Accounting is the “Language of Business” at ILCC

Morgan Larson, Writer

It’s plain and simple to see that Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC) has diverse enrollment options tailored to a vast employment region. ILCC considers every student’s well-being, state of academic achievements and program recognition. The Accounting Specialist program at ILCC is a true definition of why the college showcases a day entirely dedicated to the program.  

The Accounting Specialist program at Iowa Lakes Community College is a program full of endless possibilities. Job opportunities are vast, branching off into numerous accounting areas, from payroll to income tax, governmental, and managerial job positions. To help bring awareness to the program, ILCC recognized International Accounting Day on November 12th. The program director and a currently enrolled ILCC student in the program divulge into why International Accounting Day provided a boost of encouragement and self-worth to everything involved in the program.  

Lecia Berven is the coordinator and academic advisor in the 2-year Accounting Specialist Program, 1-year Accounting Diploma Program, and 1-year Certified Professional Bookkeeper Program. Berven says, “The accounting programs can be taken at any of the five Iowa Lakes’ campuses as well as completely online.” The Accounting Specialist program is very flexible, as not all programs at ILCC are offered at all of their locations. Very versatile for anyone to enroll in the program, no matter the location of the student.  

MaKenna Huisena, a native from Lake View, IA and current Accounting Specialist student, is enthusiastic about the program. “I chose the Accounting Specialists program at ILCC because I thought the school was the best fit for me.”  

What makes International Accounting Day so unique for anyone involved in Accounting? Like anyone else in any career choice, it’s a time to feel good about career choices, bringing a positive sense of providing a service to those who need accounting help, and an abundance of job field opportunities.

What do the ILCC student and facility feel the program benefits from International Accounting Day? Huisena goes on to say, “I personally think International Accounting Day could be influential to incoming students just because they see real-life examples of people who have graduated from the program.” 

MaKenna does the program justice by considering future students to continue contributing to the program’s educational benefits and the necessity for real-world employment. Huisena adds, “I do believe International Accounting Day does make me feel recognized in my future/current career since it involves accounting on a day-to-day basis.” 

Berven says, “My hope is that International Accounting Day brings more awareness to the field of accounting. I want potential students to know that a career in accounting is very rewarding.” Student success is not only vital to Berven’s view of the program.  It’s also future pending employment options for these upcoming graduates.

“The job opportunities in accounting are endless! The field of accounting is not dependent on the economy. In other words, it is “pandemic proof!” When the economy is good, people need their accountants; when it is bad, they also need their accountants.” said Berven.

With COVID-19 being such a significant setback to many worldwide, the Accounting Specialist program at ILCC is at its best to accommodate student learning and course interaction to succeed after ILCC.  “I have not seen any changes in the field or my program due to COVID-19. I would expect to see enrollment in the program go up due to so many people losing their jobs and seeking education.” said Berven.

Berven makes a great point on how COVID-19 is affecting employment loss.  It’s an occurrence that way too many have endured this year. Don’t fret. Although people may be under hard times, college is an open opportunity to gain new or add to ones’ education. Like MaKenna, who is currently earning her education, seems optimistic for the future. “My plans after graduating are to continue to work at my local bank.”  

For ILCC and the Accounting Specialist program, they are marking International Accounting Day to encourage students to look at this program or enable enrolled ILCC students to strive for greatness. Berven went on to say, “I would like people to know that Iowa Lakes offers a terrific accounting program! When students graduate from this program, they do get jobs – good jobs! In addition, I would like them to know that many CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies now come from a background in accounting. Accounting is the “language of business.”