Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program Picks Second Crop

Quality remains high in the second batch of future accounting Ph.D.s participating in the Accounting Doctoral Scholars (ADS) program, say program officials.

Thirty applicants for enrollment in fall 2010 were selected to receive the program’s annual stipend of $30,000 for up to four years while pursuing a doctorate in accounting with an emphasis in auditing or tax. The process began with 99 applicants, of whom 60 were invited to meet with program and university officials Nov. 9, 2009, in Chicago. The group was then further winnowed to 30. All those interviewed, however, had attractive credentials, and as a whole, the group seemed well-equipped for training future generations of accountants, organizers said.

“It was very strong,” said Steve Matzke, manager of the program for the AICPA, of the latest crop of scholars. “The university representatives, particularly, were very pleased with the quality of candidates.”

In addition, 27 participants from the program’s first year are continuing their studies.

The Institute co-sponsors the ADS program with more than 70 of the nation’s largest accounting firms, 41 colleges and universities and 40 state CPA societies. The program aims to create 120 additional Ph.D.s in accounting by 2016 and has raised more than $17 million to support that goal.

“The program in year one has already exceeded what we expected,” said Denny Reigle, AICPA director of academic and career development and secretary of the AICPA Foundation, which administers the program.

Particularly encouraging was the depth of public accounting experience in tax and auditing among the latest crop of candidates, Reigle said. Besides having such experience, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents committed to a career in teaching and research in auditing or tax. See adsphd.org for details.