Alum Linda Ialacci's Knack for Numbers Adds Up to Career Success

Alum Linda Ialacci's Knack for Numbers
Adds Up to Career Success

1/31/11

West Windsor, N.J. - Linda Ialacci '94 (A.A.S., Business Administration) has always had a knack for numbers. In fact, an aptitude test she took in college indicated potential careers as an actuary, statistician or banker.

Ialacci decided to follow that advice. Now a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for Horvath & Giacin, a public accounting firm in Pennington, she juggles figures and facts daily as she diligently helps her clients.

For the past 12 years, Ialacci has kept abreast of the latest trends in the field, not only in the preparation of tax returns, but also in the interpretation of federal and state regulations and in her work with small business owners. She also spends time enhancing the firm's marketing efforts by networking at Chamber of Commerce events.

"It never gets boring; it's fascinating work," Ialacci said. "Since tax laws constantly change, I have to keep an eye on a wide variety of pending laws. Clients want to know what's going to happen next. Although my career is numbers-oriented, it also allows me to explore my creative side by brainstorming ways for clients to save tax money and allow them to run their businesses more efficiently."

Linda Ialacci '94

Graduating from Steinert High School in 1980, Ialacci initially attended MCCC to study information technology, but found she was not ready to commit to college full time. Instead, she worked as an administrative assistant, taking courses sporadically at Mercer. Later she married and had the first of her two children.

She vividly recalls her desire to pursue a career. "Although I enjoyed caring for my baby daughter, I quickly grew bored at home," she said.

Ialacci turned back to Mercer, which proved the perfect solution. "I took one or two classes at night over a five-year period. My instructors were fantastic. One in particular, [MCCC Business Professor] Framarz Khoushab, was the best I've ever had."
A high achiever, Ialacci served as vice president of MCCC's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international student honor society. She was named to the Dean's and President's Lists, graduating with high honors and receiving an academic achievement award in accounting.

Next, she was off to Rider University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. Shortly after graduation, she landed her current position and passed her CPA exam.

"Mercer really changed my life," Ialacci said. "I read a survey at the time that revealed that the average age of an MCCC student was 28. I was 28, so of course I felt right at home. The faculty really understood the challenges of attending school at night. Many of them worked in their field during the day and taught at night, so they could identify with us. I regained my confidence, which has allowed me to be where I am today."

To students everywhere, Ialacci offers these words of advice: "You can do anything! The only thing that stands between you and your goals is your motivation and willingness to work for it. There is no substitute for hard work."