Landyn McGarry ’26

Senior Landyn McGarry, an accounting major, turned an early interest in accounting into a clear career path through Pitt-Bradford’s strong program and a local tax internship.

McGarry is from Bradford, and he found his career path through his high school experience at Bradford Area High School. “I took the school accounting classes they offered in 10th and 11th grade,” he recalled. “When senior year came and they asked if I was going into the workforce, the Army, or college, accounting was the one thing I thought I was best at.” With Pitt-Bradford right next door and known for its strong accounting program, McGarry knew that it would be the best fit to continue his education. 

McGarry’s decision led him to an internship with Bradford Certified Public Accountant Stephen Troisi. He said that experience helped shape his confidence and career direction. His advisor, Matthew Moonan, visiting assistant professor of accounting, connected him with Troisi, who needed help during tax season. “He said his friend owned a firm and needed someone,” he said. “I was like, absolutely.” 

Once he started, he quickly discovered the differences between real accounting work and his classroom work. Instead of manually calculating everything, he found himself working inside professional tax software. “Recognition skills and familiarity with the software are more important than completing every technical calculation by hand,” he said. Even in a small firm, he was surprised by the level of security and government regulations involved. “It was interesting to see how much goes into it.”

One of McGarry’s proudest moments came when he completed a complicated return for a client who filed personal and business taxes. “They want you to deduct stuff and sent in like 20 to 28 documents with little guidance,” he said. “It took two hours and about 30 questions to my boss, but I got through it. That felt pretty good.”

McGarry credits Pitt-Bradford for preparing him for his internship. “My classes gave me the foundation to work through forms and understand what I was looking at,” he said. “I didn’t have to ask as many questions because I already have that base knowledge.” He especially appreciates the accounting faculty. “Moonan’s a great professor. His classes really settle the knowledge into your brain.”

Looking back, McGarry feels grateful for how Pitt-Bradford has supported him through coursework, advising, and opportunities that helped him grow. As he prepares to graduate, he knows he’s on the right path. “I’m pretty happy with how the accounting classes have gone,” he said, “They’re not too stressful, and they really prepare you.”

McGarry’s plans after graduation are to continue working in tax or auditing. His time at his internship has shaped his career path and helps him feel ready for after graduation. Including the preparation he received at Pitt-Bradford, he feels confident moving into the next stage of his career.