Accounting Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly complex financial world, the importance of accounting professors has never been more significant.

As businesses evolve and financial regulations tighten, the demand for knowledgeable minds to educate, inspire, and shape future accountants continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an accounting professor?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
A hiring manager looking to sketch out the ideal candidate,
Or simply intrigued by the complexities of accounting education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Accounting Professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Accounting Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting Professors are responsible for teaching accounting principles and practices to students in a classroom setting, but they may also be involved in research and publishing work.

They are responsible for preparing students for careers in accounting and related fields.

As an Accounting Professor, daily duties and responsibilities may include:

Developing and implementing curriculum and lesson plans
Teaching courses in the discipline area of accounting
Developing an instructional plan (known as a course outline or syllabus) for the course(s) they teach and ensure that it meets college and department standards
Planning lessons and assignments
Advising students on academic and vocational curricula, and career issues
Grading students’ assignments and exams
Maintaining grade books and submitting student grades
Staying updated on innovations and changes within their field
Conducting research and publishing findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
Participating in campus and community events
Collaborating with colleagues to address teaching and research issues

Accounting Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Accounting Professor to join our academic team.

The Accounting Professor responsibilities include developing curriculum, conducting and supervising research, teaching accounting courses, advising students, and publishing scholarly articles in the field of accounting.

Our ideal candidates have a deep understanding of accounting principles and practices, significant teaching experience, and a commitment to academic excellence.

Ultimately, the role of the Accounting Professor is to enrich our institution and our students through expert instruction and leadership in the field of accounting.

Responsibilities

Develop and teach accounting courses at undergraduate and graduate levels
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
Conduct research and publish findings in reputable academic journals
Supervise students’ research projects and theses
Advise students on academic and career matters
Participate in faculty and university committees
Stay updated with current accounting trends and changes
Maintain office hours to assist and advise students
Participate in community and professional service

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Accounting or a related field
Proven teaching experience in a higher education setting
Published research in the field of accounting
Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students
Strong commitment to academic excellence and student success

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities
Tuition reimbursement

Additional Information

Job Title: Accounting Professor
Work Environment: Classroom, office, and virtual education platform. Some travel may be required for academic conferences or seminars.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean of the Business School.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a list of three references to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Accounting Professor Do?

Accounting Professors typically work for universities, colleges, or other higher education institutions.

They can also serve as consultants to businesses or government agencies.

They are responsible for teaching accounting courses to undergraduate or graduate students.

These courses may include principles of accounting, financial accounting, managerial accounting, audit, tax accounting, and many more.

Accounting Professors prepare lesson plans and instructional materials for their classes, conduct lectures, and facilitate discussions.

They assess student progress by assigning and grading assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Their job also involves conducting research in the field of accounting, publishing their findings in academic journals, and presenting at industry conferences.

They are expected to stay current with the latest accounting standards, principles, and regulations.

This often involves continuous learning and professional development.

Accounting Professors also provide academic advising to their students, guiding them on course selection, career paths, and research projects.

They may serve on various committees within their institution and contribute to the development of the curriculum and academic policies.

They may also collaborate with other faculty members on interdisciplinary projects or initiatives.

Accounting Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Accounting Professor should have the skills and qualifications that meet the requirements of the job, which include:

Deep understanding and knowledge of accounting principles, practices and theories to provide high-quality instruction.
Exceptional communication skills to explain complex accounting concepts in simple, understandable terms to students.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
Experience in curriculum development and pedagogical methods to create engaging, effective course materials and lessons.
Problem-solving skills to help students understand difficult concepts and overcome academic challenges.
Research skills to stay updated with the latest developments in the field of accounting and integrate them into the curriculum.
Organizational skills for managing multiple classes, assignments, and administrative tasks.
Capability to inspire and motivate students towards academic success in the field of accounting.

Accounting Professor Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of an Accounting Professor typically must have a substantial amount of both theoretical and practical experience in the field of accounting.

They usually hold a doctoral degree in accounting or a related field, which provides them with in-depth knowledge and theoretical understanding of the subject matter.

While a doctoral degree is the minimum requirement, to be hired by reputable institutions, candidates often need to have several years of teaching experience at the university level.

This ensures they are prepared for the teaching and mentoring responsibilities associated with the role.

Additionally, many universities prefer candidates who have published research in the field of accounting.

This shows that the candidate is actively engaged in the academic community and can contribute to the institution’s research output.

In terms of practical experience, some universities might require that the Accounting Professor has professional experience working in the accounting industry.

This can range from roles such as Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, or Tax Consultant.

This industry experience helps the Professor in providing real-world examples and case studies in their teaching.

Those with more than 5 years of experience teaching or conducting research in the field of accounting are often considered for senior or tenured professor positions.

These roles may come with additional responsibilities, such as departmental leadership or curriculum development.

Accounting Professor Education and Training Requirements

Accounting Professors generally require a doctoral degree in accounting or a related field such as finance or business administration.

This is usually preceded by a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree, commonly in accounting, finance, or economics.

Before becoming an Accounting Professor, it’s also important to gain several years of professional experience in an accounting or finance role.

This experience provides practical understanding of the field that can be translated into teaching content.

While not always required, obtaining certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a similar professional certification can enhance an individual’s credibility and effectiveness as an accounting educator.

In addition to academic credentials and professional experience, Accounting Professors should have a strong ability to communicate complex concepts to students, engage in rigorous research, and continually update their knowledge to keep pace with changes in accounting practices and regulations.

For those seeking tenure or looking to teach at more prestigious institutions, a significant record of published research in reputable accounting or finance journals may be required.

Like other professionals, Accounting Professors may also participate in continuous learning and professional development opportunities to stay current in their field.

Accounting Professor Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Accounting Professor is $88,691 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, educational qualifications, the prestige of the institution they’re teaching at, and the geographical location.

Accounting Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Accounting Professor need?

An Accounting Professor typically needs a PhD in Accounting or a related field.

Some universities might accept candidates with a Master’s degree, but this is more uncommon.

They should also have a proven track record of research and publishing in reputable academic journals.

Teaching experience, particularly at the university level, is also desirable.

What are the daily duties of an Accounting Professor?

On a typical day, an Accounting Professor may deliver lectures, conduct seminars, prepare lessons, and grade student work.

They also undertake research in their area of expertise, publish findings in academic journals, and attend conferences and seminars.

In addition, they might have administrative tasks within their department, such as contributing to curriculum development or serving on academic committees.

What qualities make a good Accounting Professor?

A good Accounting Professor possesses in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and practices, and is able to convey these concepts clearly to students.

They have a passion for research and are skilled in analyzing and interpreting complex financial data.

Good interpersonal skills are also important, as they need to build relationships with students, colleagues, and the broader academic community.

They also need to be organized and detail-oriented to manage their teaching and research responsibilities effectively.

Is it difficult to hire an Accounting Professor?

Hiring an Accounting Professor can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the role.

Universities are often looking for candidates who not only have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of accounting, but also have a proven track record in academic research and publishing.

Therefore, it can take time to find a candidate who meets all these criteria.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly means to be an Accounting Professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about shaping the financial leaders of tomorrow, one lecture at a time.

With our comprehensive accounting professor job description template and practical examples, you’re well-prepared to advance.

But why end here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Each lecture, each assignment, each grading period forms part of a larger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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