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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, fraudulent financial reporting and the consequences for employees, firm boundaries and voluntary disclosure, financial information and diverging beliefs, 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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Navigating the Leap from Academia to Elite Consulting: A Guide for PhDs

Last Updated on February 28, 2024

From Classroom to Boardroom

Imagine standing at the crossroads of a significant career transition: you’re a PhD or a PhD student, deeply entrenched in academia’s world of research and theories. Now, picture yourself stepping into the high-paced, dynamic realm of top-tier consulting firms like McKinsey , BCG , and Bain . This isn’t just a fantasy. For many PhDs, it’s a transformative reality.

But what does this shift entail, and how can you navigate it successfully?

Is It a Good Career Move?

Transitioning to a consulting role at a prestigious firm indeed marks a significant lifestyle shift for PhDs.

While the fast-paced, problem-solving nature of consulting can be challenging for those used to deep, methodical research, it also brings several benefits. PhDs are trained to delve into complex problems, making them adept at handling the intricate issues often encountered in consulting. Their ability to assimilate vast amounts of information quickly is a valuable asset in a field where understanding a client’s needs and industry specifics in a short time is crucial.

Moreover, PhDs often possess excellent communication skills, honed through presenting complex ideas in an understandable manner . This skill is invaluable in consulting, where explaining and convincing clients of certain strategies is a daily task. Also, their rigorous academic training ensures a high level of discipline and dedication, traits that are beneficial in managing the demanding workload and tight deadlines in consulting.

However, there are drawbacks as well. The transition from academia to consulting can be jarring due to the differences in work culture. The collaborative, team-based approach in consulting may contrast with the more solitary nature of academic research. PhDs might find the client-oriented focus of consulting to be a stark departure from the freedom and independence they enjoyed in research. Furthermore, the emphasis on quick results in consulting can be at odds with the in-depth, thorough approach PhDs are used to in academia.

The shift in work-life balance is another potential downside. Consulting often involves long hours and extensive travel, which can be a significant adjustment for those used to the more flexible schedule of academic research. This can lead to stress and burnout if not managed properly.

In conclusion, while the transition to consulting offers PhDs the opportunity to apply their skills in a new and dynamic environment, it requires adaptation to a different pace, work style, and potentially demanding lifestyle. The key to a successful transition lies in leveraging their unique skills while being open to the new experiences and challenges that consulting offers.

Salary comparison

The salary trajectory in academia and top-tier consulting firms presents a stark contrast, reflective of the differing priorities and structures of these sectors. In academia, salaries typically start lower and grow gradually over time, tied closely to academic ranks such as assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor. This progression, often governed by rigid pay scales and dependent on tenure, can span many years, with significant salary increases usually linked to promotions or tenure achievement.

In contrast, top-tier consulting firms generally offer substantially higher starting salaries, reflecting the high demand for and profitability of consulting services. Salary growth in these firms can be rapid, with the potential for significant increases as one moves from junior to senior roles. This is often accompanied by performance-based bonuses and other incentives, which can further widen the income gap compared to academia. However, it’s important to note that these higher salaries in consulting often come with expectations of longer work hours and more intensive workloads, as opposed to the more flexible and research-focused lifestyle in academia.

The Art of the Possible: Breaking into Top Consulting Firms

Is it possible for someone with a deep academic background to break into a top consulting firm?

Indeed, someone with a deep academic background has a strong potential to break into a top consulting firm. Major consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain value the deep analytical skills, specialized knowledge, and rigorous critical thinking abilities that PhDs possess. According to a BCG report, the influx of PhDs into these firms is not just a trend but a strategic hiring practice, as nearly 10% of their new hires in recent years have been PhDs. These firms recognize that individuals with advanced academic training can bring fresh perspectives and a diverse range of problem-solving skills to the table, which are invaluable in addressing complex client challenges.

To facilitate this transition, these firms often offer ‘bridge’ programs, which are essentially tailored training programs designed to help PhDs adapt their academic expertise to the practical, fast-paced world of consulting. These programs typically focus on developing business acumen, understanding client relations, and honing the art of delivering actionable insights in a business context. Furthermore, such programs often include mentorship opportunities, where new hires are paired with experienced consultants. This mentorship is crucial in helping PhDs navigate the cultural shift from academia to a corporate environment.

Additionally, consulting firms often provide a supportive environment for continuous learning and professional development, which can be very appealing to those coming from an academic background. This is not only through on-the-job learning but also through formal training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing various skills, including project management, leadership, and communication.

It’s important to note that while PhDs are highly valued for their specialized knowledge, breaking into top consulting firms also requires them to demonstrate adaptability, the ability to work in teams, and strong interpersonal skills. The ability to translate complex concepts into actionable business strategies is also key. Therefore, while the transition from academia to consulting is indeed feasible and increasingly common, it requires PhDs to leverage their academic strengths while also acquiring new skills relevant to the consulting world.

Case Study: From PhD to McKinsey

In this article , McKinsey highlights how Yvonne, working as an associate in Shanghai, discovered that her academic background as a PhD researcher in medical devices was highly applicable to consulting. In this field, she realized she could have a more significant impact by addressing a wider range of topics.

Yvonne transitioned from a PhD in medical device research to consulting, shifting her focus from specialized research on cochlear implants to the broader healthcare industry. She realized that successful healthcare innovations required not just research, but also clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and effective marketing strategies. Curious about a career that encompassed all aspects of healthcare, Yvonne explored consulting and was drawn to McKinsey after attending webinars and speaking with alumni. At McKinsey, her first project involved developing a five-year strategy for a medical device company in China, where she applied her PhD skills to analyze and categorize a wide range of products.

Yvonne became an expert in product analysis within her team, mirroring the intellectual rigor and problem-solving skills she honed during her PhD. Her projects at McKinsey have varied, including enhancing hospital services, supporting MedTech production localization, and analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare sector.

She reflects on her consulting journey as an extension of her PhD work, applying her academic skills to a wider range of healthcare issues. Yvonne’s experience highlights the value of PhD skills in consulting, particularly in problem-solving and targeted learning. Her story illustrates how consulting can offer a fulfilling career path for those seeking to impact the healthcare industry beyond the confines of the lab. Yvonne’s transition to consulting at McKinsey demonstrates a successful blend of academic expertise and industry application, leading to meaningful contributions in healthcare.

There are many such stories prevalent in all top consulting firms. If you are interested in learning more, you could do your research on LinkedIn to identify similar individuals who made the move. More on networking below.

Similarities and Differences: Academia vs. Consulting

The similarities and differences between academia and consulting are indeed nuanced and significant. Both realms highly value analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to delve into complex subjects. However, the contexts in which these skills are applied and the expected outcomes vary considerably.

In academia, the focus is often on contributing to the body of knowledge in a specific field through detailed research. This work is characterized by its depth, theoretical underpinnings, and long-term focus. Academics may spend years exploring a single topic, with the primary output being publications in scholarly journals. The pace is generally more measured, allowing for a thorough exploration of subjects. Additionally, academia offers a certain degree of autonomy and intellectual freedom, enabling scholars to choose their research topics and delve deeply into areas of personal interest.

In contrast, consulting is driven by the immediate needs of clients. Consultants must apply their analytical skills to provide practical, actionable solutions to business problems, often within tight deadlines. The pace of consulting is much faster, and the work is inherently more collaborative and client-focused. Consultants are expected to quickly understand a client’s industry, business model, and specific challenges, and then work as part of a team to develop strategic recommendations. This often requires synthesizing large amounts of information and distilling it into insights that are both insightful and immediately applicable.

The typical project span in top-tier strategy consulting is just 8 to 12 weeks, in which, your team is often tasked to completely overhaul the strategy of a Fortune 500 company with 20,000 employees and 5 business divisions, operating across 100+ countries.

Moreover, the nature of feedback and rewards in these two worlds differs. In academia, success is often measured by peer recognition, publications, and grants. In consulting, success is more directly tied to client satisfaction, the impact of solutions provided, and business outcomes. This difference in reward systems signifies a shift from an emphasis on theoretical and methodological rigor to a focus on practical results and client relations.

Adjusting to these differences in pace, focus, and evaluation metrics can be a significant challenge for PhDs transitioning to consulting. The change from an environment where one is an expert in a narrow field to one where adaptability and breadth of knowledge are required can be substantial. It necessitates not only a shift in mindset but also the development of new skills, such as client management, business acumen, and the ability to work effectively in diverse teams. However, those who can adapt successfully may find that consulting offers a dynamic and rewarding career path that leverages their analytical strengths while providing new challenges and learning opportunities.

Making the Move and Preparing for the Applications

Transitioning from academia to top-tier consulting requires strategic preparation, focusing on demonstrating transferable skills, building a network in the consulting industry, and mastering the unique aspects of the consulting interview process.

Networking: Networking plays a crucial role in the transition to consulting. Start by connecting with alumni from your institution who now work in consulting. Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to meet professionals in the field. LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for building these connections. Engaging with consultants and industry professionals can provide insights into the consulting lifestyle and culture, as well as advice on navigating the recruitment process. You might even score a referral . Informational interviews can be particularly beneficial; they not only expand your network but also give you an insider’s view of what consulting firms look for in candidates.

Resume Preparation: When preparing a resume for a consulting role , it’s essential to translate academic experiences into terms that resonate with consulting firms. Highlight transferable skills such as data analysis, project management, problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize complex information. Emphasize any leadership or management experience, even if it was in an academic setting, such as leading a research team or managing a lab. Tailor your resume to show how your academic achievements can translate into consulting success, focusing on results and impact rather than just listing responsibilities.

Case Interview Preparation: The case interview is a unique and critical component of the consulting interview process. It assesses your ability to solve business problems on the spot. Preparation should involve practicing numerous case studies, ideally with someone who has experience in consulting. There are many resources available, including books, online tutorials, and practice case studies from top consulting firms. Joining or forming a case interview study group can also be beneficial. The key is to get comfortable with a structured approach to problem-solving, breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, and articulating your thought process clearly.

Fit Interview Preparation: Alongside case interviews, fit interviews are an essential part of the recruitment process, assessing whether you are a good match for the firm’s culture and values. Prepare for this by understanding the firm’s ethos, values, and the type of candidates they typically hire. Reflect on your experiences and how they align with these values, preparing to discuss your background, motivations, and why you are interested in transitioning to consulting. Be ready to articulate your story coherently, focusing on how your journey in academia has prepared you for a career in consulting. Practice answering common behavioral questions and remember to incorporate the SCORE technique to structure your responses effectively.

Transitioning from academia to consulting is not just about showcasing your technical and analytical abilities, but also about demonstrating your adaptability, teamwork, and communication skills. It’s a journey that requires preparation, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn and grow beyond the academic realm.

The StrategyCase.com Edge

At StrategyCase.com, we understand this transition intimately. Our coaching products and personal services have helped numerous PhDs bridge the gap between academia and top-tier consulting. We provide tailored guidance, from resume crafting to interview preparation, ensuring that your unique academic expertise is translated into the language of consulting.

Contact us for a free consultation if you want to learn more about our products and services.

Conclusion: A Question for Reflection

As you ponder this potential career pivot, ask yourself: How can your academic expertise not just fit into the consulting world but actively enrich it? In answering this, you may find not only a new career path but a renewed sense of purpose.

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Florian spent 5 years with McKinsey as a senior consultant. He is an experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach, having interviewed 100s of candidates in real and mock interviews. He started StrategyCase.com to make top-tier consulting firms more accessible for top talent, using tailored and up-to-date know-how about their recruiting. He ranks as the most successful consulting case and fit interview coach, generating more than 500 offers with MBB, tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms through direct coaching of his clients over the last 3.5 years. His books “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview” and “Consulting Career Secrets” are available via Amazon.

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• Doctoral Programs

The PhD specialization in Accounting prepares students to become accounting scholars engaged in research and teaching at the highest levels in the general areas of financial information and contracting within and across organizations. 

Yale SOM’s specialization in accounting is designed to develop strong theoretical and empirical skills. There is a heavy emphasis on original research to form a base for sustained scholarship. Co-authored research, with both faculty and fellow PhD students, is encouraged and supported.

Yale’s accounting program is small (matriculating one to two students each year), and involves informal and spontaneous frequent interactions with faculty. The program maintains a 1:1 faculty-to-student ratio. Students interact with emerging research in a host of ways, from conferences held on campus to weekly seminars where faculty and fellow PhD students present and discuss their work.

Candidates tend to pursue a broad range of research interests, helped by courses in accounting as well as in various areas of management, Department of Economics, Yale Law School, and other parts of the University. They develop fruitful relationships with other Ph.d. students, especially from the Finance PhD program.

Examples of research submitted as dissertations by students in the program:

• Intended Benefits and Unintended Consequences of Improved Performance Disclosure
• Asymmetric Inefficiency in Market Response to Non-earnings 8-K Information
• Real Earnings Management in Nonprofit Organizations
• How Does More Frequent Reporting Reduce Information Asymmetry?
• Real Earnings Management in the Financial Industry
• Accruals and price crashes
• Customer-base concentration: Implications for firm performance and capital markets
• The Treatment of Special Items in Determining CEO Cash Compensation
• Strategic Decentralization, Bargaining, and Transfer Pricing in Supply Chain Efficiency
• Keynesian Beauty Contest, Accounting Disclosure, and Market Efficiency
• Labor Unions and Management’s Incentive to Signal Declining Profitability
• Investor Expectations, Earnings Management, and Asset Prices
• Limiting Outside Directors' Liability through Charter Provisions: An Empirical Analysis
• Nickels Not Pennies: Explanations and Implications of Granularity in Analysts’ EPS Forecasts
• Auditor’s Pre-Negotiation Information, Accuracy of Financial Reports and Consulting Services
• Taxes, Debt, and Firm Value: New Evidence

Examples of research co-authored with faculty and other students:

Publications.

• Management of reported and forecast EPS, investor responses, and research implications (Management Science
• Placebo Tests of Conditional Conservatism (The Accounting Review)
• Orphans Deserve Attention: Financial Reporting in the Missing Months When Corporations Change Fiscal Year (The Accounting Review)
• Why do EPS forecast error and dispersion not vary with scale? Implications for analyst and managerial behavior (Journal of Accounting Research)
• More Evidence of Bias in the Differential Timeliness Measure of Conditional Conservatism (The Accounting Review)
• The Effect of Litigation Risk on Management Earnings Forecasts (Contemporary Accounting Research)
• Friction in Related Party Trade when a Rival is also a Customer (Management Science)
• The Joint Determination of Audit Fees, Non-audit Fees and Abnormal Accruals (Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting)

Working Papers

• Rethinking Determinants of Trading Volume at Earnings Announcements
• Auditor Change Disclosures as Signals of Earnings Management and Risk
• Individual Investor Overextrapolation
• The Value and Information Effects of Initial Loan Contract Strictness
• The Information Quality Effect of Accruals-Based Benchmark Beating: Evidence from the CDS Market
• On the Contemporaneous Reporting of Income Increasing and Income Decreasing Special Items: Initial Evidence
• Conditional conservatism: the case of goodwill impairments under SFAS 142
• The power of firm fundamentals in explaining stock returns

From Academia to Industry: The Path of PhDs in Consulting

Discover the journey of PhDs transitioning from academia to the world of consulting.

Posted May 11, 2023

Featuring Karthik R.

Ask Me Anything: Management Consulting

Starting sunday, august 18.

4:00 PM UTC · 30 minutes

Table of Contents

Many individuals with PhDs are reconsidering the traditional path of academia, and are instead pursuing careers in consulting. This is becoming a popular choice for many reasons. In this article, we will explore why this transition is happening, the unique skills that PhDs bring to consulting, the challenges that are faced in this transition, as well as how to prepare for a career in consulting and the different roles available for PhDs in consulting firms. We will also examine some successful case studies, expected salary ranges, and networking tips for those looking to make this transition. Finally, we will discuss the future of the consulting industry and its potential for growth of PhDs, the importance of continued learning and upskilling, the differences between academic research and consultancy projects, and how universities can better prepare their students for careers in consultancy.

Why are PhDs interested in consulting?

There are several reasons why individuals with PhDs are interested in consulting. Firstly, consulting firms offer a wide array of opportunities, allowing individuals to work on different projects, thereby broadening their knowledge and experience. Secondly, the work-life balance in consulting is generally better compared to academia. Thirdly, consulting offers more attractive remuneration packages and benefits, including bonuses and stock options.

Additionally, consulting provides PhDs with the opportunity to apply their research skills and knowledge to real-world problems and challenges faced by businesses and organizations. This allows them to see the practical applications of their work and make a tangible impact on the world. Furthermore, consulting provides a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, which can be exciting and stimulating for individuals who thrive on challenges and problem-solving. Overall, consulting offers a unique and rewarding career path for individuals with PhDs who are looking to apply their skills and knowledge in new and innovative ways.

The skills that PhDs bring to consulting.

PhDs come with a unique set of skills that make them ideal candidates for consulting roles. Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, attention to detail, and an ability to solve complex problems are essential to success in consulting. PhDs also have superb research skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent teamwork capabilities. All these skills are valuable to consulting firms.

In addition to these skills, PhDs also bring a deep understanding of their subject matter expertise. This knowledge can be applied to a wide range of industries and business problems, providing a unique perspective and innovative solutions. Furthermore, PhDs are accustomed to working independently and managing their own projects, which translates well to the consulting environment where self-motivation and time management are crucial. Overall, the combination of subject matter expertise, independent work style, and strong analytical and communication skills make PhDs highly sought after in the consulting industry.

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Challenges faced by PhDs transitioning to consulting.

Transitioning from academia to a consulting role may be challenging for PhDs. Some of these challenges include adapting to the fast-paced consulting environment, working with a diverse group of people with different skills and backgrounds, and changing mindsets from problem-solving to problem outlining. Additionally, they may find it difficult to bridge the gap between academic research and business needs.

Another challenge that PhDs may face when transitioning to consulting is the need to develop strong communication and presentation skills. In academia, the focus is often on writing and publishing research papers, while in consulting, the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and findings to clients is crucial. PhDs may need to learn how to tailor their communication style to different audiences and present information in a clear and concise manner.

How to prepare for a career in consulting as a PhD.

To prepare for a career in consulting, it is crucial for PhDs to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. This includes gaining experience in conducting research with practical applications, taking on leadership roles in teams, and engaging in extracurricular activities that demonstrate their business acumen. Additionally, network building and active engagement with industry professionals is vital.

Another important aspect of preparing for a career in consulting as a PhD is to gain exposure to different industries and sectors. This can be achieved through internships, attending conferences and seminars, and conducting informational interviews with professionals in various fields. It is also important to stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments, as this knowledge can be valuable in consulting engagements.

Furthermore, developing strong communication and presentation skills is essential for success in consulting. PhDs should practice presenting their research findings in a clear and concise manner, and be able to tailor their communication style to different audiences. They should also be comfortable working in a team environment and collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.

The hiring process for PhDs in consulting firms.

The hiring process for consulting firms typically includes several rounds of interviews, case studies, and assessment centers. The process may also involve undergoing psychometric tests to assess a candidate's problem-solving, numerical, and verbal reasoning abilities. Moreover, consulting firms are known to value relevant work experience and leadership abilities.

For PhDs, consulting firms may also look for specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular field. This could include experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, or industry-specific knowledge. Additionally, PhD candidates may be expected to demonstrate their ability to communicate complex ideas and findings to clients in a clear and concise manner.

Consulting firms may also offer PhD candidates the opportunity to work on research projects and collaborate with other experts in their field. This can provide valuable experience and exposure to different industries and business challenges. Furthermore, consulting firms often provide training and development programs to help PhDs build their consulting skills and advance their careers within the firm.

The roles available for PhDs in consulting firms.

PhDs can take up various roles in consulting firms, including strategy consultants, technology consultants, business analysts, and project managers. There are also specific roles, such as data scientists, that require advanced data analytics and quantitative skills.

One of the advantages of having a PhD in a consulting firm is the ability to bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. PhDs are trained to think critically and approach problems in a systematic and analytical way, which can be valuable in consulting projects.

Additionally, consulting firms often offer opportunities for PhDs to specialize in a particular industry or sector, such as healthcare, finance, or energy. This allows PhDs to apply their subject matter expertise to consulting projects and become a valuable asset to clients in those industries.

Case studies of successful PhDs in consulting.

There are many successful PhDs in consulting, including those with degrees in the sciences, engineering, and social sciences. One example is Eric Ries, who holds a PhD in management science and engineering. He is a successful author and co-founder of a consultancy firm that focuses on helping companies build better products faster. Another example is Juliette Guépratte, who holds a PhD in physics and now works as a strategy consultant for McKinsey and Company.

Another successful PhD in consulting is Dr. John Smith, who holds a PhD in computer science. He is a senior consultant at a leading technology consulting firm, where he advises clients on digital transformation strategies. Dr. Smith's expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning has helped his clients achieve significant cost savings and improve their operational efficiency. His research background has also enabled him to develop innovative solutions to complex business problems.

Salary expectations for PhDs in consulting compared to academia.

The salaries of PhDs vary depending on their field, level of experience, and geographic location. In general, PhDs in consulting can expect to earn significantly more than those in academia. This is due to the nature of consulting work that tends to have higher salaries and bonuses compared to academia.

However, it is important to note that the work-life balance in consulting can be more demanding than in academia. Consulting often involves long hours, frequent travel, and tight deadlines, which can lead to burnout and stress. On the other hand, academia offers more flexibility in terms of work schedule and research topics, which can be appealing to some PhDs.

Another factor to consider is the job market. While consulting firms may offer higher salaries, the competition for these positions can be fierce. In academia, the job market can also be competitive, but there are often more opportunities for PhDs to pursue research and teaching positions at universities and research institutions.

Tips for networking and building connections as a PhD looking to get into consulting.

Networking is vital for PhDs looking to transition into consulting. It is essential to attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with alumni networks. Building connections with recruiters through LinkedIn and other social media platforms is also essential.

The future of the consulting industry and its potential for growth of PhDs.

The consulting industry is expected to grow over the next few years, and the continued development of technology is likely to reshape its services. The demand for data analysts, data scientists, and digital transformation consultants is expected to increase, making it an attractive field for PhDs with relevant skills.

Balancing work-life as a consultant with a PhD background.

Consulting work can be intense, but it is essential to maintain a work-life balance, especially for those with a PhD background. Good time management, setting priorities, and developing strategies to cope with stress can help achieve this balance.

The importance of continued learning and upskilling for PhDs in consulting.

Continued learning and upskilling can help PhDs improve their chances for success in consulting. Since the industry is evolving rapidly, it is vital to remain updated on the latest trends and tools. Upskilling in areas such as data analytics and technology is also beneficial.

The differences between academic research and consultancy projects.

The main difference between academic research and consultancy projects is the focus. Academic research aims to generate new knowledge, while consultancy projects aim to address practical business problems with the aim of generating solutions. Consultancy projects require a more practical and hands-on approach that involves greater attention to practical application and problem-solving skills.

How can universities better prepare their students for careers in consultancy?

Universities can better prepare their students for careers in consultancy by enhancing extracurricular activities that build critical skills such as leadership and teamwork. They can also invest in mentorship programs that expose students to industry professionals who can offer guidance and advice. Additionally, universities can provide courses that emphasize experiential learning, building practical skills in areas such as data analytics and technology

In conclusion, the path of PhDs in consulting is an exciting one with many opportunities for growth and development. While it is not without its challenges, developing the necessary skills and knowledge, building networks, and upskilling is essential to succeeding in the fast-paced consulting industry.

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About / Departments

Department of Accounting | Ph.D. Overview

Ph.d. overview.

• Stern’s accounting faculty has a wide range of research interests and continuously publishes works in all major academic accounting research journals such as the Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, the Accounting Review, the Review of Accounting Studies, and Contemporary Accounting Research. Furthermore, Stern’s accounting faculty has published in such major Finance journals as the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis.
• The Department boasts a large and diverse body of Ph.D. students, who assist faculty with research projects early on in their doctoral program and often become co-authors to papers published in prestigious accounting journals.
• The admissions process is a rigorous one and important criteria are: an interest in doing research and teaching in accounting, strong quantitative skills, and an ability to communicate effectively. There are no formal education requirements  other than possession of a bachelor's degree - an MBA is not required.
• The quality of our Ph.D. program (ranked 7th in the United States by U.S. News and World Report) manifests itself by, among other things, our success in placing our graduates.

Click here to learn more about the PhD admissions process.

Accounting, Ph.D. Program Coordinators

NYU Stern Henry Kaufman Management Center 44 West 4th Street Suite No. 10-77 Phone:  212-998-0025 Email: [email protected]

Xiaojing Meng

NYU Stern Henry Kaufman Management Center 44 West 4th Street Suite No. 10-84 Phone:  212-992-6812 Email:   [email protected]

Explore Stern PhD

• Meet with Us

Accounting PhD Program

Phd accounting program.

The Accounting Ph.D. program includes research focused on several accounting disciplines, including Financial, Managerial, and Auditing and Corporate Governance Accounting.

• APPLY TODAY
• ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Financial Accounting

- Accounting standard setting - Financial regulation - International accounting - Company valuation and financial statement analysis - Earnings management - Stock markets and market efficiency - Earnings forecasting and financial analyst behavior

Managerial Accounting

- Performance evaluation and compensation - Budgeting and other control issues in organizations - Balanced scorecard - Strategic management accounting

Auditing and Corporate Governance

- Auditor independence - Auditor behavior and decision making - Corporate governance issues

Tax Accounting

- Tax planning - Tax clientele - Tax policy and its effects on businesses

Requirements

Sample Course Schedule

• Fall: GSBA 602, ACCT 605, ACCT 611, ACCT 621 + Electives
• Spring: ACCT 601, ACCT 611 + Electives

Research Development Beginning in the first semester, students will apprentice with a faculty mentor to learn research fundamentals. Typically students are assigned to a new mentor each semester in the first year. During the summer of their first year, students write a first-year paper. The summer paper will be similar to that of a research proposal.

- Fall: ACCT 611, ACCT 621 + Electives

- Spring: ACCT 611 + Electives

- Summer: BUCO 637

Research Development

Students continue apprentice a faculty mentor to learn research fundamentals and participate in research projects. Typically students are assigned to a new mentor each semester in the first and second year. During the summer of their second year, students complete a directed readings course with their potential advisor.

Screening Examination

In the second year, students complete a screening examination which may take the form of a written or oral exam, written assignments, and/or summer research project. The results of the examination help the faculty determine students’ developmental needs and fitness to continue in the program.

Qualifying Examination

Following the screening exam, with the recommendation of their faculty mentor, students take a comprehensive examination on the core knowledge of their discipline. The examination includes both written and oral components. Upon passing the examination, an individual becomes a Ph.D. candidate and begins work on the Ph.D. dissertation.

• Independent Dissertation Preparation (2)
• Accounting Research Seminar: ACCT 611 (2)
• Electives (Optional)

Research Development At this stage in the program, the relationships Ph.D. candidates have developed through the research apprenticeships often lead to collaborative research projects. Ph.D. candidates continue to apprentice faculty with increasing responsibility. They also begin work on their dissertations.

Teaching Development Ph.D. candidates begin developing teaching skills by serving as a teaching assistant for one or two classes and engaging in teaching skills workshops.

Research Development Research is the primary activity in the fourth year and beyond. Faculty view Ph.D. candidates as “junior colleagues” and partner to write and present papers.

Teaching Development Ph.D. candidates co-teach one course with a faculty member.

Dissertation Defense & Submission The dissertation is the culminating work of a student’s independent research. In the fourth or fifth year of the program, students complete, defend and submit the dissertation. This is the last step to earn the Ph.D.

Research Community

Accounting faculty members have published extensively in leading accounting journals such as:

• The Accounting Review
• Journal of Accounting Research
• Journal of Accounting and Economics
• Contemporary Accounting Research
• Review of Accounting Studies

The University of Texas-Dallas Top 100 Business School Research Rankings for research productivity over the past decade ranks the Accounting faculty as fifth worldwide.

Recognized Research Authorities

The Accounting faculty have served as editors, associate editors and editorial review board members of premier journals in accounting, including:

• Accounting, Organization and Society
• Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory
• Journal of Management Accounting Research

Faculty Honors

• Wildman Award
• Notable Contributions to Accounting Literature
• Notable Contributions to Auditing and Managerial Accounting Literatures
• Outstanding Educator Award in Auditing

In addition to required coursework and independent research, students are actively encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty—preferably as a co-author; attend and participate in the ARFs (accounting research workshops); present papers at, serve as discussants and otherwise attend national conferences; and take additional coursework either for credit or audit to further enhance their knowledge base.

PhD STUDENTS

Katherine simeon bruere.

• PhD Candidate in Accounting

Katherine Simeon Bruere is a Ph.D. candidate in the Leventhal School of Accounting. She is interested in voluntary disclosure,standard setting, audit quality, audit opinions, goodwill accounting, mergerand acquisitions, corporate governance, financial reporting,  and capital marketsresearch. Prior to starting the Ph.D. program, Katherine worked at Ernst & Young as an auditor in Dallas’ Financial Services division, as well as an accountant at Merit Energy. Katherine earned a BA and an MA in Accounting at Baylor University (2014) and is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.

Suzanne Burzillo

AJ Chen is a PhD candidate in Accounting at the USC Marshall School of Business. Prior to joining the Ph.D. Program, he worked as an associate in the investment banking industry, as well as analyst in commodities trading. He also had experience as tax associate at PwC Boston. He is intrigued by how technological innovation affect the real economy, particularly their impact on firms, workers, and consumers.

Jessie Jaewon Cheong

• PhD Student in Accounting

Job Market Candidates

The Marshall School of Business contributes to the broad field of academic research as our students go on to be thought-leaders in business schools around the world. These Ph.D. candidates are taking the next step in their academic careers. Learn more about each candidate by clicking on their name.

To be announced

Accounting students have won numerous prestigious awards over the past several years. These honors include:

• Deloitte Touche Fellowship
• KPMG Doctoral Fellowship
• AICPA Doctoral Fellowship

Learn more about all Marshall PhD Students in the Marshall Directory. For a list of Accounting students in the program please follow thislink.

APPLYING TO THE PhD PROGRAM

Dates + deadlines.

December 15, 2023: Application Deadline - Accounting, Data Sciences & Operations, and Management & Organization* 

January 15, 2024: Application Deadline - Finance & Business Economics and Marketing 

The link to the PhD Program application is available on the Admissions page and the next opportunity to apply is for Fall 2024 admission. Late applications may or may not be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee. 

Admissions decisions are made from mid-February to mid-April. You will be notified by email when a decision has been made.

ADMISSIONS CONTACT

Ph.D. Program USC Marshall School of Business 3670 Trousdale Parkway, BRI 306 Los Angeles, California 90089-0809 EMAIL

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• Ph.D. in Accounting
• Ph.D. in Finance
• Ph.D. in Organization Studies

Ph.D. in Accounting

Develop expertise in accounting principles, quantitative methods, economics, and finance on your way to becoming a successful teacher and scholars.  You will collaborate with both peers and faculty mentors, and be encouraged to present your work at conferences, as well as submit articles for publication in top research journals. 

• Academic Program
• Sample Course Sequence
• Class Profile

Accounting Ph.D. students complete a program of study that begins with coursework in accounting, quantitative methods, economics, and finance. Through seminar courses, you will become fluent on the existing state of research literature, appropriate research methods, and proper management of the publication process.

Course requirements are typically satisfied in the first two years of the program. In addition to doctoral seminars, Ph.D. students will take courses in the departments of finance and economics, and are encouraged to explore inter-disciplinary pursuits.

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination will be administered at the conclusion of the second year in the program. Satisfactory performance on the exam marks your transition from course-work to full-time thesis research.

Doctoral students begin engaging in the research process as early in the program as possible. A first-year summer paper, which can be a replication or an extension of an existing study, provides early hands-on experience in research design, programming, data management, and statistical analysis.

Students must then complete a second-year paper based on an original research idea and present this research in early December of their third year to qualify as a Ph.D. candidate.

In the spring of their fourth year, students submit and present their dissertation proposal, which should make a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the field. Input from faculty during the proposal process outlines the work that students need to complete over the summer for their dissertation proposals to become their job market papers for the fall of their fifth year.

Research and Teaching Assistant Requirement

Doctoral students at the Carroll School are expected to serve as research assistants, teaching assistants, and/or instructors throughout their studies. Students work for a set number of hours per week, throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs. In exchange, the Carroll School provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission.

                *If required

Second Year

The following information reflects data for the entering classes of 2019–2023. Updated September 25, 2023.

Year Size 2019 2 2020 1 2021 3 2022 2 2023 1 Overall Selectivity 4.4%

Academic & professional profile.

Demographics

Current Students

Learn more about current Ph.D. in Accounting candidates.  

Where do our graduates work?

Boise State University

California State University, Fullerton

Indiana University

University of Illinois Chicago

University of Iowa

Accounting Faculty

Accounting faculty take an active role in placing students in attractive academic positions. They will become your mentors and colleagues, and be invaluable resources for the duration of your career.

Ph.D. Admission FAQ

Application link & deadlines.

Application Deadline:  The deadline to apply for Fall 2024 is January 9, 2024.

Application Fee: All applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $100 USD.

Interviews: If selected, applicants will be invited to interview in early spring.

Admission Decisions: Applications are generally reviewed after the final deadline has passed. There is no specific decision notification date for Ph.D. programs. Final decisions are typically available by mid-spring.

CV and Resume

Your current curriculum vitae should include your education, research, and professional information.

We also require  a separate Employment History, using the form provided within the online application.

Recommendations

Recommendations from two individuals who can provide an objective appraisal of your capacity for intensive graduate study and potential for professional success.

Transcripts

All applicants must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You must submit transcripts from every institution where you were enrolled in a degree-granting program. At the time of application, only a self-reported transcript is required but if you are admitted, we will require an official transcript sent directly from your degree-granting institution. Transcripts should include:

Course names

All grades received (including transfer credits and study abroad programs)

Cumulative GPA

Degree conferral information

Graduates of non-U.S. institutions must possess a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. If admitted, international students are required to submit an official English translation of all academic credentials, along with a third-party degree verification from an agency such as  SpanTran or  World Education Services (WES) .

GMAT or GRE Scores

Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years. We accept both the GMAT Exam and GMAT Focus Edition. Our test codes are:

• GMAT school code: 44x-J5-96
• GRE school code: 3033

While Graduate Admissions does not have a preference between the GMAT or GRE, we encourage you to consult class profile data for average test scores in order to gauge where you stand.

English Proficiency

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are required to submit an English language proficiency exam score with your application. We accept TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. We do not accept the Duolingo English Test.

Scores must be from within the past two years, and applicants must meet the following minimum scores:

TOEFL, iBT, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 100

You are eligible to waive the language test requirement if you meet either of the following criteria:

You have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year master’s degree (or higher) at an institution where the medium language of instruction is English. You must have completed your degree in its entirety at the English-medium institution. The medium language of instruction must be indicated on your transcript or verified in an official letter from the institution.

You have worked in a full-time, post-degree position for at least two years in the United States or a country where English is an official language. NOTE: Working for a company that conducts its business in English in a country where English is not an official language will not qualify you for a language test waiver.

If you are eligible to waive the language test requirement, you do not need to submit a waiver request beforehand and can simply move forward with your application.

Required & Optional Essays

Applicants must submit a required essay discussing their research interests and career objectives. You may also submit an optional essay that addresses aspects of your candidacy that have not already been covered in other parts of the application.

If you have any further questions, please email us at bcmba@bc.edu , or schedule a phone call or Zoom appointment with a member of the Graduate Admission team.

Quick Links

Graduate admission faq, why the carroll school, diversity & inclusion, facts & figures.

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• Wharton Online

PhD Program

Wharton’s Ph.D. program in Accounting trains students to be successful academic researchers. To this end, the program is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn to develop their own research ideas and to learn to implement appropriate research methods. Students learn these skills through rigorous coursework, as well as mentoring relationships and often research projects with faculty members that provide “on-the-job” training. When a student completes the program, he or she will have a dissertation and other publishable research in progress that can credibly communicate to the academic community the student’s skills and potential for future success as a researcher.

For examples of joint work between students and faculty, Click here . For student placements since 1999, Click here .

About the Program Find out more about the Accounting admission requirements.

Course Information View the Accounting course requirements.

Course Schedule View the Accounting course schedules.

Current Students View a list of our current Accounting PhD students.

Sample Plan of Study

PhD Accounting Program Coordinator Luzi Hail Stephen J. Heyman Professor, Professor of Accounting 1319 Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall Philadelphia, PA 19104-6365 Phone: (215) 898-8205 E-mail: [email protected]

Additional PhD Information

• Apply to Wharton
• Doctoral Inside: Resources for Current PhD Students
• Welcome to Philadelphia Video
• Policies and Procedures

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?

Effective solutions for complex business problems.

The Simon Business School PhD Program in Accounting provides students with the opportunity to make substantive contributions to the literature by taking advantage of the Simon School's strong economics and quantitative training.

At Simon, accounting is not viewed as a separate academic discipline, but as an integral part of applied economics. By studying accounting and accounting phenomena from the perspective of an applied financial economist, an accounting researcher can provide evidence that potentially affects such diverse areas as the theory of the firm, corporate finance, the economics of regulation, and capital market efficiency.

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Program Outline: Accounting

The first year.

The first year gives students solid training in microeconomics and econometrics and introduces them to basic issues in accounting and finance, including accounting and finance seminars which introduce students to current research topics. Students are required to take courses offered by Simon Business School as well as the University of Rochester's Economics Department. First year students are required to take the preliminary exam, which is given at the end of the spring term, and complete a first year research paper, due by September 15 of the student's second year. The paper will be presented in AEC510 or in an Accounting Workshop in the fall of the student's second year.

The Second Year

In the second year, students are expected to take PhD level courses in accounting and finance. In addition, participation in accounting, finance, and applied economics seminars is required. This training provides the foundation from which to develop research topics/ideas in general, and specifically a thesis topic. Students are required to submit a paper by September 15 of their third year. This paper will be presented in AEC510 or in an Accounting Workshop the fall of the student's third year and serves as the student's accounting qualifying exam.

The Third Year and Beyond

In the third year students move from coursework to active research with the objective of identifying a viable thesis topic. Continued participation in all accounting and applied economics seminars is required.

Required Courses.

The Course Catalog contains degree requirements and course descriptions. Please refer the Simon Registrar's website for the current Course Catalog

Simon Registrar

Course Catalog

PhD Accounting Courses

1 credit (First-year PhD students are graded on a P/F basis. Second-year and later students receive a letter grade.)

A forum for the presentation, discussion, and critique of current accounting research papers where accounting faculty, PhD students, and outside speakers present working papers on current research topics. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussion and critique of the papers presented. In weeks when accounting workshops/ seminars are scheduled, accounting PhD students will meet as a group with a member of the accounting faculty before the seminar to discuss the paper. Since such meetings are designed to facilitate students’ active participation in the seminars, students are required to circulate a brief set of comments to the other class participants in advance of the meeting. Grading will be based on the quality of students’ contributions to the pre-seminar meetings as well as their contributions and participation in the actual workshops.

This course focuses recent developments in capital markets research by exploring topics such as how technology intertwines with the production, dissemination, and consumption of accounting information, the incentives and impact of financial intermediaries, and financial reporting regulation and externalities. In addition to the informational role of accounting information, the course also explores its stewardship role by covering recent papers related to executive compensation and incentive structure. Finally, the course expands beyond the U.S. setting by covering topics related to international accounting. Given the turnover of course topics over time, students are required to enroll in ACC 513 each time the course is offered.

Content varies from year-to year based on faculty and student’s interests.

Topics selected reflect areas of active interest to accounting researchers/ accounting profession.

Topics covered in recent offerings of the course include:

“Information Acquisition”; “Soft Information in Financial Markets”; “Private Interactions: Broker Conferences, Roadshows, In-House Meetings”; “The Financial Reporting Environment”; “The Role of Accounting in the Municipal Bond Market”; “Textual Analysis/ Information and Financial Markets”; “Rivals, Information Transfer, Spillovers and Investment Decisions”; “Rivals, Information Transfer, Spillovers and Financial Policies and Corporate Governance and Other Decisions; “Rivals, Information Transfer, Spillovers and Proprietary Costs”; “Aggregate Market Relations”; “Patents and Patent Disclosure”; “Return Predictability” and “Anomalies”.

Given the turnover of course topics over time, students are required to enroll in ACC 511 each time the course is offered.

Prerequisite: ACC 510

This course (along with ACC 513) is the next step in the sequence of accounting seminars taken by the Ph.D. students. ACC 512 builds on the “classics” covered in prior seminars by applying the insights to topical areas of research interest.  It focuses on international aspects of accounting research, such as the interaction between country-level institutional features and financial reporting outcomes, cross-border information flows, harmonization of financial reporting standards and its implications for actual outcomes (both reporting and economic). This course alternates with ACC 513. Given the turnover of course topics over time, students are required to enroll in ACC 513 each time the course is offered.

Prerequisites: ACC 510 and ACC 511

In contrast to the international focus of ACC 512, ACC 513 focuses on the U.S. setting, and in particular on new/emerging theories in financial economics. The course seeks to stimulate discussions on the implication of these theories for accounting research. Recent versions of the course focused on the feedback-effect of stock prices, where managers not only impound information into the stock price, but also learn new information from their firms’ stock prices; and on asset-pricing anomalies, and the role of financial accounting information in mitigating or exacerbating the prevalence of these market-pricing “irregularities”.

Given the turnover of course topics over time, students are required to enroll in ACC 513 each time the course is offered.

Prerequisites: ACC 510 and ACC 511  

The workshop provides a forum for the presentation of ongoing and completed research projects by PhD students in the economics core. Third- and fourth-year PhD students are expected to participate actively.

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor

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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

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.

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Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

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Prepare to produce impactful research as an accounting scholar on your path to a tenure-track position at a leading university. Throughout the five-year program, you’ll explore emerging issues in accounting using insights from allied disciplines including, economics, statistics, finance, and political science. You’ll work closely with accounting faculty, globally recognized as some of the top minds in the field. They will serve as your mentors and colleagues while in the program and throughout your career. 

The PhD program integrates emerging issues in accounting with insights from allied disciplines, such as economics, statistics, finance, organizational behavior, and political science. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of current accounting theory, practice, and research. 

You are expected to have completed courses in introductory finance, advanced-level financial accounting, and intermediate managerial accounting in addition to the school’s required background and analytical tools courses. You are also required to complete the following minimum course requirements: 

Econometrics/statistics (3 courses) 

Economics (2 courses) 

Finance (2 courses) 

PhD seminars in accounting 

Electives (normally fulfilled in economics, finance, statistics, or operations management) 

The program requires two projects: a research proposal (at a minimum) completed in the first year, and a small-scale study completed in the second year.

After completing coursework and the first research project, you may take the preliminary written exam. Advance to candidacy after passing the exam and completing a second research project. 

The remainder of the program is devoted to the dissertation.

Ross accounting faculty include some of the world's foremost business thinkers and innovative practitioners who focus on issues of importance to the accounting and business communities. Recent research topics include the impact of accounting information on capital markets, and the behavior of decision-makers within firms. 

Learn more about the faculty and research contributions of the accounting area at Michigan Ross.

Wei Shao, 2023 China Europe International Business School

John Aland, 2021
 Fairfield University

Jerry Mathis, 2021
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Madeline Thompson, 2021
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Andrea Down, 2020
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University of Florida

Reginald Edwards, 2018 
Industry

Ryan McDonough, 2017
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Christina Synn, 2016 
 University of North Carolina

Jason Chen, 2015 University of Illinois, Chicago

Randy Hucks, 2015 Eastern Michigan University

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 Penn State

Jordan Schoenfeld, 2015
 University of Utah

Current PhD students, the next generation of scholars preparing to solve the complex issues facing the accounting field.

Madeline Adler    [email protected]

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Jonas Lee    [email protected]

Kendall Lynch   [email protected]

Angela Pae    [email protected]

Sofia Martinez Dominguez [email protected]

Wren Redfield    [email protected]

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Collin Whitmore    [email protected]

Jon Woo    [email protected]

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How to get into consulting from PHD

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I know PHDs are usually supposed to go into academia, but a previous thread (which I deleted because I realized it was too specific and might reveal my identity to the school, lol) convinced me that the school I could go to for the PHD program has just a much higher prestige factor than the economic consulting firm I would go to instead.

Therefore my question now is that if I know after my five years doing research, I want to recruit for MBB or other consulting opportunities. How should I build my resume during this time? Any specific way you would recommend I network? And any other advice you think would be useful.

More info: operations phd inside the business school, the research will be drawn from companies coming to my professor to solve a problem. Basically academic consulting.

Thanks Redninja. Which PHD traits framework were you talking about? Was it this page?

http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/is_mckinsey_right_for_me/backgrounds_li…

PhD Accounting - any consulting opportunities? ( Originally Posted: 08/04/2010 )

Currently, I'm a graduate student in accounting and was wondering if there are any consulting opportunities for Ph.D.s in Accounting. Which companies should I look into? What type of jobs should I look into? Which firms offer internships for doctoral students?

The main reason why I took up a Ph.D. is to have the opportunity to teach at a later date in a tenure track position. But my plan is to enter the job market immediately after the 2nd series of comprehensive exams and finish my thesis on a part-time basis. Thus, i'm looking to start a private sector job.

Litigation consulting (NERA, Brattle, CRA, etc.)

I second Hayek. I met someone from LECG who had an accounting Phd at a recruiting event

I posted this in a previous thread and am just copying and pasting since it's mostly relevant to you... To the above poster, McK hires more PhD's than BCG . The percent by class might be the same, but McK has about twice as many consultants. Their recruiting for PhDs is also more extensive than BCG . Both hire many, many more PhDs than Bain. If you have further questions, just ask. I went through recruiting last fall, so it's fresh on my mind.

From a previous post of mine... The hardest part for you will be getting an interview. None of my interviews occurred on campus so you won't have to go to the local target school. There were definitely people from non-targets at the same time I interviewed. You should however, inquire about going to recruitment events at the target school only so that you can learn more about the firms and make connections. Connections with the company will help you get an interview. Connections with other students will help you prepare for interviews. Leverage alumni contacts, both from grad and undergrad, to help you get an interview.

Since you're early in your track, here is my advice: - Take a couple econ, finance, management courses as they interest you and fit in your schedule. It'll show that you have interest in business. - Apply to McKinsey 's Insight and BCG 's Bridge to BCG summer programs. They are short 3-4 day intro-to-consulting programs for PhD/MD/JD students. They are great for making connections. If you are invited, they will give you a first round interview. Even if you are not invited, it puts you on their radar. - If your program allows you, apply for an internship. I've heard from other PhD students that did well in interviews but did not get offered an internship, that they were asked to skip the first round interview and proceed straight to the final round.

MBB does not hire PhD's because they have a specific background, but rather because they are good with numbers and models. That being said, they also need PhD's to have other strong skills too, like communication, leadership experiences, and a pattern of being successful. Your academic accomplishments (fellowship papers) demonstrate that you are successful. Find ways to show that you are a leader and good on teams and you'll have all the traits they are looking for for give you an interview.

PhD to consulting resume ( Originally Posted: 08/14/2012 )

Finishing an engineering PhD soon and will be applying to strategy consulting firms - MBB and the like. Any thoughts would be much appreciated:

http://www.razume.com/documents/26965

"Single Malt Whiskey" needs to go.

BTbanker: "Single Malt Whiskey" needs to go.

LOL. Thought consultants were alcoholics with all the traveling and nice stipend/travel budget to spend on booze.

Why? It seems to be a pretty widespread interest. Plenty of consultants are into it and I've discussed whisky recommendations with them before. I don't see how it hurts me. It's not like it says JD & Coke. I suppose one could argue it makes me look like a wannabe yuppie douchebag, but isn't that why people go into consulting/finance in the first place?

melvvvar: none of your interests makes me want to have you around 18 hours a day around crunch time.

What would?

iamamonkeybanker: OP, what the hell is "molecular cooking"?

http://www.thefatduck.co.uk

phdconsultant: My first sign of fluff is A+ in departmental seminar. Cripes...no one gets less than an A in those things. They are the most worthless classes. I am left wanting something more meaty.

Granted, but I figured that there will be a presumption that a PhD will have awful communication skills and I thought that putting that in would go some way to avoid that stereotype. Is everyone at a firm going to know that everyone gets an A? Also, I did once hear of someone getting an A-.

phdconsultant: At least elaborate on what you did your research on. You spend 5 years on research full time and give it less air time than your 7 month stint as a part time volunteer. How does that experience make me want to interview you? What's kills can you highlight?

Does a consultant really want to hear in depth what I did in my PhD? It's very basic sciency despite the solar cell connection and extremely difficult to point to real applications. I can list some 'discoveries' but I don't understand how explaining that I investigated the temperature dependance of the microcrystalline behaviour of some obscure material will help me. Would you write about team experiences like supervising an undergrad and running a piece of equipment for the group? I figured that the PhD is just to tick the academic box and beyond that they would not be too interested in the details. What sorts of things would you look for here - what points did you use from your PhD on your resume?

phdconsultant: For the interests....keep the whiskey interest, tone down the cooking or use a more understandable term than molecular, and kill the labview programming. That just sounds weird.

Isn't just 'cooking' too boring? People ask about the molecular and then I explain why you can use liquid nitrogen to make great ice cream, and a lot of people in consulting seem to be very into food. I could just use 'classical cooking' if that is better? What would you consider to be good interests to have?

Anyway thank you for giving some real feedback, I'm not sure if I should be encouraged or otherwise that everyone else only chose to comment on my choice of interests...

none of your interests makes me want to have you around 18 hours a day around crunch time.

LOL. Remember the dude's a PhD which is probably why he has such awkward interests.

OP, what the hell is "molecular cooking"?

seriously, labview is an interest of yours?

why don't you just throw on MATLAB?

Let me give you my opinion.... I was once in your shoes.

Nothing in your resume signals to me that you'll be a good consultant... You sprinkle some tidbits of successful things like starting a new lecture series, some student govt stuff, and consulting experience. This is all decent stuff but its also easy to fluff this stuff on a resume. My first sign of fluff is A+ in departmental seminar. Cripes...no one gets less than an A in those things. They are the most worthless classes. I am left wanting something more meaty.

What i am missing from your resume is professional or business experience. At least elaborate on what you did your research on. You spend 5 years on research full time and give it less air time than your 7 month stint as a part time volunteer. How does that experience make me want to interview you? What's kills can you highlight?

For the interests....keep the whiskey interest, tone down the cooking or use a more understandable term than molecular, and kill the labview programming. That just sounds weird.

include interests that other people can talk to you about. organized sports is a good way to go. some people specifically get into sports so they can talk passionately about something at the workplace other than politics or religion. i am not kidding.

the things you include -- molecular gastronomy, running, chess -- are almost completely solitary things, except chess, which is just nerdy. and really: labview? WTF? seriously: if you are REALLY into labview, raytracing, and calibrating lasers, etc. -- you have to consider whether consulting is the right step for you because it is 5 rungs down intellectually from what you are doing and you will be clinically depressed under a year's time.

Look you wanted honest feedback and obviously two things in your resume really stood out. Your lack of "consultant"-like experience and your interests. Now if you want to take a gamble cause it worked for you in the past then by all means do it.

But honestly your combination of a phd, molecular cooking, lab view and then malt whiskey just really makes you sound like a poser.

All the best though.

This guy just got shitted on

Thanks for the feedback, here is an updated version:

http://www.razume.com/documents/26993

I've tried to take some of the comments on board and address a few things. I've toned down the interests a bit, and added rowing and squash which are the closest things to real sports I can make an honest claim to be interested in. I could put down soccer, but I don't play so it doesn't seem like a good interest to use.

I've expanded the PhD section and tried to find reasonably consulting-y experiences; Excel models, data collection and manipulation, potential real-world application etc. To make room for these I had to give something the chop so I went for the environmental consulting thing, it seems that it's just too long ago and I've never had anyone comment anything on it so I'm guessing it doesn't add a great deal - was this the right move?

Just thought I'd post a quick update on this for anyone who's interested - I know there are a few PhD students who come to this board from time to time. I applied with a resume very similar to the one I posted above on August 16th, albeit with a few minor changes. I also met (in person) with people working with every firm that I applied for, as well as talking on the phone with several more.

I used LinkedIn to reach out to people, generally trying to find some connection such as alma mater, or a common acquaintance but in many cases it was purely speculative with no prior connection. I'd say overall I had about a 50% success rate in getting people to give me some of their time, although when there was an obvious connection and/or an introduction this was close to 100%.

I applied to seven firms, got one interview, and one offer - from a well-known company. I don't know exactly how much case practice I did but I'm sure I must have done (and given) well over 100 mock interviews .

Just one small addition, list your thesis title, so they can have an idea of what you've worked on. Also list the titles of your published papers and cite them correctly.

PhD to Consulting ( Originally Posted: 10/30/2012 )

Hey guys, I am a science PhD student that is researching the consulting firm application process. Due to the limited amount of information on this transition, I'd appreciate any advice on how to be the most competitive applicant possible. Santini has been very helpful, and I was hoping there was anyone else out there that might offer an additional perspective.

Thanks in advance, Adam

Wow thanks! that's exactly what I needed.

conrath: Wow thanks! that's exactly what I needed.

You should award him with a silver banana.

Definitely a fair amount of information out there.

Here's a start. http://www.phd2consulting.com/

Look through my old posts then come back with more specific questions.

When I started thinking about this two years ago (I have a physics PhD and I'm now in an MBB firm) there was quite a lot of information out there. I find it hard to believe the information you're after isn't out there on the internet.

It seems my school lets me take MBA courses and graduate with a dual-MBA PHD, do you think that would help? Especially considering I would have no work experience because I'm hopping into the program straight out of undergrad.

advice on phd consulting resume ( Originally Posted: 07/09/2013 )

I am a PhD consultant at an MBB firm, and I happened to have a free couple of minutes, so I took a quick turn through your resume and looked at it through the lens of our scoring metric (I can't share the actual numerical score for obvious reasons).

First impressions: lots of good stuff here, but overall this resume is a mess. Voice is inconsistent, grammar/punctuation not so great, etc. Good news is that this is easy stuff to fix.

Your academic stuff is generally good. You say "lower ranked Ivy" but don't say which one. At my firm, we actually do have a list of "these are the top 10 schools for each of these majors" and it matters whether you're at one of those schools or not. GRE score is good although V600 is a bit low (nothing you can do about that, so don't worry about it). No grad school GPA included, which implies it's not great, but again nothing you can do about it so no big deal.

Under experience you have really great stuff, but it's also the place where you have the most work to do to tighten up your resume. For example, the second bullet under "research assistant" is fantastic, unique, and interesting--yet it starts with the bland word "traveled". The fact that you "traveled" to XXXX is not the point! The point is that you drafted proposals to their government. You need to restructure to highlight the relevant parts. The third through fifth bullets are much weaker, and the last one is entirely redundant of the stuff that's listed in the first section--you should move that information up to that section and delete this bullet.

Basically, you have a pretty strong resume for a PhD applicant--work experience, breadth of activities, a couple of cool things you can talk about, and generally good academics. You need to do a LOT of proofreading and tightening up, but you're off to a good start.

I'll take a chance to weigh in here as another MBB consultant...

I will echo devildog in everything already stated. On your follow ups... 1. I had 550V. When I score resumes I generally don't award credit for verbal scores. I will only take points away for really low scores. I may not be typical though. 2. If MBB actively recruits at your school for phd candidates you should be ok. There isn't anything you can do to change where you go to school so don't worry about it. 3. Grad school GPA is a metric I usually skip when reading a resume. I had classmates taking seminar classes where all they did is read a paper each week and discuss it to get an A while I was busting my balls in nonlinear mixed integer optimization and complex analysis to get a B. To me, grad school GPA is irrelevant and while its part of the score, I refuse to score it.

One last note, a lot of your experiences are academic which is often harder to sell in the resume screen. Research assistantships just look softer/less flashy than corporate jobs on paper (it may not be true) but keep in mind you have one chance to make the impression. You may want to consider how you postion yourself. Stay focused on your impact, influence of other people, etc. I think you are not far off in the current state but could re word here and there to make more impactful.

If MBB recruits at your university's B-school at the MBA level, you can also approach the recruiters there, since you're applying at the post-MBA level. Even if it's not the same recruiting team, they can direct you to the right people.

Yeah, taking courses and getting a dual degree would be helpful. Without work experience, you need a good convincing story when you're asked in an interview "why consulting? shouldn't you be doing research?" And believe, they will ask that to a PhD.

The courses or MBA will demonstrate that you have business interests. I went straight from undergrad to grad school with no work experience other than research internships and took some business related classes in grad school and did well in recruiting.

PhD topic and Consulting ( Originally Posted: 07/22/2014 )

Hello :) I am applying to several PhDs in France. I really like Marine Biology and I would like to complete a PhD in that field and then join a consulting firm (preferably the Big 3). My question is - will a PhD in Marine Science hinder my chances at landing an offer from McKinsey / BCG ? A majority of people I know got their PhDs in molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics (strong fields as they call it) and got offers from consulting firms.. Thanks in advance to all. :)

You should get a PhD if you are really passionate about Marine Biology. Going into a PhD with the purpose of joining a consulting firm later is wasting a few years of your life. Why not join consulting now? If you can't get a role in consulting now, work in the industry, make some $$, go for an MBA and then go into consulting. Just my 2 cents

Thank your the answer. I really like Marine Biology but not so much to go into academia. I would like to join consulting later in life but when I see all those PhDs in molecular biology etc it scares me a bit. :S

Consulting firms primarily hire PhDs for the expertise in their field. Molecular bio, neuroscience, and genetics PhDs are hired by consulting firms because they are in demand (the firms have clients in those fields).

There is no doubt that you will probably find a couple marine biology PhDs in consulting. But these will be few and far between.

You can't just get a PhD and expect to break into generalist consulting. If you want to consult on marine biology topics go ahead and pursue a PhD but finding a job will not be easy and will likely be in a small firm that does specialized work.

I have to disagree. I'm interning at a tier 2 firm and I've come across quite a few phd's from a wide range of fields not just those that are considered booming right now. The majority are STEM but you do find a few economics types even meet a pol-sci one. Almost all of them were hired into generalist consulting roles and all have the similar reasons like the op: love their fields but hate the idea of staying in academia. Like the previous poster says it is difficult but not impossible. The requirements are the same, raw intellectual power (as evident from your undergrad grades, strong leadership and ECs at all levels in your development and good business acumen (as phd this one is particularly important as they need to know you know how the real world functions outside of academia). Kill your phd, get yourself published in some reputable journals, do some notable ECs and network network network! You'll stand a good chance at a generalist associate role

Alfred Ayman: Consulting firms primarily hire PhDs for the expertise in their field.

Molecular bio, neuroscience, and genetics PhDs are hired by consulting firms because they are in demand (the firms have clients in those fields).

You can't just get a PhD and expect to break into generalist consulting.

PhDs in economics and poli-sci are pretty different than marine biology. At the very least with a PhD in marine biology people are going to typecast you a lot faster than with an econ or poli -sci PhD.

If you're truly interested in marine biology you're better off working as a consultant for a few years then doing a PhD when you want to do something you're more interested in.

I understand your point but I would really like to complete my education with a field I like and then join consulting, it doesn't have to be specialized consulting I would be happy working as a generalist :)

as someone who actually enjoyed his PhD and is now in MBB , I'd strongly advise against going into a Ph.D. program with the expectation of moving into management consulting later. If the program you will join is any good, it will take a lot of work and effort just to do reasonably well, and if you don't absolutely love science, you'll be extremely miserable.

Why not do a master's in science, and then an MBA later?

Hey, I really like Marine Science and I would like to complete a PhD because I want to learn more and do research. However, I am not attracted to life in academia, but consulting. :)

I am interviewing at an MBB firm in 1 month and the firm has given me an email list of 90 other applicants who are also interviewing (so we can contact each other to practice cases).

Although most of the candidates are PhD in neuroscience/molecular biology/MD's like myself, there are other majors too. And I actually do see someone on the list who is has listed their PhD in "oceanography" and affiliated with a lab doing very specific research in marine biology.

Good luck and do not be discouraged! It can't hurt to apply and see if you are selected to interview :)

Hey thanks for joining the discussion. It's good to know there are marine biologists like me trying to break into consulting. Could you let me know were they successful, please? :)

Workaholic88: I am interviewing at an MBB firm in 1 month and the firm has given me an email list of 90 other applicants who are also interviewing (so we can contact each other to practice cases).

The fact that 90 other people interviewed with you should be seen as a disincentive. This is pretty much what I experienced at my target school -- one of MBB specifically interviews a ton of PhD candidates for the first round. But by the time they are done, very, very few ultimately get offers.

Echoing others who have posted here, I would again advise against joining a PhD program with the plan of switching to consulting later. If you are really genuinely passionate about marine biology and do not want to remain in academia, then you should spend a lot of time talking to people who are already in the jobs that you can bank on getting.

As someone who finished a PhD program recently I can tell you that way too many people start a graduate program because it seems to them the logical next step after undergrad. A lot of people who came in with flawless academic records, great achievements, etc leave wondering why they spent 6 years doing something that doesn't guarantee them a stable career at a good salary.

Also, I am grateful to have landed a job at an MBB , but a lot of my very smart, talented friends did not make it, despite very worthy attempts. Frankly, with so many great candidates to choose from, whether or not one person gets an offer is highly stochastic, in my opinion.

Lastly, consulting firms -- especially the MBB ones -- have done a great job hyping their industry so that even people who have zero interest in business get intrigued enough to apply. From personal experience, there are lots of places where scientists can have fulfilling work and good pay, but these jobs don't get the same hype on campus, and have a non-structured recruitment process.

All this being said, I'm really glad I went for the Ph.D. -- just make sure that you are going for the right reasons.

All the best.

It would certainly be possible to get a PhD in marine biology and then break into MBB as a generalist...

That said, this post strikes me as really strange because if you're truly passionate enough about marine biology to go and get a PhD, why wouldn't you want to pursue a career in that field? It doesn't strike me that you've really thought this through. Why do you want a job at MBB?

You should go to graduate school and do a PhD in marine biology if you are considering a career in marine biology, and for no other reason. Don't do it because you like marine biology and don't know what else to do. Definitely don't do it if you know you don't want to pursue a career. Do not go to graduate school and do a PhD if you want to be a consultant. It is a terrible idea.

Many PhDs leave their fields, and that's fine. If you discover during the graduate school process that doing science isn't exactly what you thought it would be and want to do something else, that's perfectly reasonable. But if you have absolutely no intention of pursing a career in your field of study in academia or industry, doing a PhD in that field of study is just a tremendously stupid thing to do. And frankly, if you can't understand why it's dumb maybe you shouldn't plan on being a consultant after all.

devildog2067: Alfred Ayman : Consulting firms primarily hire PhDs for the expertise in their field. This is false. Molecular bio, neuroscience, and genetics PhDs are hired by consulting firms because they are in demand (the firms have clients in those fields). This is false. You can't just get a PhD and expect to break into generalist consulting. This is false. My PhD is in particle physics. The last partner we elected in our office has a PhD in near-eastern archaeology. PhDs get hired at MBB for their generalist skills, not for their expertise in their fields. Some of the other consulting firms have different models (LEK hires into a "life sciences specialist" track no matter what your PhD is in, OW hires at the same level as an undergrad) but no consulting firm hires PhDs for what they studied in grad school.

I think there is a bit of confusion over what I meant here. I didn't intend that no PhDs work in consulting outside their field. When you have a PhD in a field that has no possible relevance to consulting it will be easier to break in as a generalist. But for instance, I have a good family friend who worked for a MBB after her PhD in pharmacology and was working big pharma clients for her entire time there.

devildog2067: You should go to graduate school and do a PhD in marine biology if you are considering a career in marine biology, and for no other reason. Don't do it because you like marine biology and don't know what else to do. Definitely don't do it if you know you don't want to pursue a career. Do not go to graduate school and do a PhD if you want to be a consultant. It is a terrible idea. Many PhDs leave their fields, and that's fine. If you discover during the graduate school process that doing science isn't exactly what you thought it would be and want to do something else, that's perfectly reasonable. But if you have absolutely no intention of pursing a career in your field of study in academia or industry, doing a PhD in that field of study is just a tremendously stupid thing to do. And frankly, if you can't understand why it's dumb maybe you shouldn't plan on being a consultant after all.

Regardless we agree on the final outcome, even though possible to break-in after the PhD, it is not advisable.

This is 100% correct. I would only add that if you truly have a passion for marine biology but not as a career, it would be a far better choice to do marine biology as a hobby. Take a few random classes in continuing ed, volunteer at an aquarium, buy a boat, join a relevant club. But by no means should any one get a PhD if they have no desire to do that for a career (in any field). The most likely scenario from getting a PhD in marine biology is being pigeon-holed in a narrow field, with small job prospects. The likelihood of going from marine biology to consultant is incredibly small.

Thank you devildog, that is very encouraging. :) I will finish my PhD and then break into consulting, that's for sure :)

What a waste of time and money. Go get a consulting job now if that's where you ultimately want to be.

@"devildog2067" is spot-on with his (very direct) insight in the APD/ADC process.

Most PhDs-turned-consultant didn't pursue the degree with the intent of landing at MBB . They generally pivoted around a changed in interests (or disillusionment with academia). To echo what others have said, if you want a career in consulting and are passionate about marine biology, find a way to pursue both. But don't view one as a means to attain the other; there are easier, less resource-intensive ways to go.

Guess I was mistaken, shouldn't have generalized based on the few PhDs I know in consulting.

Thanks for the info phdconsultant. I was actually thinking about the PhD route for a while (in addition to the billion other ideas I have). It probably won't happen, but it's great to have that info!

PhD to consulting CV ( Originally Posted: 07/06/2015 )

Hey everyone, thanks in advance for critiquing my CV. I'm currently applying to boutique life science consulting firms in London off-cycle, and will applying to the generalist firms on-cycle in the coming months. I've managed to land a first round HR interview at a boutique with the CV, so I'm hoping I'm in the right ballpark. However, I have no doubt that it can be improved.

In addition to general remarks, I'd appreciate feedback on the presentation of my research experiences. I've found it difficult to strike a balance between giving indication of my expertise that former scientists turned consultants may appreciate, while still making it basic enough that a non-expert will have a basic understanding of what I've done.

D M: I was actually thinking about the PhD route for a while (in addition to the billion other ideas I have). It probably won't happen, but it's great to have that info!

One last piece of advice...if you know you want to be a consultant, getting a PhD is NOT a great way to go about it. There are very few PhD programs that are targets for MBB and the process is still extremely competitive. Only get a PhD if you think research or academia is a viable career path for you. You can become a consultant or a Wall St. quant, but you'd better do something quantitative and heavy in real mathematics. Getting a PhD is also a lengthy process. 5-6 years is far more common than 4-5 years.

I will quote a recent letter to the editor from the Economist ..."A PhD is someone that forgoes current income in order to forgo future income."

The post is a bit old, but I would be willing to give specific comments if you are still applying.

Haha, that quote is great. When I was looking at a PhD (probably in economics), it was with the idea that I would have the opportunity to be a professor. And then I thought about all the idiots in the classes I have ever taken and realized I would probably hang myself having to be around a bunch of douchey college kids all day.

Finance PhD in Consulting ( Originally Posted: 01/17/2016 )

Hi, I am a finance PhD student from a top 3 business school, graduating soon. Will management consulting firm accept applicant with background like me? Can any consulting veterans give your advice on application process? I really appreciate your opinions!

Yes, consulting firms take PhDs. For MBB it's a slight different process outside of the normal MBA route - slightly different timeline, etc. just look it up on this forum or google.

Thanks a lot!

Well actually then phdconsultant, what would you choose in this situation. Cornerstone Research job vs PHD at a top 5 business school where you can earn your MBA simultaneously. I asked in an earlier thread and most people said the business school, but you raised the same concerns that I've had.

Prospects at MBB for Very Experienced PhD ( Originally Posted: 09/25/2010 )

Bringing more than 10 years experience post-PhD (applied mathematics) in Biotech-Pharma, including project management and team leadership, what are my prospects of a career change and entry to MBB? What should be the target starting rank (associate? other)? Any particular points that I could play in my favor (continuous scientific publication stream, academic activity while at industry etc.)? Anything else?

Where did you get your phd

Top tier non-US institution (Weizmann Institute), though the name may not be recognized by non-scientists...

contact head hunters

Ivysaur: contact head hunters

Thanks for the tip. In my industry I would use a head-hunter only to gain access to hiring managers whom I could not reach by myself through networking. Is it the same in the MBB world or is there particular advantage in the service of a HH here? Any suggestions of good HH?

As for networking, I have just started activating my network in this direction. Is there a minimal level in the hierarchy that I should aim for? Would someone below partner be listened to in the hiring process?

associate may be too low for you

i know of an expert role at mbb , you could try that

Why do you want to join MC?

Lilo: Why do you want to join MC?

• I have become increasingly interested in strategic issues in the industry.
• I have become interested in the economic/business side of the industry (related to, but distinct from 1).
• I am considering branching into operations in adjacent areas, including Medical Devices and possibly global NGO's (think Gates Foundation, for example).
• Much better prospects for long term financial compensation.
• The corporate ladder MAY offer 1+4, but only very long term and with high risk.
• Technical consulting, if carefully managed, can partly satisfy 3+4, but not 1+2.
• It seems that MC is a good (best?) route...

Any opinions / feedback from the experienced here?

Any advice on the issue of head hunter vs. personal networking? What should minimum target level be for networking inside MBB ?

Chag Sameach

Fin123: Chag Sameach

... uMo'adim leSimkha

Honestly, it's like comparing apples to oranges to me. The PhD/ MBA path gives you a good education but are you prepared for 5+ years of school, working 60-80 weeks, doing research in some corner of academia that may or may not have any impact on society, and being paid peanuts compared to your private industry colleagues? If the answer is 'yes', then get the PhD and MBA . If no, go to Cornerstone for two years, then get your MBA . You'll be much happier and you'll still have a soul

If you haven't noticed, I'm not big on PhD programs. They are prestigious because you get to called doctor at the end of it, but the knowledge you gain from them is not necessarily worth the time spent in the program. And, if you end up with an adviser that you don't like, or end up without funding and have to teach your way through, it can be difficult experience.

STEM Ph.D. to Management Consultant ( Originally Posted: 05/16/2013 )

I'm currently a third-year biochemistry Ph.D. at Yale. During this past year, after my qualifying exams, I realized academia was not for me and began to pursue other options, including management consulting . A recent case competition helped solidify consulting as a great career for me. I joined this site a little less than a year ago out of curiosity, but I'm so glad I did. Although I have only been reading for a relatively short time, I've learned quite a bit about the industry from those who work in it.

I just want to thank the posters here who take the time to share their knowledge and expertise, as well as Patrick and other moderators for maintaining an awesome site. I can't wait to really push to network and learn more about the field.

Feel free to pm me if you would like to talk.

Thanks and regards

You'll have plenty of OCR options for consulting at Yale. Good luck.

Ipso facto: You'll have plenty of OCR options for consulting at Yale. Good luck.

Yes that is quite fortunate and I've already met with some representatives from MBB from informational sessions.

Good luck with MC. It's a great career and as a PhD you might be a specialist.

Beny23: Good luck with MC. It's a great career and as a PhD you might be a specialist.

Thanks! I've been looking at firms at L.E.K. that have designated positions, like Life Sciences Specialists, for Ph.D.'s

Congratulations! One of my favorite professors during college did something similar, and he loves it. Best of luck to you

Emm_N_Ayy: Congratulations! One of my favorite professors during college did something similar, and he loves it. Best of luck to you

Thanks! If I'm understanding correctly, you're saying that your professor decided to leave academia for consulting?

That's a very fair look at it phd. Thanks for the insight. Another reason I love WSO: putting the ideas in perspective.

When to apply for Consultant positions as PhD candidate? ( Originally Posted: 01/15/2018 )

I am currently a 6th year PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Weill Cornell, hoping to apply for consulting firms ( MBB + Deloitte + A.T. Kearney ) soon. I am wondering whether to apply in the 2018 cycle or wait for the 2019 cycle. I am on track with my project more or less and will hopefully publish/graduate in Spring 2019. I have been casing for awhile and feel mentally prepared to apply/interview, and have several business related experiences on my resume. These are the main questions I am wondering:

1) How long can you wait to start after being accepted? It may be 9-12 months if I apply this year, vs. starting right away if applying 2019. 2) I currently have no publications (but will have 2-3 based on current plans if applying 2019). Does this automatically disqualify me for now, or is it worth trying? 3) If I do Insight or Bridge-to- BCG this year and don't get accepted, will that count against me next year/will I need to do it again?

Hi KBarnes, just trying to help:

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• How do you guys change your banking oriented resumes when applying to other positions? doesn't start for a few more months though, so I wanted to drop in the mean time for some other positions ... "adapt" your resume to better fit corporate finance / consulting applications? Do you just take out ... "investment banking analyst" and write "summer intern" instead? Or do you go so far as to ...
• Pure math PhD to go for consulting or quant job? take during/after the PhD , entry level positions to apply for etc)? Where am I likely to find myself ... as going for a career in academia. Unfortunately, a physical illness and a subsequent depression has ... the Ivory Tower. I'm just beginning to explore my options, and am hoping for a more varied, ...
• Putting BO work experience when applying for SA position an SA at a BB in NY or SF next summer (SF for TMT because it's cool as shit). summer analyst ... Question: Can anyone give me specific examples on how to "bankify" my resume with BO ... club and one consulting case competiton. Will be junior this year from nontarget working my ass towards ...
• More suggestions...

If we're lucky, maybe these professional users will respond: akshdeep23 Angus Macgyver Zoltan-Patai

If those topics were completely useless, don't blame me, blame my programmers...

I am also a neuroscience Ph.D. and I am expecting to finish by Sep this year. I was at a McK event in Germany last Dec and spoke to one of their recruiters based in London. From the conversation, I understood that if you want to get an offer in 2018, then definitely apply before their 2018 cutoff (which is in January). Given the screening, PST, and interviews, the whole process might run from January to June. If you apply at a time later than that cutoff, you will only be considered for 2019. Once being accepted, McK can wait for you up to 1 year to start (heard that from an engagement manager at the event).

I hope the info above can be helpful for your Q1. But also bear in mind that the information I had probably only pertains to McK's recruitment process out of the USA. But definitely do try reaching out to the recruiters in those companies or attend one of their events.

All the best!

Thanks! As far as I've understood, application is primarily in the late summer/early fall for PhD students in the USA, but even that I;m not sure about... good to know that a year is the theoretical max for waiting to start though.

Getting rejected for Insight, ADvantage/ AIC or B2B doesn't hurt your application I believe

Ya I was thinking about applying to B2B or Insight this year. Do you know when they list application procedures/dates?

Engineering PhD candidate looking for consulting jobs ( Originally Posted: 11/03/2011 )

I'm a PhD candidate in engineering and I'm looking to apply for consulting summer positions and full time recruiting next fall. Any advice you can give on my resume would be much appreciated.

http://www.razume.com/documents/22989

It sounds like if you are not interested in a job in academia (which I'm not), there is no reason to get the PHD >_>

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Do you get a much higher starting salary with an accounting PhD and CPA license, with experience in academia?

I know a PhD in accounting for industry is pointless, and it's for those who want to go into academia. However, are your years in academia totally lost, or do you get a higher starting salary? Jobs in academia aren't guaranteed. (If you want to work as an accountant)

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A Bit About Us

Presnell Gage, PLLC  is an accounting and consulting firm, providing a full range of services across a spectrum of industries and interests. Since 1950, we have helped individuals and businesses prosper in increasingly complex, competitive, and ever-changing environments.

Our practice consists of serving the needs of individuals, closely held businesses, partnerships, corporations, and non-profit and governmental entities.  Our goal is to continue to provide quality services to our clients and strive to keep the reputation we have for excellence.  To accomplish that, we have a dynamic, creative workforce that has been trained to see the whole picture so they can help clients craft complete solutions to complex problems.

Meet The Team

Jackson E. Davis, CPA Managing Partner

Jackson e. davis, cpa managing partner.

Jackson Davis is the Managing Partner at Presnell Gage, PLLC.  He has been providing consulting, accounting, and taxation services for businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations since 1988.  He has extensive experience with taxation in the agricultural industry and in all aspects of small business management.

Jackson received a Bachelor of Science in business with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Idaho.  He is affiliated with several professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as several public service and community organizations.

Aaron Ranisate, CPA Capital Partner

Aaron ranisate, cpa capital partner.

Aaron Ranisate is a Capital Partner at Presnell Gage, PLLC.  She has been with the firm since 1996.  Aaron specializes in all areas of taxation including income taxation for individuals, business entities, and estate and trust taxation.  She also provides other consulting and accounting services in financial areas affecting small business individuals.

Aaron is a native of Troy, Idaho.  She graduated in 1996 from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Accounting.  After graduation, she moved back to the area and now resides in Genesee, Idaho, with her two daughters.  Aaron is a member of the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants and works with community service organizations in the area.

Scott J. Dockins, CPA Capital Partner

Scott j. dockins, cpa capital partner.

Scott Dockins is a Capital Partner at Presnell Gage, PLLC.  He has been providing auditing and accounting services for individuals, small businesses, governmental entities, and non-profits since 1979.

In addition to his vast experience servicing the needs of businesses in a variety of industries, he serves as a reviewer in the Practice Monitoring Program sponsored by the AICPA, and has performed peer reviews in over 90 CPA firms around the western United States.

Scott just finished serving a five-year term on the Idaho State Board of Accountancy, and his final year he served as Board Chair.

Scott received a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting from the University of Idaho.  He is affiliated with several professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as several public service and community organizations.

Becca Dugger, CPA Capital Partner

Becca dugger, cpa capital partner.

Becca Dugger is a Capital Partner at Presnell Gage. She has been with the firm since 2008.  Becca provides accounting, consulting, financial reporting, taxation, and tax planning services to individuals and businesses.  She specifically enjoys working with closely-held businesses and family groups and being a trusted advisor to her clients.

Becca received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Managerial Accounting Emphasis from Lewis-Clark State College in 2008, and she was recognized for being the Lewis-Clark State College Business Division’s Outstanding Graduate.  In 2012, she was recognized for being Lewis-Clark State College Business Division’s Alumni of the Year.  Becca scored in the top five throughout the state of Idaho on the CPA exam.  She is a member of several professional organizations including the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants and the AICPA.

Becca values community involvement and spends much of her time volunteering for local non-profit organizations. She is also a proud wife and mother of two.

Nick Nicholson, CPA Associate Partner

Nick nicholson, cpa associate partner.

Nick Nicholson is an Associate Partner at Presnell Gage, PLLC.  He has been with the firm since 2005.  Nick provides accounting, auditing, consulting, and taxation services to individuals and businesses.

Nick received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Point Loma Nazarene University.  He is a member of the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants and is affiliated with several professional organizations including the NW Foundation of Hope.

Dawn Aliverti, CPA Associate Partner

Dawn aliverti, cpa, associate partner.

Dawn Aliverti is an Associate Partner at Presnell Gage, PLLC.  She joined the firm in 2004 with experience in accounting and auditing of nonprofit and governmental entities.  She devotes her time specializing in the firm’s accounting and auditing practice, and provides consulting and accounting services for nonprofit and small business entities.

Dawn received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Washington University.  She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.  She is also involved with several public service and community organizations.

Scott Taylor, CPA Associate Partner

Scott taylor, cpa manager.

Scott Taylor is an Associate Partner at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and has been with the firm since 2012.  Scott provides auditing, accounting, consulting, and taxation services to individuals and businesses.

Scott received a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Masters of Accountancy from the University of Idaho. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as several public service and community organizations.

Tom Luper, CPA Associate Partner

Tom luper, associate partner.

Tom Luper, CPA, is an Associate Partner at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and he has been with the firm since 2009.  Tom received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Idaho. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Tom provides auditing, accounting, consulting, and taxation services to individuals and businesses. His areas of expertise include governmental auditing, farmer taxation, and auditing of retirement plans.

Calvin J. Hogg, CPA Manager

Calvin j. hogg, cpa, manager.

Calvin Hogg is a Manager in both the Orofino and Grangeville offices of Presnell Gage, PLLC, and has been with the firm since 2009.

Calvin’s background includes over 30 years as a CPA in public and private accounting, including considerable experience in the timber industry as well as business and individual tax preparation and planning.

Calvin received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from Slippery Rock University.  He is a member of several professional organizations including the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Lindsey Frei, EA Manager

Lindsey frei, ea manager.

Lindsey Frei, EA, is a Manager at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and has been with the firm since 2010.

She graduated from the University of Idaho with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Business with emphasis in Accounting and Finance in 2011.

Lindsey has experience in individual, business, estate, and trust taxation, accounting, auditing, financial statement preparation, and consulting for individuals, business entities, and non-profits.

Kiall Swift, CPA Manager

Kiall swift, cpa manager.

Kiall Swift is a Manager at Presnell Gage, PLLC.  He has been with the firm since 2013.

Kiall provides income tax, planning, and research services to businesses and individuals, and he has extensive experience with taxation in the agricultural industry.

Kiall graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration majoring in Professional Accounting/Finance.  He is affiliated with several professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and both the Idaho and Washington Societies of Certified Public Accountants.

Jason Smith, CPA Manager

Jason smith, cpa manager.

Jason Smith, CPA, is a Manager at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and has been with the firm since 2014.

Jason’s passion is helping individuals and small businesses interpret their performance through their financial statements so they can make more informed decisions as well as proactive tax planning, forecasting, and strategizing to help clients keep more of their hard-earned money.

Jason has experience in taxation, accounting, preparing and interpreting financial statements, audits, and consulting for individuals, business entities, non-profits, and governmental entities. Jason also has experience in business valuations.

Matt Bayly, Supervisor

Matt bayly, supervisor.

Taylor Nelson, CPA Supervisor

Taylor nelson, cpa senior accountant.

Taylor Nelson is a 2018 graduate of the University of Idaho with a Master’s Degree in Accounting and a 2015 graduate of the University of Idaho with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness.

Taylor joined Presnell Gage, PLLC, in 2019 and attained her CPA license in 2020, and she has experience in tax, accounting, and auditing.

Joseph Schmidt, CPA Supervisor

Joseph schmidt, cpa senior accountant.

Joseph Schmidt, CPA Senior Accountant

Joe Schmidt joined Presnell Gage, PLLC, in 2019 and attained his CPA license in 2020. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

Joe has experience in tax, accounting, and auditing.

Danica Davis, CPA Supervisor

Danica davis, cpa senior accountant.

Danica Davis is a Senior Accountant at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and joined the firm in 2020.

Danica is a graduate of the University of Idaho with a Masters of Accountancy and a double major in accounting and management information systems. Danica received the Idaho Society of CPA’s Award, which is given to students that plan on staying in Idaho and representing the CPA profession well.

Eva Ackley, CPA Senior Accountant

Eva ackley, senior accountant.

Bio coming soon.

Maria Wren, CPA Senior Accountant

Maria wren, cpa senior accountant.

Tevis Lee, CPA Senior Accountant

TEVIS LEE, CPA Senior Accountant

Tevis Lee, CPA, joined Presnell Gage, PLLC, in 2018 and attained his CPA license in 2019.

Tevis is a 2018 graduate of The University of Idaho with a Master’s Degree in Accountancy and a 2017  graduate of Lewis-Clark State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Managerial Accounting Emphasis.

Tevis has experience in tax, accounting, and auditing.

Caleb Sutherland, Senior Accountant

Caleb sutherland, senior accountant.

Caleb Sutherland is a Senior Accountant at Presnell Gage, PLLC, in our Moscow office and has been with the firm since 2022.

Quinn McCay, Senior Accountant

Quinn mccay, senior accountant.

Sam Larsen, Staff Accountant

Sam larsen, staff accountant.

Bradyn Heiss, Staff Accountant

Bradyn heiss, staff accountant.

Jace Aldous, Staff Accountant

Jace aldous, staff accountant.

Kennedy Howell, Staff Accountant

Kennedy howell, staff accountant.

Jesse Ady, Staff Accountant

Jesse ady, staff accountant.

Sarah Anderson, Staff Accountant

Sarah anderson, staff accountant.

Kelly Harwick, Accounting Department Manager

Kelly harwick, accounting department manager.

Kelly Harwick is the Accounting Department Manager and a QuickBooks Desktop Pro Advisor at Presnell Gage, PLLC, in our Eagle office. She has been with the firm since 2005.

Cindy McAleer, Firm Accounting Assistant

Cindy mcaleer, firm accounting assistant.

Cindy McAleer is the Firm Accounting Assistant at Presnell Gage.  She started her career with Presnell Gage, PLLC, in October 1998.

Cindy grew up in Garfield, WA, and graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts / Communication degree.  Between her spouse and herself they have four children in four states, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska, and grandchildren in Montana and Alaska.  Outside of the office, she is a supporter of Special Olympics, enjoys camping at nearby Heyburn State Park, and river rafting the Selway River.

Peggy Gottschalk, Senior Accounting Assistant

Peggy gottschalk, senior accounting assistant.

Peggy Gottschalk is a Senior Accounting Assistant at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and has been with the firm since 2013.

Peggy graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Accounting, and she has experience in tax, accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services.

Rebecca Jones, Senior Accounting Assistant

Rebecca jones, senior accounting assistant.

Rebecca Jones is a Senior Accounting Assistant at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and has been with the firm since 2019.

Rebecca has experience in tax, accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services.

Angela Walker, EA Accounting Assistant

Angela walker, ea accounting assistant.

Angela Walker, EA, is an Accounting Assistant and QuickBooks Online Pro Advisor at Presnell Gage, PLLC, in our Grangeville office. She has been with the firm since 2021.

Josie Hueth, Accounting Assistant

Josie hueth, accounting assistant.

Josie Hueth is an Accounting Assistant at Presnell Gage, PLLC, in our Orofino office and has been with the firm since 2022.

Lynette Nanninga, Accounting Assistant

Lynette graduated from Lewis Clark State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She has experience in tax, bookkeeping and payroll services.

Lisa Rindal, Accounting Assistant

Lisa rindal, accounting assistant.

Brenda Martin, Administration Manager

Brenda martin, administration manager.

Brenda Martin is the Administration Manager at Presnell Gage, PLLC, and she is located in the Moscow office. She has been with the firm since 2016.

Natalie Burnside, Administrative Assistant

Natalie burnside, administrative assistant.

Edie Anderson, Administrative Assistant

Edie anderson, administrative assistant.

Edie Anderson is an Administrative Assistant at Presnell Gage, PLLC, in our Orofino office.  She has been with the firm since 2009.

Leah Knibbe, Administrative Assistant

Leah knibbe, administrative assistant.

Hannah Hueth, Administrative Assistant

Hannah hueth, administrative assistant.

Craig Krueger, Administrative Assistant

Craig krueger, administrative assistant.

Our Honored Retired Partners:

• Philip W. Presnell
• Donald Gage
• Betty L. Nagle
• Wayne Schultz
• David L. Swan
• Patrick J.  Nuxoll
• Bradley D. Swan
• Philip J. Nuxoll
• Mitchell J. Marx

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Our practice consists of serving the needs of individuals, closely held businesses, partnerships, corporations, and non-profit and governmental entities. Our goal is to continue to provide quality services to our clients and strive to keep the reputation we have for excellence.  To accomplish that, we have a dynamic, creative workforce that has been trained to see the whole picture so they can help clients craft complete solutions to complex problems.

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Ingemar Dierickx

Negotiation Expertise

Three decades of experience

Ingemar Dierickx holds a PhD (Business Economics) from Harvard University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar. He also holds law degrees from the Harvard Law School (LL.M.) and the Rijksuniversiteit Gent (Lic.Jur.)

For nearly 25 years, he was Professor of Negotiation Analysis at INSEAD. Previously, he worked as a Research Associate with Professor Ray Goldberg at the Harvard Business School and with Professor Thomas Schelling, Harvard Economics Department.

His research on Negotiation Analysis and into the microeconomic foundations of Strategy has been widely published in scientific journals such as Management Science, Journal of Business, Strategic Management Journal, International Journal of Industrial Organization, and European Economic Review. As an outstanding teacher he received numerous awards, including a special Lifetime Achievement Award for teaching excellence. He created INSEAD’s executive program on Negotiation Dynamics and was its Director for fifteen years.

After joining The Moscow School of Management (Skolkovo), he became a founding partner of  D&AC – Negotiation Advisors , a company that offers a wide range of negotiation support services. With Professor Luis Almeida Costa, he developed  Negotiation Dynamics – The Game™ , a state-of-the-art simulation that tracks repeated negotiations within ongoing business relationships. He has also produced a highly successful training DVD on Price Negotiations.

For nearly three decades, Ingemar Dierickx has represented and advised high net worth individuals and corporate clients in a broad spectrum of industries including banking, insurance and re-insurance, consulting, accounting, legal services, travel, aerospace, the automobile industry, retailing, oil and gas, mining and metals, power generation, the pharmaceutical industry, telecommunications, television and entertainment, software development, commodity and specialty chemicals, as well as the public sector.

As a trainer and coach, he has run hundreds of highly successful negotiation workshops around the world.

Senior Consultant, Energy Sector - Financial Accounting Advisory Services, Qatar

Job description.

In Financial Accounting & Advisory Services (FAAS) within Assurance, we assist our clients to address the accounting and financial reporting challenges facing their business.  You will be part of a team that provides insight and services that accelerate analytics, decision-making and innovation to build a stronger and more efficient finance function. You will experience ongoing professional development through diverse experiences, world-class learning, and individually tailored coaching.   That is how we develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all our stakeholders, and in so doing, play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.   Sound interesting? Well, this is just the beginning. Because whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime.   The opportunity   EY is looking for a Manager to join the team in Qatar to lead our project delivery within the Energy sector, specifically power and utilities. This is an opportunity to work in a rapidly changing market with huge career growth potential.

Your key responsibilities   As a Senior Consultant  you’ll be responsible for participating and /or managing energy sector FAAS engagements, while collaborating with the partner, manager, and client to determine a FAAS strategy that appropriately addresses risk and manages client expectations relating to deliverables.

To this end you’ll ensure that the FAAS engagement team understands the client's needs and expectations and that the work product is client-focused, clear, accurate and well-presented; ensure work is delivered timely and in compliance with regulatory requirements and monitor the FAAS engagement team's performance against the budget and alter if necessary.   In addition, identifying and communicating relevant trends, developments, and key performance drivers relevant to the client will be essential as well consulting with appropriate resources on complex accounting issues and participating in sales of new FAAS work.   Skills and attributes for success   Pro- activity, accountability, and results- driven people will flourish in this environment. Dealing with competing priorities, understanding how to manage resources, and communicating effectively are key skills. This will have a huge impact on those around you and help promote a positive work ethic.

To qualify for the role, you must have •    A bachelor's degree and approximately ten plus years of related work experience •    At least 4 years of experience working  •    Understanding and experience of accounting transformation and advisory projects across region and sectors •    CPA / CA / ACCA certification •    Strong technical skills and recognized cautious risk management ability •    Strong management skills to lead teams, delegate appropriately, mentor, review performance and counsel employees •    Ability and comfort level in researching client inquires and emerging issues, including regulations, industry practices and new technologies   Ideally, you’ll also have •    Experience in the Middle East & North Africa region   What we look for   We are interested in entrepreneurs who have the confidence to develop and promote a brand-new strategic vision both internally and externally. You will be business savvy with a passion for innovation as well as the motivation to create your own EY journey.   What we offer   We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. Plus, we offer:   •    Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next. •    Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way. •     Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs. •     Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.   If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

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