destinations

Tripp Petzel

Associate Professor/Chair

Tripp Petzel is an Associate Professor/Chair in the Department of Accountancy at John Carroll University.
Dr. Albert Nagy, Ph.D

Professor

Albert Nagy is a Professor in the Department of Accountancy at John Carroll University.
Mariah Webinger

Professor

Mariah Webinger researches the social costs of emigration to the United States in the Department of Accountancy at John Carroll University. Her work involves interviewing immigrants from top remittance-sending countries to understand the broader impacts of migration.
Joanna Garcia

Associate Professor

Associate Dean of the Boler College of Business. Associate Professor of Accountancy specializing in taxation.
Mark Sheldon

Associate Professor

Mark Sheldon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Accountancy at John Carroll University.
Alissa Choi

Exec. in Residence-Integration

Alissa Choi is an Exec. in Residence-Integration in the Department of Accountancy at John Carroll University.

Advising & Support

Academic advising & major requirements
Comprehensive exam prep
Faculty mentorship
Peer study groups & tutoring

Professional Experience

Internships with Big Four firms
Regional accounting firm partnerships
Study tours to financial hubs
Tax preparation clinic

Professional Development

CPA exam prep resources
JCU Accounting Association
Guest speakers & workshops
Networking events

Advising & Support

Academic advising & major requirements
Comprehensive exam prep
Faculty mentorship
Peer study groups & tutoring
Professional Experience

Internships with Big Four firms
Regional accounting firm partnerships
Study tours to financial hubs
Tax preparation clinic
Professional Development

CPA exam prep resources
JCU Accounting Association
Guest speakers & workshops
Networking events

Department Community

Accountancy students form a tight-knit community bound by shared professional goals. The JCU Accounting Association hosts regular networking and career development events throughout the year, connecting students with peers and accounting professionals. Faculty office hours welcome student questions and mentoring.

Senior accounting majors participate in study tours to financial hubs and visit audit sites like RPM International's headquarters in Medina for hands-on learning. The department's culture emphasizes both technical excellence and ethical practice — students develop not just as accountants, but as professionals committed to integrity.

Our comprehensive exam, required before graduation, ensures graduates are well-prepared for professional certification and the demands of the profession.