accounting phd research topics

Areas of Research

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Faculty-student collaboration is a significant part of the Broad experience. One of our strengths is that our faculty actively conducts research in a wide range of areas, providing excellent opportunities to our students.

Accounting doctoral students have the opportunity to work with some of the top researchers in the following areas:

• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting

Accounting Research Opportunities

Our research aims to address pressing industry issues from a variety of perspectives and methodologies — analytical, archival, experimental, surveys, case studies, field studies and simulations. We conduct research in a number of accounting areas:

• Financial accounting, focusing on the link between accounting information and capital markets
• Auditing, focusing on the audit function, which sits between the accounting information produced by the firm and capital markets
• Managerial accounting, focusing on the link between accounting information and internal users
• Tax, focusing on the link between accounting information and taxation authorities as well as the capital markets
• Governance, focusing on corporate economic activities, which in turn drive accounting information
• Information systems, focusing on systems that collect, store and generate accounting information

Publications

The following research publications have resulted from faculty and Ph.D. student collaborations in recent years.

Allee, K.,  D. Lynch , K. Petroni and  J. Schroeder . 2015. Do Firms Use Inventory to Manage Personal Property Taxes? An Analysis of U.S. Petroleum Refineries. Contemporary Accounting Research 32:2 (2015) pp. 736-762. Boland, C.M ., S.N. Bronson and C.E. Hogan. 2015. Accelerated Filing Deadlines, Internal Controls and Financial Statement Quality: The Case of Originating Misstatements. Accounting Horizons 29 (September): 551-575. Demere, W. , Krishnan, R., K. L. Sedatole, and  A. Woods . 2015. Do the Incentive Effects of Relative Performance Measurement Vary with the Ex Ante Probability of Promotion? Management Accounting Research 30: 18-31. Krishnan, R.,  F. Miller , and K. L. Sedatole. 2011. The Use of Collaborative Interfirm Contracts in the Presence of Task and Demand Uncertainty. Contemporary Accounting Research 28 (4): 1397–1422. Lee, Y., K. Petroni and  M. Shen . 2006. Cherry Picking, Disclosure Quality, and Comprehensive Income Reporting Choices: The Case of Property-Liability Insurers by Y. Lee, K. Petroni, and M. Shen, Contemporary Accounting Research 23: 3 (2006). Schroeder, J.H.  and C.E. Hogan. 2013. The Impact of PCAOB AS5 and the Economic Recession on Client Portfolio Characteristics of the Big 4 Audit Firms. Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory 32 (November): 95-127. Sedatole, K. L.,  A. Swaney, and A. Woods . 2016. The Implicit Incentive Effects of Horizontal Monitoring and Team Member Dependence on Individual Performance. Forthcoming in Contemporary Accounting Research . Sedatole, K. L.,  D. Vrettos , and S. K. Widener. 2012. The Use of Management Control Mechanisms to Mitigate Moral Hazard in the Decision to Outsource. Journal of Accounting Research 50 (2): 553-592.

Accounting @ Broad

From the conversation, featuring anjana susarla, from npr marketplace, get connected with broad:.

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Our doctoral program in the accounting field offers broadly based, interdisciplinary training that develops the student’s skills in conducting both analytical and empirical research.

Emphasis is placed on developing a conceptual framework and set of skills for addressing questions broadly related to accounting information. While issues of financial reporting, managerial accounting, corporate governance and taxation are the ultimate concern, special emphasis is given to applying basic knowledge of economics, decision theory, and statistical inference to accounting issues.

Spectrum of Interests and Research Methods

Faculty research represents a broad spectrum of interests and research methods:

• Empirical and analytical research on the relation between accounting information and capital market behavior examines the characteristics of accounting amounts, the effect of accounting disclosures on the capital market, the role of analysts as information intermediaries, and the effects of management discretion. Issues examined also include the impact of financial information on stock and option prices, earnings response coefficients, market microstructure, earnings management, voluntary disclosures, and the effect of changes in accounting standards and disclosure requirements.
• Problems of information asymmetries among management, investors, and others are currently under study. This research investigates, analytically and empirically, the structure of incentive systems and monitoring systems under conditions of information asymmetry. Research on moral hazard, adverse selection, risk sharing, and signaling is incorporated into this work.
• Other ongoing projects include research on the economic effects of auditing and regulation of accounting information, and analysis of tax-induced incentive problems in organizations.
• Additional topics of faculty interest include analytical and empirical research on productivity measurement, accounting for quality, activity-based costing for operations and marketing, and strategic costing and pricing.

Preparation and Qualifications

It is desirable for students to have a solid understanding of applied microeconomic theory, econometrics and mathematics (linear algebra, real analysis, optimization, probability theory) prior to the start of the program. Adequate computer programming skills (e.g. Matlab, SAS, STAT, Python) are necessary in coursework. A traditional accounting background such as CPA is not required.

Faculty in Accounting

Christopher s. armstrong, jung ho choi, george foster, brandon gipper, ron kasznik, john d. kepler, jinhwan kim, rebecca lester, iván marinovic, maureen mcnichols, joseph d. piotroski, kevin smith, emeriti faculty, mary e. barth, william h. beaver, david f. larcker, charles m. c. lee, stefan j. reichelstein, recent publications in accounting, firm boundaries and voluntary disclosure, financial information and diverging beliefs, using and interpreting fixed effects models, recent insights by stanford business, new data on the quality of esg audits catches regulators’ attention, when companies announce earnings surprises, locals reach for their pocketbooks, big investors say they use esg to reduce risk (but mostly focus on the e and g).

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PhD in Accounting

• PhD in Behavioral Science
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Chicago Booth has one of the preeminent PhD accounting programs. Our faculty conduct groundbreaking scholarly work, and our graduates have played a central role in the evolution of modern accounting research.

As a PhD student in accounting at Booth, you’ll have the freedom to explore and cultivate your research interests from day one—wherever they lead.

You’ll join a collaborative research community and work with prominent scholars whose groundbreaking research is recognized for its impact on the academic literature, accounting practice and policymaking, securities regulation, and elsewhere. In addition to your stipend, you may apply for research and conference travel funding from our research centers and the Stevens Doctoral Program. In research workshops and conferences, you’ll present your work and hear about the work of fellow researchers. 

Our Distinguished Accounting Faculty

As measured by research productivity and impact, Chicago Booth has one of the best accounting faculty groups in the world. The group includes Philip G. Berger, Hans B. Christensen, Merle Erickson, Christian Leuz, Michael Minnis, Valeri Nikolaev, Haresh Sapra, Douglas J. Skinner, and Abbie J. Smith, as well as an outstanding group of research-active junior faculty. The school is committed to maintaining the quality of this group.

These distinguished scholars are also teachers and mentors who will advise you, coauthor papers with you, supervise your thesis, help you find an outstanding job, and serve as colleagues throughout your career.

Philip G. Berger

Wallman Family Professor of Accounting

Hans B. Christensen

Chookaszian Family Professor of Accounting and David G. Booth Faculty Fellow

Anna Costello

Jeffrey Breakenridge Keller Professor of Accounting

Merle Erickson

Professor of Accounting

Joao Granja

Associate Professor of Accounting and Jane and Basil Vasiliou Faculty Scholar

Christian Leuz

Charles F. Pohl Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting and Finance

Bradford Levy

Assistant Professor of Accounting

Charles McClure

Associate Professor of Accounting

Michael Minnis

Deputy Dean for Faculty and Fuji Bank and Heller Professor of Accounting

Maximilian Muhn

Valeri Nikolaev

James H. Lorie Professor of Accounting and FMC Faculty Scholar

Madhav Rajan

Dean and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting

Thomas Rauter

Amoray Riggs-Cragun

Assistant Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Delphine Samuels

Associate Professor of Accounting and James S. Kemper Faculty Scholar

Haresh Sapra

Charles T. Horngren Professor of Accounting

Douglas J. Skinner

Sidney Davidson Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting

Abbie J. Smith

Boris and Irene Stern Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting

Christopher Stewart

Assistant Professor of Accounting and Fama Faculty Fellow

Associate Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Anthony Welsch

Anastasia A Zakolyukina

Alumni success.

The American Accounting Association periodically awards a prize for seminal contributions to the accounting literature. Graduates of the PhD Accounting Program are regular winners of this prestigious prize.

Our PhD graduates in accounting go on to faculty positions  at some of the world's most prestigious institutions.

Kalash Jain, MBA '23, PhD '23

Assistant Professor of Business, Accounting Division Columbia Business School, Columbia University His research examines the impact of information processing frictions and investor decision making on asset prices and firm investment. His dissertation area is in accounting.

Sinja Leonelli, MBA '23, PhD '23

Assistant Professor of Accounting Stern School of Business, New York University Sinja's research primarily examines misconduct reporting, regulation and enforcement, and the use of ESG information by stakeholders such as regulators, employees, and consumers. Her dissertation area is in accounting.

Shirley Lu, MBA ’21, PhD ’21 

Assistant Professor of Business Administration Harvard Business School, Harvard University Shirley Lu studies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure, with a focus on climate change and gender diversity. Her dissertation area is in accounting.

Spotlight on Research

Chicago Booth Review frequently highlights the work of accounting PhD students, faculty, and alumni.

One Way Discrimination Creeps into the Supply Chain

A Q&A with Chicago Booth’s Anna Costello about how the pandemic affected which suppliers got paid on time.

AI Reads between the Lines to Discover Corporate Risk

“Corporate risk exposures are often subtly implied in conference call discussions rather than explicitly stated,” write Chicago Booth PhD student Alex G. Kim and Booth’s Maximilian Muhn and Valeri Nikolaev.

Civilization is Based on Accounting

A Q&A with Chicago Booth’s Ray Ball on accounting’s past and future.

Financial Data Privacy Could Help Fight Poverty

Historical data can shape future outcomes, helping to determine whether a prospective borrower has access to a home, car, or other opportunities, write University of Utah’s Mark Jansen, Chicago Booth PhD student Fabian Nagel, and Booth’s Constantine Yannelis and Anthony Lee Zhang.

A Network of Support

Doctoral students at Booth have access to the resources of several research centers  that offer funding for student work, host workshops and conferences, and foster a strong research community.

The Chookaszian Accounting Research Center The Chookaszian Accounting Research Center coordinates accounting research at Chicago Booth and hosts research brown bags and workshops. It also publishes the Journal of Accounting Research , one of the top accounting research journals in the world.

George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State Dedicated to examining issues at the intersection of politics and the economy, the Stigler Center supports research in the political, economic, and cultural obstacles to better working markets.

Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Chicago Booth’s destination for people committed to tackling social and environmental problems, the Rustandy Center supports the work of PhD students and others who are focused on transforming the social sector.

Inside the Student Experience

For Andrew Sutherland, PhD ’13, coauthoring research with Booth faculty was a highlight of the Stevens Program.

Video Transcript

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 00:09 In accounting, there's tons and tons of research on these big public firms that have an army of investor relations people and they constant disclosing things. That's where most of the research was happening, but there's this whole other half of the economy, these private firms, that we didn't really know a lot about. We didn't know a lot about how they got credit. What was interesting to me is that a lot of time, firms are able to get credit without even providing any financial statements or any information whatsoever to the bank. The reason they're able to get credit is that they have a credit score. So in other words, the information is coming, not from the form itself, but from another bank who had dealt with them in the past. What really struck me was there wasn't really a lot of research out there on this information channel. That's when I decided I wanted to learn a little bit more about what this reporting channel does to contract and help firms get credit and how it changes banks' incentives to lend.

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:01 Basically, the firms that have a good credit record or a long track record of borrowing successfully were the ones that were able to shop around. We would think that's a good thing, that giving firms more choice about who to borrow from kind of increases social welfare, you get better matching between lenders and firms. Kind of the dark side is that the firms that have had payment trouble that have defaulted or missed some payments on loans sort of get shut out of the credit part. You have a harder time starting any new relationships with outside lenders. That's kind of a cost.

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:34 The second cost is that information sharing changes the game for lenders. So, if participating in this credit bureau basically allows outside lenders to pick off the firms that are doing better, then that destroys the incentive for lenders to kind of invest in relationships to begin with. That's sort of the second dark side of information sharing, if you will.

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:54 So, I coauthor on a number of projects with the junior faculty member here named Mike Minnis. I probably talked to Mike more than I talk to my wife. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. But, I mean, as a PhD student, there's only so much you can learn in class, and having a faculty member to work with that's kind of gone through the ropes and understands the review process, that's done something on their own, it gives you a really good opportunity to learn. That's something, I think that was absolutely instrumental in my success

Current Accounting Students

PhD students in accounting come to Chicago Booth with a wide range of interests and goals. Recent dissertations have focused on everything from machine learning to the impact of fiscal monitoring, and graduates have gone on to positions at some of the world’s preeminent institutions, including Columbia Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Current Students

Samuel Chang Jonas Dalmazzo Jewel Evans Lingyu Gu Yanzi (Yvonne) Han Grant Hayes Maria Khrakovsky Alex Kim Ginha Kim Andrew McKinley Pietro Ramella Hanbyul Yoon

Program Expectations and Requirements

The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is a full-time program. Students generally complete the majority of coursework and examination requirements within the first two years of studies and begin work on their dissertation during the third year. For details, see General Examination Requirements by Area in the Stevens Program Guidebook below.

Download the 2023-2024 Guidebook!

ACCOUNTING PhD

The nation’s top accounting program.

Texas McCombs boasts the most prestigious accounting doctoral program in the country and has graduated more than 300 PhD students since its inception in 1934. Are you ready for the best?

Your Future In Accounting

• PhD Program
• Why McCombs
• Department of Accounting

ACADEMIC LIFE AT McCOMBS

Mentorship and practice, application deadline.

The application deadline for the Accounting Doctoral Program is December 15.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

If you are a practicing accountant, these topical areas will be familiar to you. However, we welcome students with backgrounds in Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Psychology, or other disciplines to apply. We can remedy any lack of accounting knowledge through additional coursework. Most students enter our accounting doctoral program with some knowledge in these areas:

Financial Accounting

Financial accounting researchers are interested in the use of accounting information by investors, creditors, analysts, and other decision-makers. We are also interested in the preparation of accounting information by managers who may respond to economic incentives and use discretion to manage earnings. Finally, we are also interested in the regulation of accounting information by standard setters and other regulators who are evaluating the relevance and reliability of current and potential accounting information.

Auditing researchers are interested in questions of independence, governance, compliance, auditing processes, and biases. This research helps global standard-setters and regulators adopt standards and policies that protect the integrity of our accounting information. 

Managerial accounting research topics include optimal employee compensation and governance, using information for efficiency management, motivating creativity, etc.

Taxation research covers economic incentives, transfer pricing, compliance with tax enforcement, multistate taxation, and numerous topics about accounting for income taxation, where tax rules overlap with financial reporting standards.

RANKINGS & RESEARCH

Academic leadership, research methodologies.

When you earn a doctorate, most of your time is spent developing deep expertise in research methods. Accounting researchers use three main approaches. In all cases, your doctoral studies will involve a firm grounding in statistics and typically a choice of either economics or psychology as an additional foundation.

Archival research involves the statistical analysis of historical data to examine relevant research questions based on economic theory for its predictions. Thus, archival research requires a strong background in statistics and economics, which we provide through rigorous coursework in the business school and the economics department.

Experimental

Experimental or survey methods are commonly used to obtain data to conduct what is broadly known as behavioral research. Behavioral research relies on psychology for its theories. Because this research is interested in what people do and why they do it, it is often necessary to conduct controlled experiments or survey participants. Using experiment or survey methods, researchers in accounting and finance have provided compelling alternative explanations where economic theories fall short.

Analytical research uses quantitative mathematical models to explain and predict behavior. This research is grounded in game theory from economics. Students wanting to conduct analytical research should have even stronger mathematical backgrounds than other applicants. We will design a program of study that builds on those initial strengths with additional coursework in mathematics and economics.

GET READY TO APPLY

Preparation and qualifications, career placement, the world needs you, career destinations.

The primary goal of the Texas McCombs PhD program is to prepare students for exceptional academic careers. Over the last five years, McCombs Accounting PhD alumni have excelled at top institutions globally.

Recent Graduate Placements

Jesse Chan   |  2022  |  Boston University

Cassie Mongold   |  2022  |  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ryan Hess   |  2021  |  Stanford University (postdoc); Oklahoma State University

Ryan Ballestero   |  2021  |  Kent State University

Dan Rimkus   |  2021  |  University of Florida (October 2021 graduation)

Shannon Garavaglia  |  2020  |  University of Pittsburgh

Jakob Infuehr  |  2019  |  University of Southern Denmark

Antonis Kartapanis  |  2019  |  Texas A&M University

Kristen Valentine   |  2019  |  University of Georgia

Colin Koutney   |  2018  |  George Mason University

Zheng Leitter  |  2018  |  Nanyang Technological University

Brian Monsen   |  2018  |  The Ohio State University

Xinyu Zhang   |  2018  |  Cornell University

Jeanmarie Lord   |  2017  |  University of Montana

Ben Van Landuyt  |  2017  |  University of Arizona

Shannon Chen   |  2017  |  University of Arizona

Prasart Jongjaroenkamol   |  2017  |  Singapore Management University

Ying Huang  |  2017  |  University of Texas - Dallas

Current Students and *Job Market Candidates

Mary adenle, yiying chen, dorothy dickmann, mandy ellison*, kenzie feinberg, michael gonari, nathan herrmann, sean kemsley, minjae kim*, kaitlyn kroeger, jingpei shi, albert wang, are you ready to change the world.

The Texas McCombs Doctoral Program is seeking individuals who are interested in transforming the global marketplace. Are you one of these future thought leaders?

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• PhD Programs

Accounting & Management

• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
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• Program Requirements

Accounting & Management

Curriculum & coursework.

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

Students in the Accounting and Management program must complete a minimum of 13 semester-long doctoral courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in accounting and management begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. In Accounting and Management, the dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.

Recent questions students have explored include: the ways in which managers use retail-level marketing actions to influence the timing of consumer purchases in relation to their firms’ fiscal calendars and financial performance as well as those of their competitors; the role of accounting information in strategic human resource decisions; the evolution, consequences and institutional determinants of unregulated financial reporting practices; the effects of adopting rolling forecasts on forecast quality.

Elliot Tobin

“ I’m constantly inspired to look into new research angles by the brilliant people I run into on campus every day. ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Brian K. Baik
• Dennis Campbell
• Wilbur X. Chen
• Srikant M. Datar
• Aiyesha Dey
• Susanna Gallani
• Brian J. Hall
• Jonas Heese
• Robert S. Kaplan
• V.G. Narayanan
• Joseph Pacelli
• Lynn S. Paine
• Krishna G. Palepu
• Ananth Raman
• Clayton S. Rose
• Ethan C. Rouen
• Tatiana Sandino
• David S. Scharfstein
• George Serafeim
• Anywhere Sikochi
• Robert Simons
• Eugene F. Soltes
• Suraj Srinivasan
• Adi Sunderam
• Charles C.Y. Wang
• Emily Williams

Current Accounting & Management Students

• Ji Ho Kim
• Yiwei Li
• Trang Nguyen
• Konstantin Pavlenkov
• Ria Sen
• Terrence Shi
• Albert Shin
• Elliot Tobin
• Wenxin Wang
• Siyu Zhang

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, yaxuan chen, 2024, hashim zaman, 2022, wei cai, 2020, matthew shaffer, 2019, botir kobilov, 2024, patrick ferguson, 2021, jihwon park, 2020, wilbur chen, 2022, alexandra scherf, 2021, jody grewal, 2019.

Smart. Open. Grounded. Inventive. Read our Ideas Made to Matter.

Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

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Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

An interdisciplinary program that combines engineering, management, and design, leading to a master’s degree in engineering and management.

Executive Programs

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

Students in the Accounting research group are expected to push beyond the boundaries of traditional accounting and incorporate a thorough knowledge of economics and finance in their work on contemporary issues in financial reporting, disclosure, and contracts using financial information.

In addition to seminars in accounting and finance, students acquire the economics depth required of MIT Sloan's Finance PhD students. The accounting doctoral courses give students the opportunity to tap into recent faculty research and expertise on a wide range of topics that are of particular interest to accounting academics, practitioners, and standard-setters.

Accounting Faculty

Accounting Overview

Accounting Graduates

Example Thesis Topics

• Enroll & Pay
• Prospective Students
• Current Students

Ph.D. in Accounting

Program information.

The doctoral program at the KU School of Business prepares students for research and teaching careers at major universities. As a doctoral student in accounting, you will have the opportunity to work with internationally known faculty members on a variety of research projects.

The program includes a combination of coursework, faculty mentoring and hands-on experience in both teaching and research. Students have access to a wide variety of databases and the small size of the program ensures extensive faculty and student interaction. The program is flexible, with some students leaving in four years and some staying for a fifth year.

KU accounting faculty are ranked No. 1 in audit archival and all audit research contributions over the past six and 12 years, and in the top 15 in archival research across all topics — and our doctoral program graduates are ranked in the top 5 in archival audit research, according to Brigham Young University’s 2021 accounting rankings . Recent doctoral student placements include Clemson University, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Arkansas.

Faculty research interests include the economics of the auditing profession; dynamics of the auditor-client relationship; the impact of regulation on auditors and clients; the causes and consequences of financial reporting failures; voluntary disclosure; information intermediaries; corporate governance; the design of control systems and compensation packages; and many other topics.

Application deadlines

Priority: December 15

Final: January 10

• Application requirements

As a doctoral accounting, you will have the opportunity to work with internationally known faculty members on a variety of research projects. The small size of the program ensures extensive faculty and student interaction.

Part of our mission is to develop effective teachers. To that end, all doctoral students are required to teach at least two sections as independent instructors. The school and university prepare and reward doctoral students for excellence in teaching through various programs and awards.

Program details

Key components.

Find an overview of key components of the program, including details about expectations and major research projects.

Core courses

BSAN 920: Probability for Business Research

BSAN 921: Statistics for Business Research

BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics

ECON 715: Elementary Econometrics

Concentration courses

ACCT 928: Introduction to Accounting Research

ACCT 929: Seminar in Archival-Based Accounting Research

ACCT 930: Seminar in Auditing Research 

ACCT 932: Seminar in Financial Accounting Research 

ACCT 936: Seminar in Accounting Research Design & Corporate Governance

Supporting courses

Choose six from the below courses:

BSAN 922: Advanced Regression

FIN 937: Seminar in Business Finance

FIN 938: Seminar in Investments

FIN 939: Seminar in Financial Institutions

ECON 730:Topics in Industrial Organization

ECON 769: Financial Economics

ECON 817: Econometrics I

ECON 818: Econometrics II

ECON 830: Game Theory and Industrial Organization

ECON 831: Economics of Regulation

ECON 869: Advanced Financial Economics

ECON 880: Selected Topics in Economic Theory:

ECON 915: Advanced Econometrics I

ECON 916: Advanced Econometrics II

ECON 917: Advanced Econometrics III

ECON 918: Financial Econometrics

PSYC 790: Statistical Methods in Psychology I

PSYC 791: Statistical Methods in Psychology II

PSYC 893: Multivariate Analysis

PSYC 894: Multilevel Modeling

PSYC 896: Structural Equation Modeling I

STAT 835: Categorical Data Analysis

MATH 727: Probability Theory

MATH 728: Statistical Theory

Additional information

Coursework in the area of concentration is supplemented and strengthened by study in one or two supporting area (minors). Examples of supporting areas include finance, econometrics, or economic theory. The first supporting field is generally topical in nature, such as financial economics or corporate financial theory, and usually consists of two or more graduate-level courses typically seminar in nature.

The second supporting field generally develops specialized analysis skills, such as econometrics, and usually consists of two or more graduate-level courses beyond the core requirements.

Alternatively, a more focused minor area of concentration can include four or more additional courses (e.g. finance or econometrics). Methodology courses not shown in the following list can be substituted with approval (for example, certain math courses).

For more information, view a detailed list of courses in the academic catalog.

Please note:

A course that is not being offered within a reasonable timeframe, or a course in which a student can demonstrate competence may be, with the approval of the area group and the doctoral team, replaced with another course.

Area-specific core requirements may be changed subject to the approval of the area group and the Ph.D. team.

A minimum of 15 courses, plus FIN 901, BUS 902 and BUS 903 are required for the completion of the degree.

Requirements

Area of concentration.

Most students admitted in accounting typically will select that area as their concentration. However, an aspirant, with the assistance of his or her faculty advisor and the area faculty, may propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration. The aspirant must take at least five advanced courses in the area of concentration. These courses may include those offered outside the School of Business.

Supporting areas

Coursework in the area of concentration is supplemented and strengthened by study in one or two supporting areas. A supporting area is one that supplements and complements the area of concentration. The aspirant will satisfy the supporting area requirement by taking at least four advanced courses in the supporting areas (at least two courses in each of two supporting areas, or at least four courses in one supporting area). Courses recommended for preparation for the qualifiers may not be included in satisfying the supporting area requirement.

Research methodology

For successful qualifier assessment, the student's program of study should include adequate preparation in research methodology.

Coursework and research

Comprehensive exams and research

Dissertation and job market

Year 5 (if necessary)

Program faculty.

• Associate Professor
• Accounting academic area

• Area Director, Accounting
• Deloitte Professor

• Assistant Professor

• C.A. Scupin Professor

• Jack and Shirley Howard Mid-Career Professor

• Larry D. Horner/KPMG Professor

• Interim Dean
• Stanley P. Porter Professor
• School of Business administration
• Dean's Office

• Doctoral Coordinator, Accounting
• Doctoral program

Doctoral accounting students

• Ph.D. Candidate

• Ph.D. Student

Accounting PhD Research

Accounting research areas, disciplines and methods.

Accounting research may be classified on three dimensions: substantive area, source discipline and method. The key substantive areas are managerial accounting, financial accounting, auditing and tax. The common source disciplines are economics, finance, management and psychology. The typical research methods are analytical modeling, archival data analysis and experimental data analysis.

Our faculty and students have sustained a proven track record of publishing in the top accounting journals across all substantive areas utilizing archival and experiment data analysis.

Publication Rankings

Research by School of Accountancy faculty and doctoral students appears in a variety of top-ranked publications. Learn more:

Faculty Publication Rankings

For all research, the University of Arizona is ranked #37 in the world in terms of faculty publications in top-tier journals during the past 10 years.

For financial accounting research, the University of Arizona is ranked #42 in the world in terms of faculty publications in top-tier journals during the past 10 years.

For tax research, the University of Arizona is ranked #20 in the world in terms of faculty publications in top-tier journals during the past 10 years.

For audit research, the University of Arizona is ranked #21 in the world in terms of faculty publications in top-tier journals in the past 10 years.

For managerial research, the University of Arizona is ranked #28 in the world in terms of faculty publications in top-tier journals in the past 10 years.

All rankings are based on custom-generated reports from BYU's accounting research rankings website and consider only the following top-tier academic journals: The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Contemporary Accounting Research, Review of Accounting Studies and Accounting Organizations and Society

Faculty's primary research interests by research method include:

PhD Publication Rankings

Graduates of our doctoral program have placed at Tier-1 research universities and have maintained a strong record of publication success post-graduation.

For all research, the University of Arizona is ranked #5 in the world in terms of recent PhD publications in top-tier journals during their first six years post-graduation.

For financial accounting research, the University of Arizona is ranked #8 in the world in terms of recent PhD publications in top-tier journals during their first six years post-graduation.

For tax research, the University of Arizona is ranked #3 in the world in terms of recent PhD publications in top-tier journals during their first six years post-graduation.

For audit research, the University of Arizona is ranked #4 in the world in terms of recent PhD publications in top-tier journals during their first six years post-graduation.

For managerial research, the University of Arizona is ranked #2 in the world in terms of recent PhD publications in top-tier journals during their first six years post-graduation.

These rankings show the strong  commitment  our faculty has towards training our PhD students to be successful.

All rankings are based on custom-generated reports from BYU's accounting research rankings website and consider only the following top-tier academic journals: The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Contemporary Accounting Research, Review of Accounting Studies and Accounting Organizations and Society.       

Faculty and Student Collaborative Research

Our program has a tradition of faculty-student research collaboration..

Listed below are some of our very recent successes. The coauthors of each publication or working paper contain at least one current faculty member and/or at least one current PhD student or PhD graduates (names of the students are highlighted in bold).

Publications

Ongoing Projects

Accounting PhD Specialization

General information.

Accounting is an interdisciplinary area, combining study of financial information with areas such as economics, finance, decision theory, and cognitive psychology.

The Ph.D. curriculum in accounting encompasses two major streams of research. The first stream examines the role of accounting information in contracting and capital markets. This first stream is economics-and-finance based and relies heavily on empirical research methods using archival data. The second stream is judgment and decision making in accounting (also known as behavioral decision theory research). This second stream is primarily psychology-based and relies heavily on controlled experiments with human subjects. The accounting Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students to publish research in top-tier accounting journals including The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting and Economics, and Journal of Accounting Research and to take positions at leading research-based universities.

The Department of Accounting offers both major and minor areas in accounting. The remainder of this page first describes the policies for a major in accounting. This is followed by a description of the policies for a minor in accounting.

Department web site Accounting Faculty

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree at an accredited university and should have reasonable training in mathematics and economics. An admission committee of faculty members reviews all completed applications. While the committee considers all relevant factors in its recommendations, important factors include past academic performance, GMAT scores (the GRE exam can be substituted for the GMAT but the GMAT is strongly preferred), personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Evidence of quantitative aptitude, creativity, commitment to completing a Ph.D., and collegiality are all important.

Recommended Preparation Prior to Entry

In the summer preceding arrival at UW, new doctoral students are strongly encouraged to review important concepts in basic tool areas (e.g., economics, statistics, calculus, and linear algebra). Knowledge of financial and managerial accounting is required. The Ph.D. curriculum is extremely rigorous, so students greatly benefit from getting a head start on key skills important to completing the initial coursework.

Accounting Area Faculty Coordinator

Assistant Prof. Darren Bernard, Accounting Area Faculty Coordinator, would be glad to answer your questions. You can contact him by email .

The Accounting Area Faculty Coordinator advises new students until they establish a supervisory committee by the end of the Spring quarter of their first year. The supervisory committee assists the student in choosing appropriate courses, approves the course of studies, and monitors the student’s progress.

Course Requirements for Accounting Major

All accounting majors must complete the following requirements. The number of credits for each course is indicated in parentheses after the course number.

*Offered periodically. **Offered every second year.

Accounting majors are expected to register for ACCTG 599 each year in which they are enrolled in coursework (minimum two years). All Accounting majors are expected to attend ACCTG 599 each year they are in residence.

Occasionally, optional special topics classes will be offered reflecting instructor and student interest (for example, empirical research in taxation).

Research Methods Minor Area Requirements

In addition to the major area, students are required to choose three additional areas as minors. Doctoral students in accounting must select Research Methods as one minor area. Coursework in Research Methods should include ECON 580 (or equivalent courses in probability and/or statistical inference), ECON 581, and FIN 585. ECON 580 and 581 are within the econometrics series the UW Department of Economics offers, and FIN 585 is a research methods course the UW Department of Finance and Business Economics offers. These requirements are viewed as minimal background for conducting doctoral level research.

Students should also include at least 3 units (e.g., one course) of additional coursework in Research Methods tailored to their specific interests and selected in consultation with the area advisor. The UW Business School also offers behavioral research method courses BARM 590 and 591. Additional econometric and behavioral research method courses are available in the economics and psychology departments, respectively.

Other Minor Area Requirements

Although Economics is highly recommended as a second minor area, students may petition to substitute another minor area in special circumstances. The courses to be included in the Economics minor should include the three-course sequence ECON 500, 501, 508 and at least 3 additional units (e.g., one course) of coursework selected in consultation with the Economics area advisor. The three-course sequence is the microeconomics series economics doctoral students are expected to complete in the economics department.

The third minor area will depend on the student’s interest. For example, students might choose one of the following minor areas: Finance, Information Systems, International Business, Operations Management, Psychology, or Quantitative Methods. It is also possible to design a special minor area, which more directly addresses a student’s interests. Since many students choose Finance as the third minor area, it is also briefly discussed below.

The Finance minor area is recommended for students interested in financial accounting research. Students can either complete the 4 course doctoral seminar sequence FIN 580, 590, 591, 592 or they can take three courses from this sequence and at least 3 additional units (e.g., one course) of coursework selected in consultation with the Finance area advisor. The four-course sequence includes coursework in financial economics, capital market theory, corporate finance, and advanced finance research.

Typical Course Schedule

Accounting Doctoral Student Planned Courses (as of July 2022) The summer before you begin, you will be expected to do preparatory math and programming work. You will then arrive to campus in early September to begin on-campus math, economics, and programming camps. We will have a “welcome” barbeque sometime in September. This is a way to get to know everyone and have some fun before the semester gets underway, and families/significant others are welcome.

Classes typically begin the last week of September and in the first year all students will have the same course schedule:

Second Year

Fourth Year

Course Requirements for Accounting Minor

Doctoral students minoring in accounting must meet the following requirements:

ACCTG 510 and ACCTG 511 or equivalents ACCTG 580, Introduction to Accounting Research

In addition, students minoring in accounting are required to successfully complete one of the following:

*Offered every second year.

Other Requirements

Written Area Examination After completing all coursework required for a major area in accounting, the student takes a written area examination offered each year during late July or early August. The accounting area examination tests students on coursework as well as on topics of current research. The exam consists of a closed book eight-hour exam.

General Examination It is expected that students will complete all coursework and area exam and begin working on a dissertation proposal by the end of their second year. However, students are encouraged during their third and fourth years to attend the accounting doctoral research seminar in their area of interest (ACCTG 596 for financial accounting empiricists, ACCTG 597 for behavioral or experimental researchers). When the supervisory committee believes that the dissertation proposal is well defined, a general exam is scheduled. During the general exam, the student presents the dissertation proposal and answers questions related to the proposal and/or to courses taken. Members of the supervisory committee, a representative of the Graduate School, and any other interested faculty and students, attend the general exam. The chair of the supervisory committee determines the precise format of the general exam.

Students who have passed their area examination but not their general exam are required to present an accounting research workshop on their research in progress each Spring quarter until they have passed their general exam (and thus have an approved thesis topic). Students are required to present their research paper in the research workshop before sending it out to schools to interview. This presentation should be in early October to allow time for revision before sending the paper out in early November.

Dissertation After passing the general exam, students complete the proposed research and write the dissertation guided by a reading committee. The reading committee may consist entirely of members of the supervisory committee or may include one or more members not previously on the supervisory committee. When formation of the reading committee introduces new members, a new chair of the reading committee would ordinarily become chair of the supervisory committee and new members of the reading committee would ordinarily be placed on the supervisory committee.

Final Examination The supervisory committee administers the final defense of the dissertation.

Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of accounting and finance thesis topics designed to assist students in selecting an impactful subject for their thesis. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies, the diverse array of topics presented here covers a broad spectrum of specialties within the field of accounting and finance. From traditional areas like audit and taxation to emerging fields like fintech and behavioral finance, this collection aims to cater to a variety of research interests and academic requirements. Each category is meticulously curated to inspire innovative thinking and encourage a deeper exploration of both established and contemporary issues in the discipline.

600 Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

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• Accounting Thesis Topics
• Audit Thesis Topics
• Banking Thesis Topics
• Behavioral Finance Thesis Topics
• Capital Markets Thesis Topics
• Corporate Finance Thesis Topics
• Corporate Governance Thesis Topics
• Finance Thesis Topics
• Financial Economics Thesis Topics
• Financial Management Thesis Topics
• Fintech Thesis Topics
• Insurance Thesis Topics
• International Finance Thesis Topics
• Investment Thesis Topics
• Management Accounting Thesis Topics
• Personal Finance Thesis Topics
• Public Finance Thesis Topics
• Quantitative Finance Thesis Topics
• Risk Management Thesis Topics
• Taxation Thesis Topics

1. Accounting Thesis Topics

• The impact of artificial intelligence on financial reporting and compliance.
• Blockchain technology in accounting: disrupting traditional processes.
• The role of ethical leadership in promoting sustainable accounting practices.
• Comparative analysis of global accounting standards post-IFRS adoption.
• Cultural influences on multinational accounting practices.
• The future of green accounting in corporate sustainability initiatives.
• Digital currencies and their accounting implications within multinational corporations.
• The efficacy of automated accounting systems in small to medium enterprises.
• Forensic accounting as a tool against cyber financial fraud.
• Tax strategy and accounting ethics in the digital age.
• Non-profit accounting challenges in a post-pandemic world.
• Gig economy impacts on financial reporting and tax obligations.
• Continuous auditing in real-time financial data environments.
• Ethical conflicts in accounting decisions: a case study analysis.
• The integration of blockchain for transparency in financial auditing.
• Strategic management accounting techniques in agile organizations.
• Predictive analytics in accounting and its impact on business strategy.
• Cost management innovations in healthcare accounting.
• Regulatory impacts on financial disclosures and corporate accounting.
• Innovative financial planning tools for startup sustainability.
• The role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in financial decision-making.
• Public sector accountability and accounting reforms.
• Big data analytics in financial statement analysis.
• Adapting accounting frameworks for emerging markets.
• The dynamics of accounting professionalism and ethical standards.
• Real-time financial reporting: challenges and advantages.
• Mergers and acquisitions: accounting for corporate restructuring.
• Artificial intelligence in audit operations: reshaping traditional frameworks.
• Corporate sustainability reporting: critical analysis of current practices.
• Tax evasion strategies and their impact on international accounting standards.

2. Audit Thesis Topics

• The effectiveness of continuous auditing in detecting and preventing fraud.
• Implementing a risk-based auditing framework in emerging markets.
• Enhancing corporate governance with robust audit committee functions.
• The comparative reliability of external audits versus internal controls.
• The impact of the latest regulatory frameworks on auditing standards.
• Ensuring auditor independence in a complex corporate milieu.
• Blockchain applications in enhancing audit trail transparency.
• Strategies for cybersecurity audits in financial institutions.
• Cultural impacts on audit practices in global organizations.
• The future of auditing: integrating real-time data analytics.
• The relationship between audit quality and investment decisions.
• Leveraging machine learning for enhanced audit precision.
• Auditing ethics in the face of financial technology innovations.
• The role of internal audits in reinforcing cybersecurity measures.
• Auditing challenges in decentralized platforms using blockchain technology.
• Comparative study of traditional and modern audit methodologies.
• The impact of data privacy regulations on audit practices globally.
• Developing effective audit strategies for cloud-based accounting systems.
• The role of audits in enhancing business resilience during economic downturns.
• Fraud detection techniques in an AI-driven audit environment.
• The effectiveness of environmental auditing in promoting corporate sustainability.
• Auditing for non-financial information: challenges and methodologies.
• Enhancing the transparency of public sector audits to improve trust.
• Implementing forensic auditing techniques in corporate fraud detection.
• The evolution of auditing standards in response to global financial crises.
• The role of technology in transforming audit documentation and reporting.
• Impact of auditor-client relationships on audit quality.
• Strategies for overcoming challenges in cross-border audit practices.
• Auditing supply chain operations for financial integrity and sustainability.
• The future of regulatory audits in a dynamically changing global market.

3. Banking Thesis Topics

• The future of digital banking post-COVID-19.
• Analyzing the impact of blockchain technology on international banking transactions.
• The role of central banks in managing digital currency implementations.
• Sustainable banking practices: integrating ESG factors into bank operations.
• The evolution of consumer banking behavior influenced by mobile technologies.
• Cybersecurity strategies in banking: preventing breaches in a digital age.
• The effectiveness of monetary policy in digital banking ecosystems.
• Banking regulations and their impact on global economic stability.
• Fintech innovations and their integration into traditional banking systems.
• The impact of banking deserts on rural economic development.
• Artificial intelligence in banking: reshaping customer service and risk management.
• The role of ethical banking in promoting financial inclusion.
• Impact of Brexit on UK banking: challenges and opportunities.
• Stress testing in banks: approaches and implications for financial stability.
• Consumer data protection in online banking: challenges and solutions.
• The influence of microfinancing on developing economies.
• The impact of interest rate changes on banking profitability.
• Role of banking in supporting sustainable energy financing.
• Technological disruptions in banking: a threat or an opportunity?
• The effect of global banking regulations on emerging market economies.
• Strategies for managing credit risk in post-pandemic recovery phases.
• The growing role of Islamic banking in the global finance sector.
• The impact of non-traditional banking platforms on financial services.
• Data analytics in banking: enhancing decision-making processes.
• Cross-border banking challenges in a globalized economy.
• The future of branchless banking: implications for customer engagement.
• Banking transparency and its effects on consumer trust.
• The role of banks in facilitating international trade.
• Innovations in mortgage banking and their impact on housing markets.
• The effects of banking consolidation on competition and service delivery.

4. Behavioral Finance Thesis Topics

• The psychological effects of financial losses on investment behavior.
• Behavioral biases in financial decision-making: a case study of stock market investors.
• The impact of social media on investor behavior and market outcomes.
• Cognitive dissonance and its effect on personal financial planning.
• The role of emotional intelligence in financial trading success.
• Exploring the herding behavior in cryptocurrency markets.
• Behavioral finance strategies to mitigate impulse spending.
• The influence of cultural factors on investment decisions.
• Psychological factors driving risk tolerance among millennials.
• The effect of behavioral finance education on individual investment choices.
• Overconfidence and trading: an analysis of its impact on stock returns.
• Decision-making processes under financial stress: a behavioral perspective.
• The role of behavioral factors in the success of financial advisement.
• The impact of behavioral insights on retirement savings plans.
• Anchoring bias in financial forecasting and market predictions.
• The role of optimism and pessimism in financial markets.
• Behavioral finance and its role in shaping sustainable investing.
• Understanding the gap between perceived and actual financial knowledge.
• Behavioral interventions to improve financial literacy.
• The influence of personality traits on financial decision-making.
• Behavioral economics: redesigning financial products for better decision outcomes.
• The effectiveness of nudge theory in personal finance management.
• The impact of financial anxiety on decision-making efficiency.
• The behavioral aspects of financial negotiation.
• Market sentiment analysis: behavioral finance in algorithmic trading.
• The psychological impact of financial news on market movements.
• Behavioral finance insights into crowd-funding behaviors.
• Ethical considerations in behavioral finance research.
• The influence of age and life stage on financial risk-taking.
• Behavioral finance in corporate decision-making: case studies of strategic financial planning.

5. Capital Markets Thesis Topics

• The future trajectory of global capital markets in the post-pandemic era.
• Impact of quantitative easing on emerging market economies.
• The role of technology in enhancing liquidity in capital markets.
• Analysis of market efficiency in different economic cycles.
• The effects of political instability on capital market performance.
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and their impact on capital market trends.
• Cryptocurrency as an emerging asset class in capital markets.
• The role of sovereign wealth funds in global capital markets.
• Algorithmic trading and its influence on market dynamics.
• The impact of international sanctions on capital markets.
• High-frequency trading: market benefits and systemic risks.
• The role of capital markets in financing green energy initiatives.
• Impact of fintech on traditional capital market structures.
• Corporate bond markets and their responsiveness to economic changes.
• The influence of central bank policies on capital market stability.
• Market anomalies and behavioral economics: exploring the deviations from market efficiency.
• The role of investor sentiment in capital market fluctuations.
• Crowdfunding as an alternative financing mechanism in capital markets.
• Regulatory challenges facing capital markets in developing countries.
• The future of securitization post-global financial crisis.
• Derivatives markets and their role in risk management.
• The impact of technology IPOs on market perceptions.
• Venture capital and its influence on market innovation.
• Corporate governance and its effect on equity prices.
• The role of market makers in maintaining market stability.
• Ethical investing and its traction in the capital market.
• The impact of demographic shifts on investment trends.
• The interplay between macroeconomic policies and capital market growth.
• Leveraging machine learning for capital market predictions.
• The role of media in shaping public perceptions of capital markets.

6. Corporate Finance Thesis Topics

• The impact of global economic shifts on corporate financing strategies.
• Analyzing the role of corporate finance in driving sustainable business practices.
• The influence of digital transformation on corporate financial management.
• Risk management in corporate finance during uncertain economic times.
• The effects of corporate financial restructuring on shareholder value.
• Financing innovation: How corporations fund new technology investments.
• The role of private equity in corporate finance.
• Strategies for managing corporate debt in a fluctuating interest rate environment.
• Impact of mergers and acquisitions on corporate financial health.
• ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in corporate finance decisions.
• The future of corporate finance in the era of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
• The role of financial analytics in optimizing corporate investment decisions.
• Corporate finance challenges in emerging markets.
• Venture capital and its impact on corporate growth.
• Corporate financial transparency and its effect on investor relations.
• The role of CFOs in navigating new global tax laws.
• Financial technology innovations and their implications for corporate finance.
• The impact of international trade agreements on corporate financing.
• Corporate finance strategies in the healthcare sector.
• The influence of shareholder activism on corporate financial policies.
• The future of corporate banking relationships.
• Capital allocation decisions in multinational corporations.
• The role of artificial intelligence in financial forecasting and budgeting.
• The impact of demographic changes on corporate finance strategies.
• Managing financial risks associated with climate change.
• The role of corporate finance in business model innovation.
• Financing strategies for startups versus established firms.
• The effect of corporate culture on financial decision-making.
• Corporate governance and its influence on financial risk management.
• The evolving landscape of securities regulations and its impact on corporate finance.

7. Corporate Governance Thesis Topics

• The impact of governance structures on corporate sustainability and responsibility.
• Board diversity and its effect on corporate decision-making processes.
• Corporate governance mechanisms to combat corruption and enhance transparency.
• The role of stakeholder engagement in shaping governance practices.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of corporate governance codes across different jurisdictions.
• The influence of technology on corporate governance practices.
• Governance challenges in family-owned businesses.
• The impact of corporate governance on firm performance during economic crises.
• Shareholder rights and their enforcement in emerging market economies.
• The future of corporate governance in the digital economy.
• The role of ethics in corporate governance.
• Corporate governance and risk management: interlinkages and impacts.
• The effects of regulatory changes on corporate governance standards.
• ESG integration in corporate governance.
• The role of internal audits in strengthening corporate governance.
• Corporate governance in non-profit organizations.
• The influence of activist investors on corporate governance reforms.
• The effectiveness of whistleblower policies in corporate governance.
• Cybersecurity governance in large corporations.
• Succession planning and governance in large enterprises.
• The impact of international governance standards on local practices.
• The role of governance in preventing financial fraud.
• Corporate governance in the fintech industry.
• The relationship between corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.
• The impact of global economic policies on corporate governance.
• Data privacy and security: Governance challenges in the information era.
• The role of governance in managing corporate crises.
• The impact of leadership styles on corporate governance effectiveness.
• Corporate governance and its role in enhancing business competitiveness.
• The evolving role of board committees in strategic decision-making.

8. Finance Thesis Topics

• Financial implications of global climate change initiatives.
• The future of financial markets in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.
• The impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation in developing countries.
• Cryptocurrency: emerging financial technology and its regulatory challenges.
• The role of financial institutions in fostering economic resilience.
• Innovations in financial products for an aging global population.
• The impact of digital wallets on traditional banking systems.
• Financial literacy and its role in promoting socio-economic equality.
• The effect of fintech on the global remittance landscape.
• Risk management strategies in finance post-global financial crisis.
• The influence of behavioral finance on investment strategies.
• The evolving role of central banks in digital currency markets.
• Financing sustainable urban development.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on personal finance management.
• Peer-to-peer lending and its effect on traditional credit markets.
• The role of finance in facilitating international trade and development.
• The implications of Brexit on European financial markets.
• Financial derivatives and their role in modern economies.
• The effects of sanctions on financial transactions and economic stability.
• The future of investment banking in a technology-driven world.
• Financial models for predicting economic downturns.
• The impact of financial education on consumer behavior.
• Securitization of assets: benefits and risks.
• The role of financial services in disaster recovery and resilience.
• Emerging trends in global investment patterns.
• Financial strategies for managing corporate mergers and acquisitions.
• The influence of cultural factors on financial systems and practices.
• The effectiveness of financial sanctions as a geopolitical tool.
• The future of financial privacy in an interconnected world.
• The role of finance in promoting renewable energy investments.

9. Financial Economics Thesis Topics

• The economic impact of quantitative easing in developed versus emerging markets.
• The implications of negative interest rates for global economies.
• Economic predictors of financial market behavior in crisis periods.
• The relationship between government debt and economic growth.
• Economic consequences of income inequality on national financial stability.
• The effects of consumer confidence on economic recovery.
• The role of economic policy in shaping housing market dynamics.
• The impact of global trade wars on financial economics.
• The influence of demographic shifts on economic policy and financial markets.
• Macroeconomic factors influencing cryptocurrency adoption.
• The role of economic theory in developing financial regulation.
• The impact of tourism economics on national financial health.
• Economic strategies for combating hyperinflation.
• The role of sovereign wealth funds in global economic stability.
• Economic analyses of environmental and resource economics.
• The implications of fintech on traditional economic models.
• Economic impacts of global pandemic responses by governments.
• The future of labor markets in a digitally transforming economy.
• Economic considerations in renewable energy finance.
• The economics of privacy and data security in financial transactions.
• The role of international economic organizations in financial regulation.
• Economic effects of technological innovation on traditional industries.
• The impact of economic sanctions on international relations and finance.
• The role of consumer spending in economic recovery phases.
• Economic policies for addressing wealth gaps.
• The economic impact of climate change on financial sectors.
• The role of economic research in crafting sustainable development goals.
• The economics of health and its impact on national economies.
• Global economic trends and their implications for financial forecasting.
• The relationship between educational economics and workforce development.

10. Financial Management Thesis Topics

• The strategic role of financial management in corporate sustainability.
• Impact of global financial regulations on corporate financial management.
• Financial management techniques for optimizing supply chain operations.
• The role of financial management in crisis recovery and resilience.
• Emerging technologies in financial management systems.
• The impact of corporate social responsibility on financial management strategies.
• Financial planning for long-term business growth in volatile markets.
• The influence of global economic conditions on financial management practices.
• Financial management challenges in the nonprofit sector.
• The role of financial management in mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact of digital currencies on corporate financial management.
• Financial risk management strategies in an era of global uncertainty.
• The role of financial management in enhancing operational efficiency.
• Financial management best practices in the tech industry.
• The impact of consumer behavior trends on financial management.
• Financial management in the healthcare sector: Challenges and strategies.
• The influence of artificial intelligence on financial decision-making processes.
• Financial management strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• The role of financial management in international expansion.
• Ethical considerations in financial management practices.
• Financial management in the energy sector: challenges and innovations.
• Financial strategies for managing environmental risks.
• The role of financial management in startup success and sustainability.
• The impact of financial transparency on corporate governance.
• Financial management and investor relations: integrating strategic communication.
• The role of financial management in educational institutions.
• Managing financial instability in emerging markets.
• Financial management practices in the gig economy.
• The role of financial managers in driving business model innovations.
• Financial management tools for effective capital allocation.

11. Fintech Thesis Topics

• The impact of blockchain on global payment systems.
• Regulation challenges for fintech innovations: A cross-country analysis.
• The role of fintech in democratizing access to financial services.
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence in predictive financial modeling.
• The evolution of peer-to-peer lending platforms and their impact on traditional banking.
• Cryptocurrency adoption: consumer behavior and market dynamics.
• The future of robo-advisors in personal finance management.
• The impact of mobile banking on financial inclusion in developing countries.
• Fintech solutions for microfinance: scalability and sustainability issues.
• Data privacy and security challenges in fintech applications.
• The role of fintech in enhancing cybersecurity in financial transactions.
• The impact of fintech on traditional banking employment.
• Regulatory technology (RegTech) for compliance management: trends and challenges.
• Fintech and its role in combating financial crime and money laundering.
• The influence of fintech on the insurance industry: insurtech innovations.
• Fintech investments: market trends and future prospects.
• The role of big data analytics in fintech.
• Digital wallets and the future of consumer spending behavior.
• Impact of fintech on wealth management and investment strategies.
• Challenges and opportunities of implementing distributed ledger technology in financial services.
• Consumer trust and fintech: building relationships in a digital age.
• The evolution of payment gateways: fintech at the forefront.
• Fintech’s impact on cross-border payments and remittances.
• The role of fintech in the development of smart contracts.
• The influence of fintech on financial market transparency.
• Fintech as a driver for financial sector innovation in emerging markets.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on risk assessment in fintech.
• Fintech and financial stability: an analysis of systemic risks.
• The role of fintech in streamlining government and public sector finance.
• Ethical considerations in fintech: balancing innovation with consumer protection.

12. Insurance Thesis Topics

• The future of insurance in the age of climate change.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on underwriting and risk management.
• Cyber risk insurance: emerging challenges and opportunities.
• The role of insurance in managing public health crises.
• Innovations in health insurance: technology-driven approaches to coverage.
• The evolution of automotive insurance in the era of autonomous vehicles.
• Insurance fraud detection using big data analytics.
• Regulatory challenges in the global insurance market.
• The influence of behavioral economics on insurance product design.
• The role of reinsurance in stabilizing insurance markets.
• Insurance and financial inclusion: strategies for reaching underserved communities.
• The impact of technological advancements on insurance pricing models.
• The role of insurance in disaster risk reduction and management.
• Customer data management in the insurance industry: privacy versus personalization.
• The future of life insurance: adapting to demographic shifts.
• The integration of IoT devices in home insurance policies.
• Blockchain applications in the insurance industry.
• The impact of social media on insurance marketing and customer engagement.
• Insurance as a tool for sustainable business practices.
• The role of insurance companies in promoting corporate social responsibility.
• The challenges of health insurance in a post-pandemic world.
• Emerging risks and insurance: addressing the needs of the gig economy.
• The role of insurance in mitigating financial risks associated with sports and entertainment.
• Ethical challenges in insurance: discrimination in risk assessment.
• The impact of global political instability on the insurance sector.
• Insurance products tailored for the elderly: opportunities and challenges.
• The role of insurance in fostering innovation in the construction industry.
• Insurance and climate resilience: protecting vulnerable communities.
• The evolving landscape of travel insurance amid global uncertainties.
• The role of insurance in the transition to renewable energy sources.

13. International Finance Thesis Topics

• The impact of currency fluctuations on international trade.
• Strategies for managing foreign exchange risk in multinational corporations.
• The effects of global economic sanctions on financial markets.
• The role of international financial institutions in economic development.
• Cross-border mergers and acquisitions: challenges and opportunities.
• The influence of geopolitical tensions on global financial stability.
• International tax planning and its implications for global investment.
• The future of international financial regulation in a post-Brexit Europe.
• The impact of emerging markets on global finance.
• Foreign direct investment trends and their economic impacts.
• The role of sovereign wealth funds in international finance.
• The challenges of implementing international accounting standards.
• The impact of international remittances on developing economies.
• The role of digital currencies in reshaping international finance.
• The effects of protectionist trade policies on global finance.
• International financial market trends and their implications for investors.
• The role of expatriate remittances in national economic stability.
• The impact of international trade agreements on financial services.
• Global risk management strategies in the finance sector.
• The role of green finance in promoting sustainable development.
• The impact of international environmental policies on financial strategies.
• The future of global banking in the context of rising nationalism.
• The role of international finance in disaster recovery and resilience.
• The influence of international finance on poverty reduction strategies.
• Strategies for financing international healthcare initiatives.
• The evolving role of Islamic finance in the global market.
• The impact of fintech on international banking and finance.
• Challenges in financing international infrastructure projects.
• The role of international finance in climate change mitigation.
• Ethical considerations in international finance: fostering global financial integrity.

14. Investment Thesis Topics

• The role of ESG criteria in investment decision-making.
• The impact of technological innovation on investment strategies.
• Market reaction to unexpected global events and its effect on investment portfolios.
• Behavioral biases in investment: a study of market anomalies.
• The future of real estate investment in a fluctuating economic landscape.
• The role of quantitative analysis in portfolio management.
• The impact of demographic changes on investment trends.
• Strategies for sustainable and responsible investing.
• The influence of regulatory changes on investment strategies.
• The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing investment decisions.
• Cryptocurrency investment: risks and opportunities.
• The impact of global trade tensions on investment strategies.
• Investment strategies for low interest rate environments.
• The role of crowdfunding in the investment landscape.
• The impact of social media on investor sentiment and stock prices.
• The effectiveness of passive versus active investment strategies.
• The role of venture capital in driving technological innovation.
• The future of bond markets in a changing economic context.
• The role of international investments in diversifying portfolios.
• Impact of inflation expectations on investment decisions.
• The evolving landscape of commodity investments.
• Investment opportunities in emerging markets.
• The impact of fiscal policy changes on investment strategies.
• The role of hedge funds in the current financial market.
• The influence of central bank policies on investment strategies.
• The role of pension funds in the global investment market.
• Ethical investing: balancing profit and principles.
• The future of investments in renewable energy.
• The impact of political stability on foreign investments.
• The role of technology in asset management and valuation.

15. Management Accounting Thesis Topics

• The role of management accounting in strategic decision-making.
• Cost management strategies in the era of global supply chain disruptions.
• The impact of digital transformation on management accounting practices.
• The role of management accounting in environmental sustainability.
• Performance measurement and management in diverse organizational settings.
• Risk management strategies in management accounting.
• The evolving role of management accountants in corporate governance.
• The impact of regulatory changes on management accounting.
• The role of management accounting in healthcare cost containment.
• The influence of management accounting on operational efficiency.
• Management accounting practices in nonprofit organizations.
• The role of cost analysis in pricing strategies.
• The impact of technological advancements on budgeting and forecasting.
• The effectiveness of management accounting tools in project management.
• The role of management accounting in mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact of cultural differences on management accounting systems.
• The role of management accounting in enhancing business resilience.
• The influence of management accounting on business model innovation.
• Management accounting in the digital economy: challenges and opportunities.
• Strategic cost management for competitive advantage.
• The role of management accounting in supply chain optimization.
• The future of management accounting in the context of AI and automation.
• The impact of financial technology on management accounting.
• The role of management accounting in crisis management and recovery.
• Performance metrics and their impact on organizational success.
• The role of management accounting in supporting sustainable practices.
• The impact of global economic conditions on management accounting.
• The role of predictive analytics in management accounting.
• The effectiveness of internal controls in management accounting.
• The role of management accounting in international business expansion.

16. Personal Finance Thesis Topics

• The impact of financial technology on personal savings strategies.
• Behavioral insights into personal debt management.
• The role of personal finance education in shaping financial literacy.
• The influence of economic downturns on personal investment choices.
• Retirement planning: trends and strategies in the current economic climate.
• The effectiveness of digital tools in personal budgeting and financial planning.
• Analyzing the gender gap in personal finance management.
• The impact of cultural factors on personal saving and spending habits.
• Personal finance challenges for the gig economy workers.
• The role of personal finance in achieving long-term financial security.
• Cryptocurrency as a personal investment: risks and rewards.
• The impact of peer-to-peer lending platforms on personal finance.
• The influence of social media on personal financial decisions.
• Ethical considerations in personal financial advice.
• The evolution of consumer credit markets and its impact on personal finance.
• Strategies for managing personal financial risk.
• The role of emergency funds in personal financial planning.
• The impact of student loans on financial planning for millennials.
• Personal finance strategies for different life stages.
• The effect of inflation on personal savings and investment strategies.
• The future of personal finance in the age of AI and automation.
• The role of insurance in personal financial planning.
• The impact of tax laws changes on personal finance strategies.
• The psychology of spending: understanding consumer behavior.
• Personal financial planning for expatriates: strategies and challenges.
• The role of estate planning in personal finance.
• Impact of healthcare costs on personal financial stability.
• The role of financial advisors in the era of self-directed financial planning.
• Financial planning for sustainable living: integrating environmental considerations.
• The challenges and opportunities in personal wealth building.

17. Public Finance Thesis Topics

• The role of public finance in addressing income inequality.
• Fiscal policies for sustainable economic growth.
• The impact of taxation on small businesses.
• Public finance management in times of economic crisis.
• The role of government spending in stimulating economic development.
• Strategies for managing national debt.
• The effectiveness of public welfare programs.
• The challenges of healthcare financing in public sectors.
• The impact of international aid on public finance.
• Public finance strategies for environmental conservation.
• The role of public finance in urban development.
• Tax evasion and its implications for public finance.
• The impact of public finance on education quality and access.
• Financing public infrastructure: challenges and solutions.
• The role of public finance in disaster management.
• The effectiveness of fiscal decentralization.
• Public finance reforms and their impact on service delivery.
• The challenges of pension financing in the public sector.
• The impact of political stability on public financial management.
• Public-private partnerships: financial implications and models.
• The role of transparency in public finance.
• The impact of corruption on public financial management.
• Financing renewable energy projects through public funds.
• The role of public finance in health care reform.
• The effectiveness of government subsidies in promoting economic sectors.
• The challenges of financing sustainable transportation systems.
• The impact of demographic changes on public finance.
• The role of digital technologies in improving public finance management.
• The global trends in public finance and their implications for domestic policy.
• The impact of climate change on public financial strategies.

18. Quantitative Finance Thesis Topics

• The application of machine learning algorithms in predicting stock market trends.
• The role of quantitative methods in risk management.
• Developing advanced models for credit risk assessment.
• The impact of high-frequency trading on market stability.
• The use of big data analytics in portfolio management.
• Quantitative approaches to asset pricing in volatile markets.
• The effectiveness of quantitative strategies in hedge funds.
• The role of algorithmic trading in enhancing market efficiency.
• Quantitative models for predicting bond market movements.
• The impact of quantitative finance on regulatory compliance.
• The application of blockchain technology in quantitative finance.
• The challenges of quantitative finance in cryptocurrency markets.
• The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in quantitative analysis.
• The role of quantitative finance in private equity valuations.
• Developing quantitative approaches for derivatives pricing.
• The impact of quantitative finance techniques on financial advising.
• Quantitative methods for assessing market liquidity.
• The role of sentiment analysis in quantitative finance.
• Quantitative trading strategies for commodities markets.
• The application of game theory in financial strategy.
• Quantitative finance and its role in insurance underwriting.
• The impact of geopolitical events on quantitative financial models.
• The use of quantitative finance in forecasting economic downturns.
• Machine learning models for real estate investment analysis.
• Quantitative finance techniques in sports betting markets.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on financial market predictions.
• Quantitative methods for managing currency exchange risks.
• The role of quantitative finance in managing pension fund assets.
• The effectiveness of quantitative models in emerging financial markets.
• The future of quantitative finance in a globally interconnected economy.

19. Risk Management Thesis Topics

• The role of risk management in enhancing corporate resilience.
• Cybersecurity risks in financial institutions: management strategies.
• The impact of climate change on risk management in insurance.
• Risk management techniques in the fintech sector.
• The effectiveness of enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks.
• Risk management in global supply chains.
• The role of risk management in sustainable business practices.
• Financial risks associated with political instability.
• The challenges of operational risk management in complex organizations.
• Risk management strategies for digital transformation projects.
• The impact of regulatory changes on risk management practices.
• Risk assessment techniques for investment in volatile markets.
• The role of data analytics in risk identification and mitigation.
• Risk management considerations in mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact of reputation risk on corporate strategy.
• Risk management in the healthcare industry.
• The challenges of risk management in the energy sector.
• The role of risk management in nonprofit organizations.
• Implementing risk management in public sector entities.
• The future of risk management in the context of AI advancements.
• Credit risk management in banking post-global financial crisis.
• Risk management strategies for emerging technologies.
• The role of psychological factors in risk management decision-making.
• Legal risks in international business operations.
• The impact of cultural differences on risk management strategies.
• Environmental risk management and corporate responsibility.
• Risk management techniques for protecting intellectual property.
• The role of insurance in comprehensive risk management.
• The challenges of liquidity risk management in financial markets.
• The future of risk management education and training.

20. Taxation Thesis Topics

• The impact of digital economy on global taxation frameworks.
• Tax policy as a tool for economic recovery post-pandemic.
• The effectiveness of tax incentives in promoting renewable energy investments.
• The role of taxation in addressing wealth inequality.
• International tax competition and its implications for global economic stability.
• The challenges of implementing value-added tax (VAT) in developing countries.
• Tax evasion and its impact on national economies.
• The role of tax policy in encouraging corporate social responsibility.
• The impact of tax reforms on small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Comparative analysis of progressive versus flat tax systems.
• The effectiveness of digital services taxes in the global economy.
• The role of taxation in sustainable development goals.
• Taxation strategies for digital currencies and blockchain transactions.
• The impact of tax policies on consumer behavior.
• The role of taxation in healthcare financing.
• Tax compliance challenges in the gig economy.
• The implications of tax havens on international relations.
• The role of automated systems in improving tax collection efficiency.
• Taxation and its impact on foreign direct investment flows.
• The future of estate taxes and their role in wealth distribution.
• Taxation of e-commerce transactions.
• The impact of international tax treaties on cross-border investments.
• The role of taxation in the informal economy.
• The challenges of carbon taxes in combating climate change.
• The role of tax audits in enhancing fiscal transparency.
• The impact of tax policies on retirement planning.
• Taxation challenges in the pharmaceutical industry.
• The role of taxation in funding public education.
• The impact of taxation on agricultural development.
• The future of consumption taxes in an increasingly digital world.

This comprehensive list of accounting and finance thesis topics has been curated to reflect the latest challenges and emerging trends within the field. Whether you are exploring traditional areas like taxation and corporate finance or delving into the evolving realms of fintech and international finance, these topics are designed to provide a robust foundation for your thesis research. Each category is intended to spark innovative thinking and encourage a deep exploration of issues that are pivotal to the current and future landscape of accounting and finance. By selecting a topic from this extensive collection, students can ensure their research is relevant, timely, and contributes meaningfully to their academic and professional growth in the field of accounting and finance.

The Range of Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

Accounting and finance stand as critical pillars in the modern economic and corporate world, guiding everything from daily business operations to global financial strategies. The study of these disciplines is not just about learning to balance books or manage corporate assets; it’s about understanding the forces that drive economic activities and shape financial landscapes. Research in accounting and finance is paramount as it provides the empirical evidence needed to develop robust financial models, innovative management practices, and effective regulatory policies. The relevance of accounting and finance thesis topics is thus foundational to nurturing informed, adept professionals capable of navigating the complexities of financial markets and addressing the challenges of economic flux.

Current Issues in Accounting and Finance

• Globalization and Regulatory Complexity : As businesses operate across borders, the complexity of regulatory compliance increases. Researchers are tasked with exploring the implications of global regulatory frameworks and their synchronization, or lack thereof, which affects multinational corporations and global financial stability.
• Technological Disruptions : The rapid integration of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning in financial operations presents both opportunities and challenges. Studies focus on their impacts on financial privacy, security, and new types of financial crime, as well as their potential to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Ethical and Sustainability Challenges : With rising concerns over corporate responsibility and sustainable development, research is increasingly focusing on how financial practices can be aligned with ethical standards and sustainability goals. This includes studies on green financing, ethical investing, and the financial implications of corporate sustainability initiatives.

Recent Trends in Accounting and Finance

• Automation and Data Analytics : The adoption of advanced data analytics and automation tools is transforming traditional accounting tasks. Research topics explore the impact of these technologies on workflow efficiencies, data accuracy, and strategic decision-making within financial departments.
• Sustainable Finance : As the demand for environmentally and socially responsible investment options grows, there is an increasing focus on how financial markets can support ESG principles. Researchers examine the integration of sustainability into financial analysis and decision-making processes.
• Fintech Innovations : The emergence of fintech and its components like mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending, and cryptocurrencies are reshaping the financial services industry. Theses may focus on the regulatory challenges, market dynamics, and consumer behavior influenced by these innovations.

Future Directions in Accounting and Finance

• Digital Transformation : Future research will likely delve deeper into the consequences and potentials of continued digital transformation in finance, such as the widespread adoption of internet of things (IoT) technologies and further advancements in AI for automated trading and personal finance management.
• Predictive Finance and AI : With AI’s increasing capability to predict financial outcomes, future topics could include the development of AI-driven models for credit scoring, risk management, and investment strategies, emphasizing their accuracy, ethical considerations, and regulatory needs.
• Sustainability and Finance : An emerging research frontier is the intersection of finance with global sustainability challenges. Potential topics include the financing of climate change initiatives, the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainable practices, and the creation of innovative financial products that support sustainable economic growth.

The breadth of accounting and finance thesis topics is indicative of the field’s extensive scope and its significant impact on societal and economic frameworks. Continued research is essential for advancing theoretical foundations and developing practical applications that address both current challenges and future opportunities. This ongoing academic inquiry is crucial for fostering a financial landscape that is not only robust and dynamic but also ethical and sustainable, ensuring that the field of accounting and finance remains at the forefront of economic innovation and societal advancement.

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Accounting ph.d., earn a ph.d. in business and a major concentration in accounting and learn the essentials in theory, research methods and contemporary accounting issues.

Accounting Research involves the systematic and scientific study of accounting systems, institutions, standards and regulations for the purpose of understanding and characterizing their decision-facilitating and decision-influencing roles within organizations, in product and capital markets, and across economies. For instance, financial reporting systems play many roles in publicly held organizations characterized by separation of ownership from control. They help investors in valuing their claims to firms in financial markets (valuation role), are essential for corporate control and managerial performance evaluation (auditing, governance and stewardship roles), and impact how firms allocate their resources and make financial decisions (real effects). In a similar vein, management accounting systems facilitate planning and control within organizations. Often, these many roles of accounting information interact, posing challenges for system designers, policy makers, and standard setters.

The main goal of the accounting doctoral program is to train students to do high-quality research, and become influential scholars in top academic institutions. The accounting group has world-class senior faculty and young, talented scholars with considerable expertise in the above topics and a vibrant research environment. In addition, the program leverages the resources and excellence of Rice University in related fields such as finance, economics and statistics. Students will be required to take courses in economics, statistics, econometrics, finance, and a rigorous set of cutting-edge research seminars covering the essentials in theory, research methods, and contemporary accounting issues.

Program features:

• World-class faculty
• Engaging research environment
• Highly competitive financial package
• Resources of a premier research university
• Personal attention and mentoring in the Rice tradition

Interested in Rice Business?

Program information.

Rice Business offers an outstanding program for doctoral students interested in accounting.

Overview of Accounting Ph.D. Seminar Series

Introduction to Accounting Research The course offers a thorough and broad-ranging introduction to accounting theory and research. It covers origins and evolution of key relevant accounting institutions, thought, paradigms and methods.

Analytical Research The course provides a thorough and comprehensive introduction into the key economic theories underlying a significant part of contemporary cutting edge accounting research. The course is designed to be sufficiently deep to support both students intent on pursuing analytical research and at the same time broad enough that students with an empirical orientation will gain a solid foundation.

Empirical Research in Accounting The course provides a thorough and comprehensive synthesis of empirical accounting research, covering the key “classic” papers in the major research areas, methodological issues and emerging areas within empirical accounting research.

Advanced Contemporary Accounting Research The course provides a more advanced treatment of cutting edge, predominantly empirical accounting research. Accordingly, the course content is expected to change frequently to reflect the current state of accounting research.

For doctoral students who have chosen accounting as their area, the Ph.D. degree requirements are as follows.

• Students must complete a review course in Quantitative Methods in the summer before the beginning of the first semester.
• During the  first two years of the program, students must take a minimum of three doctoral-level courses per semester and preferably four courses in total per semester. The chosen courses must be approved by the area PhD  advisor.
• The student is expected to attend at least four doctoral seminars organized in the accounting area during the student’s first two years in the Ph.D. program and additional accounting doctoral seminars as required by the student’s advisor. The student may attend the same seminar more than once upon approval by the area PhD advisor or a faculty mentor/advisor.
• The student is expected to attend all research workshops (presentations of faculty members from other business schools that visit JGSB to present their research or internal presentations by JGSB faculty or Ph.D. students) organized in the accounting area during the student’s tenure in the Ph.D. program. The student must lead a discussion preceding the workshop with the other Ph.D. students each semester. Ph.D. students will designate a senior Ph.D. student to keep track of this requirement and provide a report to the area faculty advisor at the end of the spring semester.
• The firs-year summer research work should involve a replication of analysis of a published/working paper with an extension in the area of the student’s interest. The summer study/paper must be presented to accounting faculty at a research workshop no later than September 30th in the fall semester of the second academic year. The content and format of this presentation will be determined by the student’s faculty mentor/summer research advisor. A failure to meet this deadline may result in the student being put on probation.  
• The second-year summer research must result in a working paper (with at least preliminary results), which must be presented to accounting faculty at a research workshop no later than November 30th in the Fall semester of the third academic year. Although we encourage solo-authored study, this summer research could be joint work with the faculty mentor/faculty advisor, but the student is expected to take the lead. A failure to meet this deadline may result in the student being put on probation.  
• Students must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the accounting faculty at the end of the second year. Only students not on probation and with a satisfactory annual evaluation are eligible to take the comprehensive exam. The exam will be jointly administered and graded by accounting faculty, under the supervision of the accounting area advisor. The exam is focused on the coursework taken in accounting and topics covered in research workshops offered by the accounting area. A successful performance in the exam will demonstrate the student’s competency in accounting and provide the foundation from which he or she begins the research that will form the basis of the dissertation.
• Students are expected to constitute their dissertation committee by the beginning of their fourth year in the program.
• During the dissertation phase (post successfully completing the comprehensive exam), students are strongly encouraged to take one course every semester (from the first semester of the third year to the second semester of the fourth year) to advance their skills and knowledge in tools, techniques, and topics relevant to their area of interest/dissertation topic. Students are expected to select these courses in consultation with the area PhD advisor or faculty/dissertation advisor.
• Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation “pre-proposal” by the end of the Fall semester of their fourth year to their dissertation committees. The pre-proposal is expected to lay out the main thesis topic, methodology, discussion of the relevant literature, and preliminary analysis.
• Students are expected to successfully defend their full dissertation proposal by the end of the fourth year.
• Students are expected to complete and defend dissertation within a maximum of 7 years from time of matriculation.

Summer before the beginning of first semester

Quantitative Methods Review

Year 1 (Fall)

ECON 501Microeconomic Theory I ECON 510 Econometrics I BUSI 530Introduction to Accounting Research Workshop in Statistical Computing and Research Elective

Year 1 (Spring)

ECON 508 Microeconomics II BUSI 532Analytical Research in Accounting BUSI 533 Contemporary Accounting Research Topics Workshop in Statistical Computing and Research Elective

Year 2 (Fall)

BUSI 531 Empirical Methods in Accounting BUSI 523Empirical Methods in Finance Elective Elective

Year 2 (Spring)

BUSI 532 Analytical Research in Accounting (suggested retake) BUSI 533 Contemporary Accounting Research Topics (suggested retake) Elective Elective

Doctoral students may continue taking graduate-level accounting courses beyond their second year as well. Examples of elective courses are:

General: ECON 435: Industrial Organization ECON 511: Econometrics II ECON 514 Industrial Organization and Control ECON 517 Empirical Industrial Organization

Analytical Track: BUSI 510 Analytical Models in Marketing ECON 502 Macroeconomics ECON 505 Financial Economics ECON 509 Topics in Microeconomics ECON 575 Topics in Financial Economics MATH 321 Introduction to Analysis I MATH 515 Integration Theory STAT 581 Mathematical Probability STAT 552 Applied Stochastic Processes

Empirical Track: BUSI 522 Corporate Finance BUSI 511 Select Topics in Marketing BUSI 524 Finance Special Topics BUSI 527 Finance Special Topics ECON 309 Applied Econometrics ECON 578 Topics in Econometrics I ECON 579 Topics in Econometrics II: Time Series Analysis STAT 519 Statistical Inference STAT 541 Multivariate Analysis

• Xiao Liu, Southern Methodist University
• Daniela De la Parra Hurtado, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Seung Yeol Lee, Southern Denmark
• Rustam Zufarov, University of Illinois at Chicago
• Rafael Copat, University of Texas at Dallas
• Amoray Cragun, University of Chicago
• Gary Lind, University of Pittsburgh
• Maclean Gaulin, University of Utah
• Jonathan Bonham, University of Chicago

Accounting Area Advisor

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Melinda Peña

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Pursuing a Ph.D. in Accounting: Walking in With Your Eyes Open

Here's how the doctoral track looks through the eyes of one student..

• Professional Development

After teaching mathematics for a number of years, I was contemplating a change in careers. After researching possible career choices, I took an accounting night class at a local university. I enjoyed the logic and structure of the class and quickly decided this was my niche. Next, I set my sights on a master’s of accountancy degree (MAcc). The plan was simple: finish my MAcc in one year, take the CPA exam immediately and find an accounting position, which I knew would likely be readily available.

But something unexpected happened. Three of my professors, seemingly simultaneously and independently, suggested that I change course and pursue a Ph.D. in accounting. They explained the great need at the university level for accounting professors, and they believed my GMAT scores, classroom ability and other skills would be attractive. After talking to my professors privately and asking some initial questions, I researched universities and programs. I learned much about how accounting Ph.D. programs are alike and much more about their differences. I decided on the University of Kentucky.

UK was one of the few programs that was willing to entertain the possibility of a student earning a degree in four years. Many other program directors told me at least five years would be necessary, some more. My interview at UK also revealed a collegial atmosphere between students and professors. Students were treated as equals in many respects. I don’t believe this is common at many other universities, based upon my conversations with professors and Ph.D. students. UK faculty have a wide variety of research interests and are all tenured (save one). The resulting stability in staff and variety of research meant that I would not be pigeonholed into a specific research area, nor would it be likely that my dissertation chair would leave in the middle of my program (see “Faculty Stability” below).

WHY STUDENTS ENTER ACCOUNTING PH.D. PROGRAMS

Studies show that, like me, students choose a particular Ph.D. program for a variety of reasons, many of which are not directly tied to the prestige of the university. According to Supply and Demand for Accounting Ph.D.s (American Accounting Association, 2005) , the top six reasons students enter Ph.D. programs are, in order, personal growth and development, intellectual challenge, teaching, work/family balance, academic research and earnings potential. In my opinion, the first three reasons can be lumped together in the category of “I really like school.” Students who enjoyed their undergraduate and master’s-level courses want to learn (personal growth and development). They enjoy hard work (intellectual challenge—many accounting courses are notoriously difficult). These students like the idea of someday teaching at the college level. They like the environment and find the idea of working there attractive.

Potential earnings as a factor may seem confusing, since salaries in many segments of the accounting profession are higher than those in accounting education. However, salaries for accounting professors have grown rapidly over the past few years. In fact, the American Accounting Association’s 2008 report, Accounting Faculty in U.S. Colleges and Universities , indicates the average salary in 2004 (the most recent year included) for professors under the age of 45 ($101,000) was higher than the average salary of accounting professors over that age ($81,000), suggesting that salaries have been on the rise. In 1993, the average salary for professors under age 45 was just over $61,000 (all figures adjusted to current dollars).

The demand for accounting professors (and the expected increase in demand cited earlier) makes the market attractive, not only because of the increase in salaries but also because of the increase in job openings (see “A Profession’s Response to a Looming Shortage: Closing the Gap in the Supply of Accounting Faculty,” JofA , March 09) . The Accounting Faculty report cited above estimated 140 new Ph.D.s are being produced each year, while about 500 professors retire. More available jobs means candidates have more control over location factors (region of the country, size of the city, climate, etc.). Assuming the candidate can meet the research requirements and obtain tenure, the stability of employment can make for an attractive combination of a nice place to work and live. These factors, combined with time and autonomy factors, make the accounting Ph.D. an attractive option.

Of course, there is a cost to getting a Ph.D. Students entering a program are sacrificing their earnings potential for the next four or five years. The amount and complexity of the work can cause significant stress. Almost all Ph.D. students I have spoken to have mentioned at some point their stress in surviving the program, fear of failure or frustrations. On the bright side, most Ph.D. programs do not charge students tuition. In fact, most students received stipends or fellowships to give them a (very) modest income.

One key response students gave as to why they wanted to enter an accounting Ph.D. program was also my primary reason: work/life balance. Working as an accounting professor offers flexibility in hours and independence, both in the classroom and in research choices. Although new accounting professors will spend a great deal of time working on research projects, developing and teaching classes and learning the university system (committee work, politics, etc.), the flexibility in when those hours are spent allows an accounting professor a great deal of latitude in determining a schedule for a given day.

RESEARCH EMPHASIS A SUPRISE

I suspect, however, that the remaining survey response, academic research, may not in reality match survey respondents’ ideas. As I studied course catalogs and questioned professors, I quickly discovered a feature the programs shared that I hadn’t expected. A Ph.D. in accounting differs from a B.S. or MAcc degree in subject matter. The Ph.D. coursework does not address accounting fundamentals (financial statements, debits/credits, GAAP, etc.). Rather, the curriculum generally focuses on research about accounting, usually from either or both of two perspectives commonly known as archival and behavioral. The reason is that when research institutions (universities that have accounting Ph.D. programs) look to hire new faculty, they are overwhelmingly interested in candidates’ research—publications, working papers (papers that are in rough draft form and that the student is hoping to publish soon), or dissertation work, depending on the candidate’s experience level.

TYPICAL ACCOUNTING PH.D. PROGRAM

A typical accounting program consists of two years of coursework, qualifying or comprehensive exams (both written and oral) and a dissertation. however, some schools may want you to take three years of coursework. the dissertation phase can also take three to four years or more at some schools. the length of time depends on the faculty’s view of the dissertation phase, your individual dissertation committee, your ability to come up with a high-quality topic, and your persistence and dedication to finishing..

Your coursework will be determined by the type of accounting research you plan to do in your career (at least initially). Many entering Ph.D. students may be unsure of what accounting research is, much less of the type of research they eventually want to do.

Typically, students take three accounting research seminars, each focused on expanding the student’s understanding of accounting research and preparing the student to conduct independent research. Two independent projects (first- and second-year papers) precede the student’s dissertation work. Ideally, the student will research an area of accounting with a research question in mind, developing a review of the existing literature and a research hypothesis for the first-year paper. In the second-year paper, the student carries out the proposed study from the first-year paper and reports the results.

Outside the three required seminars, students’ coursework will be determined by their research interests. Here are a few typical courses that doctoral students may take:

• Introduction to econometrics . A comprehensive survey of the general linear regression, autocorrelation, errors in variables and distributed lag models.  
• Seminar in financial theory . Primary emphasis is on the theory of financial asset valuation. Topics include utility theory, investor reaction to uncertainty, and cost-of-capital theory.
• Cognitive psychology . An intensive examination of theoretical and empirical evidence concerning mental processes in the adult human, including memory, language and problem solving.
• Regression and correlation . Simple linear regression, elementary matrix algebra, multiple regression, analysis of variance, stepwise regression and partial/multiple correlation are among the topics covered.

TWO PATHS TO A PH.D.

The archival path is the more popular, judging by the number of articles published in top accounting journals. Archival courses (so-called because the data for these studies have been archived, as in stock prices) are primarily based in economics and finance. A strong background in mathematics is necessary for this path. The behavioral path is based primarily in psychology. Students on this track study how and why people make decisions, as well as other psychology-based topics.

Before formally applying to a school, understand what type of program the school offers. Some schools are primarily archival-based, others are primarily behavioral, and some are a mix of both. Most incoming students base their choice on whether they believe they can succeed in the archival coursework, which is heavy on math theory, advanced calculus, finance and economics.

Many schools state that they offer both types of programs, when in reality they may have eight to 10 professors who do work in one style and only one or two professors who do work in the other. When you speak to people at individual schools, therefore, be sure to ask about specific numbers of professors in different areas, or look it up for yourself.

Another consideration is which academic area of accounting (audit, tax, financial accounting, etc.) interests you. Most of these areas can be studied from an archival or behavioral point of view, but not every school has professors who do research in each of these areas. You may be interested in tax, for instance, and the school to which you are applying may have high-quality tax professors. However, if you are interested in behavioral tax research and all of the tax professors at that school do archival-based tax research, the school may not be a good fit for you.

FACULTY STABILITY

Another variable is the stability of the faculty. If you are applying to a school with only one tax professor who is active in research and that professor were to leave (either through not getting tenure, taking a position at another university or retirement) before you graduate, it could throw a major wrench into your plans. Therefore, it is wise to consider not only the number of professors in your area, but also how long they have been there, whether they are tenured and, if ascertainable, the chance that they will remain for your entire time there. I originally applied to a different university, but after talking with a few people, I withdrew my application. There were only two active researchers at this school. The word was that one was looking to leave and that if he did, the other would probably leave, too. I did not want to contend with this uncertainty during the next four to five years.

THE JOURNEY THUS FAR

The decision to pursue a doctorate in accounting is a dramatic life change, especially if you have been working in a nonacademic career for a number of years. A return to school can be daunting, especially if you must recall information from your undergraduate and graduate coursework you have long forgotten. However, I am confident the benefits at the end of the journey will more than make up for any discomfort experienced along the way. As a veteran researcher advised me, doctoral school will definitely change you. Some of the changes you will like, and others you may not. As I close in on the midpoint of my program, I can say that so far I have been fortunate to experience the former without the latter. v

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Jason Bergner is a Ph.D. candidate in the Von Allmen School of Accountancy at the University of Kentucky. His e-mail address is [email protected] .

JofA articles

• “ A Profession’s Response to a Looming Shortage: Closing the Gap in the Supply of Accounting Faculty ,” March 09
• “ Teaching for the Love of It ,” June 06
• “ The Practitioner-Professor Link ,” June 05

Accounting Faculty

• Supply and Demand for Accounting Ph.D.s , http://aaahq.org/about/reports/FINAL_PhD_Report.pdf
• Accounting Faculty in U.S. Colleges and Universities: Status and Trends, 1993–2004 , http://aaahq.org/aplg/seminars/2008/DavidLeslie.ppt

Academic and Professional Accounting Associations

The American Accounting Association, http://aaahq.org

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150 Original Accounting Research Paper Topics

Our academic experts understand how hard it can be to come up with original accounting research paper topics for assignments. Students are often dealing with multiple responsibilities and trying to balance numerous deadlines. Searching the web or class notes takes up a lot of time. Therefore, we have put together our list of 150 accounting research topics that students can choose from or gather inspiration from.

Managerial Accounting Topics for College Students

This area of study has tremendous upside as more businesses rely on managerial accountants to bring innovative changes to their organizations. Here is a list of topics for research paper in this area:

• Differences between financial accounting and managerial accounting.
• Managerial accounting in the 21 st century.
• The impact of managerial accounting in big businesses.
• The major components of activity-based costing.
• How managerial accounting affects international finance.
• The impact managerial accounting has on human resources.
• The major components of capital budgeting.
• How managerial accounting affects internal business decisions.
• Effective ways of adopting managerial accounting into small businesses.
• Differences between variable costing and absorption costing.

Accounting Blog Topics for Today’s Generation

The following collection can be considered accounting hot topics because they deal with the issues that are most important to today’s generation of accountants that utilize advanced software to keep businesses successful:

• Cost of manufacturing goods overseas.
• The cost of instituting anti-harassment programs.
• Inventory and cost of products sold in the U.S.
• Reinventing accounts payable processes.
• Using best practices to boost the bottom line.
• The cost of keeping human resources on staff.
• Simplifying procedures in accounts payable.
• The cost of updating internal systems with technology.
• The cost-effectiveness of employee training.
• Working capital increasing in large companies.

Advanced Accounting Topics

As students advance academically, they may want to consider these topics for research paper to earn higher scores in their classes. Here are some suggestions:

• How to run an efficient large accounting department.
• Red flags in outdated accounting processes.
• Identifying unconventional processes in payment processes.
• Utilizing paperless processes in small businesses.
• Applying EDP to accounts payable processes.
• The benefits of automating payables and receivables.
• Outsourcing procurement processes to save money.
• Automation to handle repetitive processes.
• The need for diversifying skills in accounting.
• The ways time affects seasonal cash flow.

Controversial Accounting Topics

Many accounting topics for research papers need to draw a reader’s attention right from the start. This list of topics is controversial and should accomplish just that:

• The impact the Jobs Act will have on large businesses.
• The positive effects tax cuts will have on small business.
• The risks of offshore accounting on U.S. businesses.
• The need to update software each year to avoid accounting problems.
• How small businesses are falling behind in accounting practices.
• The impact bonus depreciation allows businesses.
• Applying to government relief programs.
• Describe the role the internet has on accounting.
• The trustworthiness of online accounting programs.
• The negatives of auditing collusion.

Intermediate Accounting Topics

These accounting paper topics are meant for students that have acquired skills in writing but may not have developed the skills needed to write a top-notch paper quite yet. They should be easy to research given a proper planning period:

• Discuss why companies need to incorporate automated processes.
• The problems with ethics in accounting practices.
• Technology advancements that improve accounting accuracy.
• The problem with accuracy in decade-old software.
• Explain the best way to help accountants work manually.
• Describe the historical prospect of best accounting practices.
• The most effective way to become a certified accountant.
• Compare accounting systems that improve processes.
• The quick flow of data and the value on today’s accountants.
• The negatives that come from relying on accounting software.

Interesting Accounting Topics

Sometimes you need to consider accounting project topics that would be great for numerous situations. You may need to present before a class or write a paper for a discussion panel. These ideas may suit your needs:

• Explain the concept of accounting theory to practice.
• The theories behind normative accounting practices.
• The effect theories in accounting have on businesses.
• Challenges of taking theory to practice.
• The major changes in accounting practices over the last 25 years.
• The impact the internet has had on accounting ethics.
• Accounting practices in the 21 st century.
• The challenges of accounting technologies on fast-growing companies.
• The dangers the internet poses toward ethical accounting.
• Describe the difficulties that come from putting theories into practice.

Accounting Projects Topics for a Short Project

Some cost accounting topics are worthy of an audience but need to be completed within a tight deadline. These project ideas are easy to research and can be completed within one week:

• Use of efficient accounting software in tax season.
• Applicable Professional and Legal Standards.
• The difficulties in using offshore accounting.
• The most effective way of managing earnings.
• The development of cash flow in the United Kingdom.
• The development of cash flow in the United States.
• The best way to manage personal finances.
• The effect financial markets have on personal spending.
• Debt management in large corporations.
• Accounting challenges during the pandemic.

Forensic Accounting Research Topics

This is another area of accounting that has a promising future for small to large businesses. Here are forensic accounting research paper topics you can use if you are interested in this booming segment:

• Methods for identifying instances of money laundering.
• The government’s right to search private accounts.
• The use of tax records to report possible crimes.
• Class action litigation cases in the United States.
• Court use of forensic accounting in criminal cases.
• Forensic accounting to develop better anti-fraud programs.
• A company’s reliance on forensic accounting to prevent theft.
• Establishing controls in emerging international markets.
• Forensic accountants and their role in court proceedings.
• Natural disaster and loss quantification practices.

Accounting Theory Topics for College

Good accounting thesis topics should mirror personally important issues. Essay ideas should reflect the things you want to learn more about and explore in-depth. Here is a list that may pique your interest:

• Impact of accounting research on financial practices.
• Scientific research studies in modern economies.
• Modern accounting concepts and applications.
• The change in accounting practices over the last two decades.
• Describe the components of Positive Theory.
• Marketplace discipline across major industries.
• Major accounting theories and techniques in big businesses.
• The use of technology to reduce accounting costs.
• Technology theory in the use of modern accounting.
• Risk management and the most effective theories.

Accounting Dissertation Topics for Grad Students

The following topic ideas delve into some serious issues in accounting and are much more difficult to handle. These should be approached with the utmost academic determination to earn a master’s or a Ph.D.:

• Compare accounting software versus manual accounting.
• Tax management procedures in the 21 st century.
• The risks of updated technology in small companies.
• The costs associated with broader health care in the workplace.
• The history of accounting in the 20 th century.
• The best method of managing debts without difficulties.
• Accounting problems caused by online transactions.
• Cryptocurrency and its impact on modern accounting practices.
• Forecasting jobs in the field of accounting.
• The danger technology poses to the accounting industry.

Current Accounting Topics for College

If you don’t have enough time to research current topics in accounting, these ideas will help you save time. There are plenty of online resources discussing current issues and you can also find information in the library:

• Compare and contrast different cryptocurrencies.
• The definition of a successful and modern business account.
• Non-profit organizations and tax reductions.
• Sports accounting in today’s world of social media.
• The financial benefits of having a second stream of revenue.
• Financial stock management of overall earnings.
• The relationship between corporate donations and accounting.
• Minimizing risks in big and small-sized businesses.
• The impact that tax deductions have on big businesses.
• Financial strategies to ensure employee retention.

Hot Topics in Accounting for a Graduate Level Course

These are the topics you should be considered for a graduate-level course if you want to make a great impression on the professor. Just be sure to do your due diligence and research your selected topic thoroughly:

• The instances of “cooking books” in the 21 st century.
• The best approach to update accounting systems.
• Fraud cases currently in the United States.
• The importance of forensic accountants in fraud cases.
• The reasons account reports have government regulations.
• The benefits of incorporating computerized accounting.
• The need for companies to make changes to accounting departments.
• Evolving accounting practices that reduce the risk of theft.
• The effects offshore gambling has had on accounting.
• Privacy protocols to keep accounting practices secret.

Financial Accounting Topics Being Discussed Today

Topics in accounting are rooted in financial processes that date back centuries. Yet, there are still many innovative ideas that drive business success. Consider these topics for an essay on issues that are current for today’s world:

• The evolution of accounting practices over the last century.
• The biggest ethical concerns about accounting.
• Minimizing taxes when you are a small company.
• Accounting software that will cut company costs.
• The best way to lower taxes through accounting practices.
• Describe the way managerial accounting is affected by international markets.
• Explain the major factors of management earnings.
• The most accurate way to figure out the estimated tax on a company’s earnings.
• The quickest way to become a certified accountant.
• Describe how culture influences accounting practices.

Accounting Information Systems Research

The next set of topics are great for anyone wanting to combine accounting with technology. We put together this set to generate interest in this area:

• The ways small businesses can benefit from advanced technologies.
• Describe how IT affects financial analysis for reporting.
• Explain how companies use AIS to collect and store data.
• Explain the 10 elements used to understand AIS.
• Rank the best accounting information systems.
• The future of AIS in small business financial practices.
• Explain how AIS eliminates the use of balance sheets.
• AIS technologies save money in large businesses.
• The future of AIS in small to mid-size businesses.
• Describe the role of AIS in modern business.

Accounting Presentation Topics for College

These presentation topics cover a wide range of areas that are perfect for diverse interests. At the college level, students must conduct a lot of academic research to guarantee they have all the most relevant information needed to present on a great topic:

• Describe how forensic accounting can reduce risk to small businesses.
• Describe the challenges value and cost that managers deal with.
• The biggest changes to accounting practices in the 21 st century.
• The benefits of having separate controlling accounts.
• The rapid flow of data and the importance of modern accountants.
• Describe how forensic accountants conduct their investigations.
• The most likely causes of financial instability in small businesses.
• Explain the factors one must consider before investing.
• Describe the differences between financial and management accounting.
• Describe the impact of new taxation policies on managerial accounting.

What do you think of our accounting research topics? These are available for free and can be shared with other students. If you need a custom list of accounting topics, our academic experts can take your assignment details and provide you with original and simple accounting research topics to facilitate your project and help you earn a top grade. We can also provide you with writing, editing, and proofreading services to ensure your assignment is error-free and gets you the highest score possible.

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PhD Course Descriptions

Acct9300 - empirical design in accounting research (course syllabus).

This is an empirical research design course covering topics related to empirical methodology, causal inference, econometric analysis, and panel data approaches. At least one graduate level course in econometrics is recommended.

ACCT9400 - Research in Accounting I (Course Syllabus)

This is Part I of a theoretical and empirical literature survey course covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency.

ACCT9410 - Research in Accounting II (Course Syllabus)

This is Part II of a theoretical and empirical literature survey sequence covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency. Please contact the accounting doctoral coordinator for information on the specific upcoming modules/topics that will be taught.

ACCT9420 - Research in Accounting III (Course Syllabus)

This is Part III of a theoretical and empirical literature survey sequence covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency. Please contact the accounting doctoral coordinator for information on the specific upcoming modules/topics that will be taught.

ACCT9430 - Research in Accounting IV (Course Syllabus)

This is Part IV of a theoretical and empirical literature survey sequence covering topics that include corporate disclosure, cost of capital, incentives, compensation, governance, financial intermediation, financial reporting, tax, agency theory, cost accounting, capital structure, international financial reporting, analysts, and market efficiency. Please contact the accounting doctoral coordinator for information on the specific upcoming modules/topics that will be taught.

ACCT9810 - Workshop Colloquium I (Course Syllabus)

Students attend workshops in departments outside of accounting to provide student exposure to theory, research designs and methods that are being explored outside of accounting to provide breadth of exposure to foster innovative research ideas. Students are required to attend 15 non-accounting workshops over one academic year and write up a referee report for 8 of those workshop papers. They are also required to write up at least one research proposal that stems from theories or research methods gleaned from one or more of the workshops attended.

ACCT9820 - Workshop Colloquium II (Course Syllabus)

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PhD in Accounting

Developing highly productive scholars and outstanding classroom teachers., audit research for last 6 years.

WORLDWIDE PHD PROGRAM RANKING (2022)

AIS Research For Last 6 Years

Accounting education research for last 6 years.

During the first two years of our program, you will explore both quantitative and qualitative methodology courses and take a series of core seminars in Financial Accounting, Auditing and Assurance, Managerial Control Systems, Judgment and Decision-Making. Students also take an Accounting Workshop which considers special topics in accounting research, and a specialized Independent Research Project course under the guidance of your faculty advisor. Upon completion of the coursework phase of the program and related comprehensive exams, students advance to the dissertation stage. Dissertation students enroll in a 9 credit Dissertation Course each semester until graduation. The PhD in Accounting can be completed in 4 or 5 years.

PhD in Accounting Curriculum - 42 Credits

PhD Courses:

• PhD 1640 -- Intro to Quant & Stats Workshop -  0 credits
• PACC 1604 -- Accounting Workshop Parts I-IV -  3 credits  
• PhD 1750 -- Independent Summer Research Project -  3 credits  
• PhD 1650 -- Teaching Workshop -  0 credits  

PhD Methods Courses:

• PhD 1502 -- Quantitative Analysis I -  3 credits    
• PhD 1504 -- Quantitative Analysis II -  3 credits  
• PhD 1506 -- Quantitative Research Methods I -  3 credits  
• PhD 1503 -- Qualitative Research Methods I -  3 credits  

Accounting PhD Courses:

• PACC 1607 -- Intro to Accounting Research -  3 credits
• PACC 1602 -- Auditing and Assurance -  3 credits    
• PACC 1605 -- Judgement and Decision-Making -  3 credits  
• PACC 1603 -- Managerial Control Systems -  3 credits  
• PACC 1601 -- Financial Accounting -  3 credits  

Elective Courses: 

• Two Methods Electives -  6 credits    
• Open Elective -  3 credits

Research topics for the PhD in Accounting include, but are not limited to, audit quality, management control, investor decision-making, accounting information systems, information technology controls, tax, and corporate governance.

Scholarship in the Department of Accounting has several areas of focus. Archival and database research, for example, uses existing corporate accounting information and/or stock market information to analyze corporate governance behavior or firm reaction to changes in the accounting environment or accounting rules. Behavioral research employs experiments and surveys to gather behavior data. A strong relationship between the department and the accounting profession has facilitated access to accounting professional research subjects not available to other institutions. Finally, faculty undertake Accounting pedagogical research that produces widely uses accounting cases and textbooks as well as articles reporting on curricular innovations at Bentley.

The Department of Accounting is nationally ranked in audit research and accounting education research as measured by the most recent Brigham Young University Accounting Research Ranking study. Department members publish in a variety of journals, including  Accounting Review,   Contemporary Accounting Research ,  Review of Financial Studies ,  Auditing :  A Journal of Practice and Theory, Accounting Horizons ,  Advances in Accounting Behavioral Research ,  Issues in Accounting Education ,  Current Issues in Auditing ,  Journal of Investigative and Forensic Accounting , and the  Managerial Auditing Journal . 

Collaborative Research Publications

A selection of published collaborative research between Bentley Accounting Faculty and PhD Students and Alumni:

Alberti, C.T., Bedard, J.C., Bik, O. and Vanstraelen, A. (2020). Audit Firm Culture: Recent Developments and Trends in the Literature. European Accounting Review, 1-51.

Andiola, L.M., Bedard, J.C. and Westermann, K.D. (2019). It’s not my fault! Insights into subordinate auditors’ attributions and emotions following audit review. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 38(1): 1-27.

Burke, J., Hoitash, R., Hoitash, U. and Xiao, S. (2021). The costs and benefits of retirement policies at U.S. audit firms, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy. 40 (4):1-21.

Burke, J.J., Hoitash, R. Hoitash, U. and Xiao, S. (2023). The disclosure and consequences of US critical audit matters. The Accounting Review, 98(2), 59-95.

Cannon, N.H ., Bedard, J.C. and Schnader, A. (2019). Auditor Reporting and Regulatory Sanctions in the Broker-Dealer Industry: From Self-Regulation to PCAOB Oversight. Contemporary Accounting Research, 36(4), 2554–2587.

Downey, D.H. and Bedard, J.C. (2019). Coordination and communication challenges in global group audits. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory 38(1): 123-147.

Durkin, M., Rose, J. and Thibodeau, J. (2020). Can Simple Metaphors Be Used as Decision Aids to Promote Professional Skepticism?, Journal of Information Systems, 34(1), 47-60.

Garrett, J.B., Hoitash, R. and Prawitt, D.F. (2022). Perceptions of Tone at the Top from the Inside: Insights into Audit Pricing. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 41(1): 115-141.

Garrett, J.B., Livingston, J.A., Tayler, W.B., Cade, N.L. and McVay, S.E. (2019). Controls and cooperation in interactive and non‐interactive settings. Contemporary Accounting Research, 36(4), 2494-2520.

Hunter, K.E., Alberti, C.T., Boss, S.R. and Thibodeau, J.C. (2020). Intelliclean: A Teaching Case Designed to Integrate Data Cleaning and Spreadsheet Skills into the Audit Curriculum. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 17 (2), 1-7.

Hunter, K.E ., Rose, J.M., Tariquzzaman, A. and Thibodeau, J.C. (2023). Standard precision and aggressive financial reporting: the influence of incentive horizon. Accounting and Business Research, 53(1), 108-126.

Potsaid, T. and Venkataraman, S. (2022). Trading restrictions and investor reaction to non-gains, non-losses, and the fear of missing out: Experimental evidence. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, 33: 100597: 1-9.

Potsaid, T. , Venkataraman, S. and Zhou, H.F. (2022). Payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs): How characteristics of requests for PILOTs impact nonprofits’ fairness perceptions and likelihood of compliance. Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, 106978.

Thibodeau, J.C., Williams, T. and Witte, A.L. (2019). Point and Click Data: An Assessment of Editorial Perceptions and Recommendations for the Peer-Review Process in the New Data Frontier. Journal of Information Systems, 33(1): 129-144.

Witte, A.L ., Earley, C.E. and Thibodeau, J.C. (2022). Big Fish, Small Pond: How In-Charge Auditors Engage with Technology-Based Audit Tools to Influence the Audit in Non-Global Network Firms. Journal of Information Systems, 36(2), 141-16

Hoitash, R., Hoitash, U. and Morris, L. (2021). eXtensible Business Reporting Language: A review and directions for future research. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory. 40 (2): 107–132.

Babson College Bentley University Boise State University Bryant University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo California State University, Bakersfield Clark University Clemson University College of the Holy Cross Fairfield University Florida International University Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Northern Illinois University Soochow University Suffolk University Texas State University University of Colorado, Denver University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth University of New Hampshire University of San Diego Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University West Virginia University

Cristina Alberti, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Babson College “Audit Firm Culture: An Evolution of the Audit Profession in Response to External Forces”

Lindsay Andiola, Associate Professor, Accounting, Virginia Commonwealth University "Performance Feedback in the Audit Environment"

Kwadwo Asare, Professor, Accounting, Bryant University "Essays on the Influence of Corporate Governance on Financial Analysts' Forecast-related Judgments"

Jenna Burke, Assistant Professor, Accounting, University of Colorado, Denver "Environmental, Social, and Governance Risk and Performance: Implications for Audit and Corporate Governance Research"

Nate Cannon, Associate Professor, Accounting, Texas State University "Fair Value Measurements"

Jooanne Choi, Assistant Professor, Accounting, California State University, Bakersfield “Usefulness of Audit-firm Transparency Disclosures”

Steven DeSimone, Associate Professor, Economics and Accounting, Holy Cross “Three Empirical Studies of Internal Audit Quality”.

Denise Hanes Downey, KPMG Endowed Professor in Accounting, Associate Professor, Accounting & Information Systems, Villanova University "Changes in Auditing: A Three Part Investigation" Mary Durkin, Assistant Professor, Accountancy, University of San Diego “Promoting Professional Skepticism in the Audit Environment”

Sonia Gantman, Senior Lecturer, Accounting, Bentley University “Three interdisciplinary studies on IT Outsourcing”

Jace Garrett, Associate Professor, Accounting, Clemson University “The Relationship between Accounting Processes and Interpersonal Trust within Organizations”

Joy Gray, Senior Lecturer, Accounting, Bentley University “Information Technology Audits by Internal Auditors: Exploring the Evolution of Integrated IT Audits”

Allen Hartt, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Boise State University “The Impact of Collective Intelligence and Honest Signaling on Fraud Brainstorming Effectiveness: A Sociometric Investigation Using Wearable Sensor Technology”

Kip Holderness, Associate Professor, Accounting, West Virginia University “Detecting Deception in Client Inquiries”

Tien-Shih Hsieh, Associate Professor, Accounting and Finance, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth “The Impact of Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) on Corporate Accounting Practice”

Kara Hunter, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Fairfield University “The Influence of Cognitive Factors on the Relationship between Accounting Standard Precision and Aggressive Financial Reporting”

Candice Hux, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Northern Illinois University “Auditors’ Use of Specialists in Audit Engagements: Implications for Audit Quality”

Zeng Liu, Lecturer, Accounting, Dongwu Business School, Soochow University “Three papers on sell-side financial analysts”

Landi Morris, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Northern Arizona University "Health and Healthcare in the Financial Reporting and Audit Environments"

Christine Nolder, Associate Professor, Accounting, Suffolk University “The Role of Professional Skepticism, Attitudes, and Emotions on Auditors’ Judgments and Decisions”

Melissa Renschler, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Suffolk University "The Influence of Internal Audit Competency on Financial Reporting Quality and Enterprise Risk Management"

Mike Ruff, Associate Teaching Professor, Accounting, Northeastern University "Correlates of Ethical Sensitivity and Reasoning and their Potential Influence on Accounting Education”

Andrew Stuart, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Suffolk University "The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure on Stakeholder Decision-Making"

Zhihong (Rita) Wang, Associate Professor, Accounting, Clark University “The Impact of Cultural Time Orientation on Managerial and Financial Accounting Practices”

Kim Westermann, Professor, Accounting, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo "Learning the 'Craft of Auditing': Applications of the Cognitive Apprenticeship Framework"

Annie Witte, Assistant Teaching Professor, Accounting, Northeastern University "Technology Based Audit Tools: Implications for Audit Quality"

PhD in Accounting Faculty

As a Bentley PhD, your research will probe some of the most compelling issues in business today, all under the umbrella theme of business, technology and society. You’ll work with Bentley faculty members committed to rigor in a trans-disciplinary environment that’s focused on the individual student.

Your faculty advisor supervisory team might include representatives from various academic departments, but all are true partners. Visit our  faculty database  to view full-time faculty in the department of accounting and learn more about their research interests.

View accounting faculty

Interested in learning more about our PhD Programs? Schedule a one-on-one phone meeting with  Patricia Caffrey , Administrative Director, at +1 781-891-2541.

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We have 38 Accounting PhD Research Projects PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Accounting PhD Research Projects PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Mapping uk’s stakeholder ecosystems of battery technologies and sustaining resilient battery manufacturing supply chains, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Generational differences in sustainable travel behaviour

Women in sports: the experience of working and living in precarity, liminality and exploitation in the gig economy, what form and duration of experiential learning optimises graduate outcomes; an impact study of experiential learning opportunities within and beyond the he curriculum, resource shortage and preferences - a study on medicine and vaccine shortages, challenges and opportunities of remote interaction in virtual reality, evaluation of facilitated simulation workshops in healthcare, developing tools to support organisations with net zero goals, can simulation models influence behavioural change towards climate change solutions in the fashion industry, mitigating technostress among community-dwelling seniors: examining the role of proactive and reactive coping behaviours in the context of xr-powered telehealth, fdi in africa and the role of formal and informal institutions, entrepreneurial ecosystem and resilience for women in tech businesses, entrepreneurship ecosystem for a sustainable community in developing economies, promoting the learning motivation of minority groups in technology firms through ai feedback, understanding how social value is considered, created, and delivered in public and private sector organisations.

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PhD in Management

Accounting - PhD in Management

Areas of specialisation, accounting and control.

• Decision Sciences
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INSEAD Doctoral Courses

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2025 Intake

September 2024

Accounting and Control - PhD Specialisation

Accounting and Control research seeks to identify and understand the market and institutional forces that affect the production and use of information by organisations broadly defined to include people, firms, not-for-profit entities, government agencies, etc. Research topics typically fall into two categories: (1) financial accounting and (2) managerial accounting .

Financial Accounting

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING research primarily focuses on information that facilitates transactions between organisations. For example, how does information released by a firm's managers affect economic decisions made by shareholders, creditors, information intermediaries such as analysts and auditors, competing firms, regulators, etc.? Conversely, how do the anticipated responses of the users mentioned above affect the amount and type of information ultimately released by the firm's managers? Moreover, how do all these decisions interact with the manager- and firm-level characteristics and institutional phenomena such as the degree of capital market development, the legal regime and its enforcement, the political and regulatory environment, etc.?

Managerial Accounting

MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING research primarily focuses on the production and use of information within an organisation. Topics include accounting system design, the planning and budgeting process, performance measurement and evaluation, incentives and compensation, and the role of internal control and risk management. In addition, considerable attention is given to how these phenomena interact with the manager- and firm-level attributes such as individual's behavioural biases, conflicting objectives, the organisation's hierarchical structure and corporate governance structure, etc.

Emerging research streams in Financial and Managerial Accounting involve analyses of a broad  group of stakeholders with an emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics.  

PhD Programme participants will receive comprehensive training in accounting, finance, economics, and data analysis to have the fundamental tools to conduct rigorous research. In addition to receiving classroom training, participants will work with faculty members to conduct cutting-edge research projects. Consequently, participants will develop strong analytical skills and a creative perspective to help them identify and answer important research questions. PhD students will leverage the expertise of faculty members with considerable experience teaching, supervising and mentoring PhD students at INSEAD and their prior institutions. These institutions include Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, Stanford, MIT, The Wharton School, the University of Chicago, and the University of California at Berkeley.  The Accounting and Control area at INSEAD is renowned for its excellence in research. This Accounting group is one of the few groups outside North America that has consistently produced articles in the top accounting, finance, and management journals. These journals include The Accounting Review, the Journal of Accounting and Economics, the Journal of Accounting Research, the Journal of Finance, and the Journal of Financial Economics and Management Science. In addition, the Accounting and Control faculty members have strong connections with the academic accounting community. They serve as associate editors and editorial board members of influential journals and routinely present their research in workshops and conferences held by leading educational institutions and premier academic journals. The ACC area also has regular research seminars and an annual research symposium, attracting world-renowned scholars to present and discuss a small set of high-quality papers on campus. The expertise and research interests of the Accounting faculty include the following:

• consequences of disclosure regulation and firms' accounting and disclosure choices for investors and stakeholders
• the role of auditors and financial analysts in capital markets
• the consequences of shareholder activism and private equity ownership for corporate governance and companies' financial and nonfinancial performance
• the determinants of debt contract design; the causes and detection of corporate fraud
• the design of internal performance management and risk management systems
• corporate social responsibility and ESG

The PhD specialisation in Accounting and Control aims to produce highly trained individuals who will conduct first-class accounting research at top-tier business schools and universities.

Visit the Accounting and Control Academic Area page

What are we looking for in a PhD Candidate?

Ideal candidates for this position should have strong analytical skills and solid backgrounds in accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, or related subjects. Although prior work experience in these fields or related areas is valuable, it is non-mandatory. Research experience is also not a requirement, but it could be advantageous. Additionally, we do not require previous knowledge of accounting rules for a successful application but expect students to gain a deeper understanding of this during the programme.

 Download the Call for applications for the 2025

STUDENTS' (CURRENT AND PREVIOUSLY ADMITTED) BACKGROUNDS:

• BA in International Business and MBA in General Management
• Bachelor of Accounting and Finance; ACA, Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)
• BE Computer Science and Engineering, MS Management Information Systems and Masters in Accounting
• Honours Business Administration (HBA)
• BBA and MSc Business Administration (Accounting)
• BA and Masters in Accounting
• BA in Business Administration (Human Resource Management) and MSc in Mathematics
• BBA Business Administration and BA Economics (Double Major), and MS Accounting
• BTech Mechanical and MBA Finance
• BA in Management and MSc in Financial Economics
• BS in Finance and MSc in Financial Management

Full list of Accounting PhD students and their backgrounds

Where are our Accounting PhD graduates now?

Graduates of the PhD in Management Programme, specialising in Accounting and Control, have successfully secured top academic placements globally, with CUHK, Grenoble School of Management, HEC Paris, Norwegian School of Economics and Singapore Management University, to name a few. 

Learn more about the Global PhD Alumni Community here . 

What are the next steps?

We encourage prospects to plan for their application for the PhD in Management. Application for the following year's intake starts in the early Fall of the current year, with a preferred deadline of mid-December.

Go to the Admissions and Financing page

Moreover, we encourage prospects to attend our upcoming recruitment events or register below to receive the URLs of the Special Area Webinars we conducted over the years.

Registration Link

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School of Business

PhD in Business

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The School of Business encourages and fosters a rich research-oriented environment for faculty and doctoral candidates. Students can choose from a variety of topics reflecting the varied research interests of our faculty. The Ph.D. Program is intended to prepare students to conduct original research; i.e., to explain phenomena previously not well understood and then to test proposed explanations empirically.

• Accounting standards-setting
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Operations & Information Management

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• Applications of operations research and other optimization techniques to areas such as product design, production scheduling, and facility location

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Captivating Accounting Research Topics for Students and Visionaries

Although it may not sound thrilling, accounting is actually a really important job. Any successful business needs to have a great accountant and to become one, a student has to go through a lot like writing research papers and more. Speaking of which, the selection of a captivating research topic becomes a catalyst, propelling scholars and visionaries toward extraordinary achievements.

Don’t panic if you are having trouble picking up a suitable research topic about accounting, as we have some amazing lists for you in this interesting blog post. So, without further ado, let’s get to read them all. 

Table of Contents

Top 5 Accounting Research Topics with Thesis Statements

200 Accounting Research Topics to Craft an Impressive Piece

We’re giving you a huge selection of 200 topics that have been chosen carefully by  our writers . Pretty sure, these topics have tons of potential to make your work look awesome.  Here you go with the first list of research topics in accounting:

Cost Accounting Research Topics

Check out some cool research topics on cost accounting that dive into all the details of cost evaluation, budgeting, and pricing plans. Here you go with the list of interesting accounting topics a professional paper writing services  provider will also cherish:

• Why cost accounting is important for any business
• Importance of cost-structured blueprints in small businesses
• Importance of cost accounting in medium-sized businesses
• Importance of cost accounting in large-sized businesses
• Cost control in rural enterprises
• Employee Benefits and management expenses to be covered through cost accounting
• Accounting for taxation costs for the Small-Medium Enterprises
• Accounting information systems to manage and enhance industrial costs
• Influence of company structure on accounting
• The ethics of cost accounting and its relevance to the workforce
• Management of cost accounting with the nature of the work unit
• Calculation of the cost price and the analytical result of the projects
• Allocation of indirect charges to project costs
• Accounting for the indirect promotional expenses
• Types of indirect technical and promotional expenses
• Expenses processed in cost accounting
• Calculation procedure using the full cost method
• Understanding the costs, results and efficiency of the different functions of the company
• Cost accounting as a tool to determine a price for sold projects
• Cost accounting is a tool to set the limit of any price reduction
• Determining the products that are the most profitable
• Primary and secondary allocation of indirect costs
• Defining the department’s objectives and attributions. Strategic steps before starting to set up the accounting procedure
• Direct costing or the variable cost method
• Establish a measurement system with the full-cost method
• Concepts, methods and organizational function of cost accounting
• Determining the bases of evaluation of certain elements of the company’s balance sheet
• Implementation of cost accounting within the full-cost method
• How accounting helps the administrative and general affairs division
• Determining the evolution of the organizational structure
• Practical Benefits of Cost Accounting
• The rational imputation of fixed charges and losses amounts
• Cost accounting: entry expenses
• Economic and social requirements of cost-accounting in small and medium enterprises
• Cost accounting Budgetary accounting
• Cost accounting as a tool for banana cultivation
• Cost accounting as a tool for the clothing industry
• Project for the use of cost accounting in the oil industry
• Project for cost accounting in the health industry

Here we have shared mind blowing research topic on accounting that will definitely help you in long term. Use them wisely and answer all the accounting research questions your professor throws at you.

Explore  qualitative research topics  from Paper Perk

Financial Accounting Research Topics

Be prepared to go on an exciting adventure that will broaden your outlook and change the way you view financial accounting. Here’s the list of research title for accounting students:

• The impact of commercial law on the cost of business bankruptcy
• Financial markets and the role of financial accounting
• Employee Benefits and Management Management
• Accounting in the case of personal finances
• Analyzing and managing the effect of external factors on cash flow
• Tangible, non-tangible and exchangeable commodities in the financial markets
• The role of financial markets in accounting management
• How to develop and improve financial systems through effective accounting approaches
• Accounting standards and their application in large business conglomerates
• Issues and Troubles with Normative Accounting Theory
• The impact of business genius on the growth of large enterprises
• What is the impact of accounting information systems on business performance?
• Accounting for Finance and Management Control
• The financial accounting of a small business in crisis
• The Importance of Accounting in Financial Analysis in Business Decision Making
• Analysis of indicators of a city’s financial statements
• Financial analysis and accounting for non-government organizations
• Study on the financing of private equity and venture capital funds
• The existing boundary between management accounting and financial accounting
• Basic indicators to generate a financial statement
• Financial indicators related to forex ratings
• The Effects of Intangible Assets on Financial Analyst Forecasts
• Financial analysis with the help of the accounting records
• Corporate finance researchers using the return on investment approach
• Precautionary cash, transaction cash, strategic cash. The strategies to secure finance for major future operations
• Economic assets financed by the debt
• Cash-financed acquisitions. Change in the financial structure by the recent acquirer of a company
• Financial accounting practices in the Middle East
• Digital financial accounting and the role of Artificial Intelligence
• Microfinance records and accounts for philanthropy or welfare market
• How can financial accounting provide insights to reduce inequalities in the organizations

Explore  finance research topics  for more financial inspiration

The aforementioned accounting topics for research provide a good and solid ground for students currently studying accounting. They can create marvelous essays on these subjects effortlessly.

Public Accounting Research Topics

Examine a variety of intriguing topics that dig deep into the profession, providing useful information and creating opportunities for progress in public accounting. Here you go:

• Comparison of public expenditure. Developmental government expenditure in the light of accounting records
• Accounting in rural enterprise
• Accounting in Micro, Small, Medium and Large Enterprises
• Accounting dematerialization and internal organizational control
• Uberization of the accounting profession
• Digitization and Accounting Education
• Accounting research on the luxury, fashion and cosmetic industry
• Research of public accounting dissertation topics
• The adequacy of accounting and prudential standardization for Islamic banks
• Comparative analysis at the level of a sector. The financial and operational performance of small businesses
• The essential criteria for granting bank loans
• Financial parameters retained by the financial analyses
• Board Oversight and Revenue Quality. Listed Conglomerate Companies in California compared to the quality of other states
• The Effect of Tax Collection on Firm Profitability
• The role of accounting in national development
• The role of accounting in tax filing encouragement
• Use of Marginal Cost Technique to assign prices to the product or services
• Assessment of the Influence of Monetary Policy. The performance of public accounting firms
• Financial performance and capital structure. The major companies in New York and the suburbs
• Effectiveness of tax planning and accounting management. The financial organization of SME companies in Texas

Related:  260 Best Business Research Topics

Management Accounting Research Topics

Explore a range of exciting topics that demonstrate how to use financial information to make smart decisions and more. Here is the list:

• Accounting information systems to improve financial management
• Application of Volume Cost and Benefit Analysis in Management Decisions of Manufacturing Organizations
• Accounting and management for family businesses
• Organization and code of conduct of the Purchasing function
• Customer relationship management and loyalty actions as non-tangible assets
• Managerial accounting for commercial negotiations
• Element of entrepreneurship and innovation related to managerial accounting
• Entrepreneurship and the motivations for creating a business
• Techniques in accounting breakthroughs by female entrepreneurs: advantages and constraints
• Impact of Accounting Expertise on SMEs
• The role of management related to the maintenance of accounting records
• Managerial accounting for agricultural fixed assets
• Impact of inflation and economic instability. The operating accounts of companies?
• Analysis and exploitation of data by managerial and accounting staff
• Digitalization of accounting and management in large-sized companies
• Role of managers and accountants dealing with cybercrimes and online frauds
• Accountant’s role in the management of Business Units
• Importance of thorough and solid accounting strategies in the management of commercial networks

Related:  206 Social Work Research Topics

Accounting Research Topics for Small Businesses

Still couldn’t find a good topic for your accounting research paper? Check out this list:

• Best accounting practices for online business
• Application of business correspondence analysis in management accounting research
• Authentic accounting process and best practices for small and medium enterprises
• Critical analysis of the impact of small business budgeting on tertiary institutions
• Entrepreneurship and Relationship Marketing in Small and Medium enterprises
• The requirements and skills required to be an accountant. His role in interpersonal and organizational communication
• Fiscal policy and economic growth in sole proprietorships
• The role of accounting in business development
• Drawing up annual accounts according to the abbreviated model
• What are the accounting obligations when it comes to small businesses?
• The cash journal is the primary tool for accounting in small business enterprises
• Regularization of balance sheet in small business enterprises
• Importance of a shopping diary in a small business or a sole proprietorship
• Human resource insights for workers. Data benefiting or having benefited from training paid for by the company
• Non-tangible, tangible and financial fixed assets in small business enterprises
• Merchant accounting: the general principles to know
• Compliance with legislation and accounting rules in SMEs.
• Process of annual accounting at the end of a financial year in a sole proprietorship

Can’t find time to write a paper?  Place your order  to get your research written by Paper Perk

New Research Topics for Accounting Related to Auditing

Explore all the different topics that make auditing better, including risk evaluation and finding fraud.

• The persons and participants of an internal audit
• Audit and business performance
• Bank audit approach
• Financial audit of the real estate sector
• Performance Audit Planning Process
• Proposals for audit reports
• Communicating the results of the work of the strategic audit plan
• Risk assessment grid that we can use after the audit reports
• Auditing for the evidence of non-compliance with relevant ethical requirements or fraud
• Things audit strategic planning should consider. The understanding of the entity or industry
• Discussion of past audit work with performance audit teams. Forming a perfect audit strategy
• Identification of previous audit strategic plans. Relating to the subject matter with the help of annual accounting records
• Audit strategic plan and level of accounting effort expected to complete the work
• Strategic audit planning. The selection of audit topics and sectors on the accounting data
• Audit of an offshore alternative investment fund
• Assessment of internal control and development of the accounting organization manual
• The auditor and accountants in the face of risks and application of the anonymous audit
• The general approach to the implementation of the operational audit
• Operational audit and improvement of the company’s performance
• Audit of the different operating cycles (sales, purchases, stock, fixed assets, cash)
• Audit of fixed assets according to  United States accounting standards
• External audit of a credit institution case of receivables
• Financial derivatives: an audit approach for industrial and commercial companies

More information on research paper writing:  How To Write A Research Paper Outline?

Tax Accounting Research Topics

Check out some interesting topics that cover the complicated details of tax planning, following the rules, and finding ways to save. Here you go with the list:

• Accounting for tax returns and effective tax reduction methods for organizations
• Accounts management by the tax legislation in independent companies
• Internal control and measurement of the company’s performance
• Land registration: the role of the land registrar
• The evolution of state and land legislation
• Alienation of immovable and movable property
• Tax revenue from the e-commerce industry in the USA
• International tax law. Impact and the role of accounting to avoid and cut double taxation
• The effectiveness of financial accounting for taxation
• What is the cost of the tax guarantee?
• Recording mortgage credit and its legal nature for tax returns

Related to taxation and finance:  260 Best Business Research Topics

Accounting Research Topics for High School Students

Since high school students are often tasked with accounting research, here’s a list to shortlist a topic or two.

• Debt management, now and in the future
• How does organizational culture affect accounting procedures?
• Ethical issues for accounting in the banking industry
• The evolution and application of relationship banking
• Private equity investment: the future in the scope of the European region
• The costs of investing in mutual funds relative to mutual fund returns
• Technology and accounting – Its effects and influence in the ongoing era
• How does changing cash flow affect accounting?
• Effective Accounting Strategies in Non-government Organizations
• Where is the field of accounting headed today? Will it remain relevant in the future?
• Investigating the relationship between accounting and finance: Who benefits whom?
• Analysis of International Accounting Standards. Which Is More Effective, and Which Needs More Work?
• What is the role of the digital and IT industries in accounting?
• Is technological advancement going to put an end to the job of the accountant?
• The evaluation of current accounting standards: Are they effective?
• The history of accounting in North America
• Effective Accounting Strategies for US-based businesses
• What is bankruptcy, and how can it affect the accounting process?
• Who benefits from the relationship between accounting and banking?
• What needs to improve in international accounting standards

Looking for topics other than accounting for your high school paper? Check 297 High School Research Paper Topics

Forensic Accounting Research Topics

There are a lot of possibilities for research in forensic accounting. These are some of the best accounting research topics for undergraduates you can pick.

• How accounting can help identify and prosecute fraud cases
• Financial Fraud Prevention Methods applied in the USA and Europe
• The Importance of Fraud Detection in a Digital Environment
• Effect of audit on financial reporting
• Forensic accounting to meet the requirements of the tax authorities
• Forensic accounting for third parties in general. Third parties to judge the solvency of the company
• Forensic accounting to inform shareholders or donors. Insights about the management of the management bodies
• Internal control of accounting services from the angle of accuracy

Bookmark this blog when you’re (ALMOST) done with your paper:  How to Write Conclusion for a Research Paper ?

Certainly, generating effective accounting research paper topics can be equally challenging. It all begins with selecting a strong topic, a phase where many students or researchers often find themselves perplexed, especially when considering how to write an 8-page paper on accounting. Not today as we hope this blog post helped let you know about some interesting yet unique research topics in accounting to write a masterpiece. Still, if you need someone to take care of your research paper, order now so a professional writer can assist you right away. 

What are the easiest accounting research topics?

Depending on your interests and what you already know about accounting, some easy research topics you could look into include:

• An analysis of financial ratios 
• The impact of accounting regulations on businesses 
• The Role of Technology in streamlining accounting processes 
• The benefits of adopting cloud-based accounting systems.

What are the research areas in accounting?

What is a good research topic in finance.

Some potential research topics in finance could include: 

• Analyzing the impact of financial markets on economic growth 
• Exploring the effectiveness of investment strategies 
• Investigating the Determinants of corporate financial performance 
• Examining the Role of financial technology) in shaping the financial industry 
• Studying the implications of monetary policy on financial markets.

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What the History of Boston’s Harbor Can Teach Us about Its Uncertain Future

Rising tides threaten boston’s waterfront, but bu phd candidate genna kane says the city has a history of adaptation and resilience.

Andrew Thurston

Cydney scott.

The Great Molasses Flood is one of history’s unlikeliest disasters. On Wednesday, January 15, 1919, a giant wave of sticky, sweet syrup ripped through the streets of Boston at 35 mph, destroying buildings, throwing vehicles, drowning animals, and killing 21 people and injuring 150.

The wave started on the edge of Boston Harbor, when a massive molasses storage tank—58 feet tall and 98 feet in diameter—burst.

“It’s sometimes regarded like a joke or punchline, or a one-off tragedy,” says Boston University historian Genna Kane.

But she views the flood as more than a gooey quirk in the history books. A PhD candidate in BU’s American & New England Studies Program, Kane (GRS’27) is researching the history of the waterfront for her dissertation and has come to see the tragedy as an important moment in Boston Harbor’s past, emblematic of its shift from a shipping hub to a base for industry. And, she says, its aftermath symbolizes the waterfront’s resiliency and ability to rebuild and adapt—traits the city may need to draw on again to take on future climate change–fueled disasters, like the rising tides that threaten to inundate coastal neighborhoods.

“Even though the explosion was not a ‘natural’ disaster in the way we would think of hurricanes, tornadoes, etc., it caused horrific and unexpected damage to the North End’s infrastructure and built environment,” says Kane. “And the immediate recovery involved reconstruction in ways similar to other environmental disasters.”

In spring 2025, she’ll teach a course on the environmental history of Boston from the 19th century to the present day—and she will lead with the story of the Great Molasses Flood. “I’m using it in the course as an entry point to illustrate the environmental changes—in terms of the waterfront’s landscape, buildings, and overall use—that caused this disaster to happen, but also how the city recovered from that,” she says. 

Kane’s research traces the journey of Boston’s waterfront from its early days as a busy mercantile harbor, through its decades as an industrial center, to its present as a magnet for tourists, high-end housing, and biotech firms. She’s also surveying how the city made itself so vulnerable to sea level changes. Kane’s work was given a boost this spring when she won an Alice Ross Carey Fellowship , which comes with funding and access to the University of California, Berkeley’s Environmental Design Archives .

“I love Boston and, like many residents, I’m very worried about what’s going to happen as climate change continues to impact us—I want to know the roots of this,” says Kane. “I like to think of history as looking to the past for explanation for why we are the way we are. And that can help us better understand what we’re dealing with.”

How Paul Revere Sparked a Revolution—and a Dissertation

Kane grew up deep in rural New Hampshire, but she became fascinated by Boston Harbor’s starring role in the city’s history thanks to one man: Paul Revere.

In 1770, Revere moved his growing family into a two-story wooden house at the heart of Boston’s North End neighborhood. In just five years, the silversmith (and sometime dentist) would gallop from the home and into the history books: his midnight ride to warn his fellow patriots that the British were coming made him an icon of the American Revolution.

Today, Revere’s former home is a National Historic Landmark, with lively museum interpreters spinning historical tales to tourists eager to touch the past. Before starting graduate school, Kane was one of those guides, and she would often find herself answering the same questions: Why did Revere choose to live in the North End? Why was he picked to make that famous ride?

“I found that pretty much every question I was answering led back to the waterfront,” says Kane, who recently won a BU Center for the Humanities internship award that she’ll use to advise a Concord Museum exhibition on the revolution. “Paul Revere had a lot of different businesses and his silversmithing shop was located on Clark’s Wharf [at the tip of the North End]. That’s because the engine of Boston’s growth was the waterfront—anytime someone wanted to sell something, transport it, import any good, the waterfront is the way they would do it.” Even Revere’s dash to Concord relied on access to the water: the former artillery lieutenant rushed from his home “to the North part of the Town, Where I had kept a Boat,” so he could cross the Charles River.

The waterfront is a very clear way to see what drove Boston’s economic and political growth, but also what Boston has struggled with. The harbor is what defines Boston in a lot of ways. Genna Kane

Kane’s time as a museum guide—she also had stints at the Old North Church and John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site—inspired her to learn even more about Boston’s past. “Those jobs were really why I wanted to pursue graduate education and history,” she says. And all those questions that led back to the waterfront—plus her own interest in environmental issues—helped inspire her dissertation’s focus. “The waterfront is a very clear way to see what drove Boston’s economic and political growth, but also what Boston has struggled with. The harbor is what defines Boston in a lot of ways.”

From Industry to Tourism to Biotech

Kane’s doctoral research starts with a period about 80 years after Revere moved—and when Boston’s position as a maritime power was foundering and its city leaders were scrambling for new ways to spark growth.

“They were worried the infrastructure in Boston would not provide economic opportunities,” says Kane. “So, they built Atlantic Avenue to facilitate railroad access. All of a sudden, there was this massive road that segmented the waterfront from the rest of the city.” It still does: anyone wanting to make it from downtown to the water today needs to cross four lanes of Atlantic Avenue traffic.

Over the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rail links attracted disparate industries—cold storage facilities, power plants, a molasses distiller—to the newly dislocated waterfront. But almost all of them had one thing in common: they required coal. And that became a lynchpin in Boston’s economy, says Kane.

“When Boston was struggling to find a productive export and bring in a lot of maritime traffic, one thing that was very prolific and profitable was coal,” she says. “I’m arguing that the waterfront is a major part of our current dependence on fossil fuels. If we look at the spaces that are now most threatened by climate change, they were once the major infrastructure for facilitating fossil economies, which ultimately results in the current situation we have with global warming and climate change.”

I’m arguing that the waterfront is a major part of our current dependence on fossil fuels. If we look at the spaces that are now most threatened by climate change, they were once the major infrastructure for facilitating fossil economies. Genna Kane

As those industries faded after World War II, Boston’s waterfront became a mixture of crumbling warehouses and sprawling parking lots. In the 1960s and ’70s, Boston’s leaders made another play at reinvention, turning their focus to the tourist industry—revamping Quincy Market, building the New England Aquarium. Today, hospitality is a major part of the city’s economy, but the waterfront is also going through another renewal, too, with neglected buildings and railroad lots being transformed into sleek offices for tech and biotech companies.

It’s a history Kane is compiling through archives and architectural plans, as well as by talking to city planners and other experts about how Boston and its people have shaped their waterfront—and how it has shaped them.

“Other folks have either looked at different parts of the harbor or certain areas—the made land or certain architectural projects—but very few have tried to look at the entire waterfront as a whole,” says Kane, who will spend part of the summer as a Charles River Watershed Association development intern, where she’ll help with climate resiliency education and outreach. “The waterfront answers many questions about what makes Boston tick.” She hopes her research shines a particular light on the Bostonians impacted by generations of changes to the waterfront—the laborers toiling in industry, the working-class residents affected by pollution.

Rising Tides

The water lapping serenely at Boston’s harbor walls shaped the city’s past—but could swamp its future.

According to figures shared by the state , by 2030 Massachusetts could face a sea level rise of up to 1.1 feet over 2000 levels; by 2070, the rise could be as high as 4.2 feet. At that point, a kayak rather than a car will be needed to negotiate Boston’s waterfront neighborhoods, particularly the burgeoning Seaport District , built on former industrial land.

“In the early 2000s, the Seaport District was mostly parking lots, and Boston was looking for a new industry, a new driving source of economic growth—and that was the tech industry, especially biotech by the 2010s,” says Kane. “If you needed to build in downtown Boston, wouldn’t you want to build in an area with relatively little development? It made sense at the time.”

It may make less sense in 2070, but if the future looks uncertain for Boston’s waterfront, perhaps the past can bring some hope. After all, says Kane, the infamous dirty water of the industrial-era harbor is mostly swimmable today. “The cleanup of the harbor in the 1980s and ’90s is a massive environmental success story,” she says.

Reinvention after reinvention, Boston’s waterfront persists. And though she’s in the early stages of her dissertation, Kane says her findings already highlight the tenacious spirit of Boston and its residents.

“The past doesn’t necessarily dictate the future,” she says, “but it’s a way to say, ‘We’ve done this before, we can do it again.’”

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Cleaning Up the Seine: An Olympic Feat

Diving into the health risks present in urban waterways like the Seine, what it takes to clean them up, and how similar efforts have been made in Atlanta.

By Shelby Crosier

Swimming in the Seine River has been illegal for over a century, but some are hopeful that may change after the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris.

The Seine will be the site of both the marathon swimming event and the swimming leg of the triathlon, as well as the location for the opening ceremony on July 26. With the first triathlon competition date looming on July 30, athletes, organizers, and spectators around the world are waiting to see if Paris’ efforts to clean up the river will succeed in time. Although Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine on July 17 to showcase its improvements, some water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) experts remain skeptical.

According to Christine Moe, PhD, Eugene J. Gangarosa Professor of Safe Water and Sanitation and director of the Center for Global Safe WASH, to understand what is happening in the Seine, we can look to other major cities like Atlanta.

“In Paris, their main problem is sewage, and in Atlanta we sometimes have a problem with sewage as well when we have heavy rainfalls,” she says. “Lots of cities have older sewage systems that have not been able to keep up with population growth. There can be problems with what are called combined sewer overflows , where the rainwater and the water coming from household toilets and sinks get combined, and then they may overflow into the river.”

Health Hazards in the Seine

Untreated bodies of water like lakes and rivers always carry a risk for contamination. In places like Atlanta and Paris that have some areas with combined sewer systems, that risk is higher.

Pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can all be found in urban waterways that are contaminated with sewage. Some of the most common in the U.S. are norovirus, shigella, E. coli, and cryptosporidium, all of which can cause gastrointestinal distress—sometimes severe—when accidentally ingested while swimming. Other pathogens in the water can cause rashes, eye irritation, or ear infections.

In Paris, city officials have been testing water for two bacteria in particular, E. coli and enterococci, to monitor water quality leading up to the games.

“Those two bacteria are markers for sewage,” says Moe. “They are relatively easy to measure, and if we detect them, we know that there are most likely other disease-causing organisms like viruses and protozoa in the water. Microorganisms like viruses and protozoa are harder to detect, so that's why you need something that can be easily measured on a routine basis.”

Throughout June, levels of both of these indicator bacteria were much higher than the threshold set by the World Triathlon Federation, but things have improved during July. Levels of both bacteria were below the threshold on July 16, the day before Hidalgo’s swim, according to data reported by Paris.

For inland water, like rivers, the maximum allowable amounts of E. coli and enterococci set by the World Triathlon Federation are 900 and 330 colony-forming units per 100 mL of water, respectively. These are both higher than the thresholds set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for recreational water.

Keeping Our Rivers Clean

At the center of Paris’s $1.5 billion effort to clean up the Seine is a massive new rainwater storage tank . The tank is designed to hold extra runoff water during rainstorms, which will hopefully keep the sewage system from being overwhelmed and keep contaminants out of the river.

Moe says that Atlanta successfully implemented a similar strategy. But, as we look into a future with even more unpredictable weather patterns, we may need to do more to keep our urban rivers clean.

“Over the past 20 years that I have been taking students on tours of the wastewater treatment facilities in Atlanta, they have upgraded, and they have put in huge tanks to catch the flow when there is heavy rainfall, much like what they have now built in Paris,” she says. “I think for the most part, that is successful. But with climate change and the increasing number of catastrophic heavy rainfalls, there may be certain times when it's still not enough.”

Associated Topics:

• Environmental Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Safe Water and Sanitation
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