Laura McNally, CPA

Assistant Professor, Accounting
LMcnally@pacificU.edu
503-352-2808
Berglund Hall 239
Areas I Teach 
College of Business
Business Administration
Accounting

Laura McNally is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Pacific University, Oregon, where she has been shaping the next generation of business leaders since 2017. With over 20 years of professional experience, Laura brings a wealth of practical knowledge and academic rigor to the classroom. Her extensive background spans accounting, audit, and taxation, equipping her students with a deep understanding of both foundational and advanced business concepts.

Prior to joining Pacific University, Laura was the owner of her own CPA firm, Laura McNally, CPA Prof LLC, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, where she provided comprehensive accounting, tax, and business advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses for 17 years. This hands-on experience allows her to offer practical insights into the challenges and opportunities businesses face today. Additionally, she worked as an audit manager at KPMG in Honolulu, specializing in industries such as insurance, banking, and retail.

At Pacific University, Laura teaches a broad range of accounting courses, including Accounting I and II, Income Tax Accounting, Advanced Tax, Auditing, and Advanced Accounting, among others. She also contributes to the MBA program, specifically teaching the accounting segment of the MBA Healthcare course. Laura is deeply involved in student mentorship, advising students on their academic progress and helping them navigate their path to graduation.

Her dedication to service is evident through her active participation on several university committees, including the University Standards and Appeals Board and the University Retirement Committee.

Education

  • MBA, University of South Dakota, 1998
    • Member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for collegiate schools of business
  • CPA, May 1986, Honolulu, Hawaii
    • Passed all four parts of the CPA exam on the first attempt
  • BBA in Accounting, University of Hawaii, 1982

Professional Experience

  • Assistant Professor of Accounting, Pacific University, Oregon (2017-present)
  • Owner, Laura McNally, CPA Prof LLC, Belle Fourche, South Dakota (1999-2017)
  • Audit Manager, KPMG, Honolulu, Hawaii (1986-1991)
  • Cost Accounting Staff, Bank of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii (1983-1986)
  • Internal Auditor, Peoples Saving Bank, Portland, Maine (1982-1983)

Service and Leadership

  • South Dakota Investment Council: Appointed by state senators to oversee the South Dakota Retirement Fund activities
  • Youth Business Adventure: A long-time volunteer and organizer of a one-week business camp for high school seniors, helping them simulate running a business
  • Black Hills Roundup PRCA Rodeo: Co-Chairperson of a major five-day rodeo event, recognized as one of the top five PRCA medium-sized rodeos in the nation during her tenure

Research and Instructional Contributions

  • Private contractor for John Wiley & Sons for over two decades, working on the WileyPLUS program. Laura has been instrumental in coding textbook content for online educational platforms, reviewing and ensuring accuracy, and providing training for faculty across the U.S. and Canada on using the WileyPLUS system.

Laura McNally’s commitment to education, both in and out of the classroom, combined with her extensive professional background, make her a valuable asset to Pacific University. Outside of her academic and professional work, Laura enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her two children.