Isenberg Accounting Department Hosts International Symposium on Audit Research

The 28th annual International Symposium on Audit Research (ISAR), was hosted by the Accounting Department at the Isenberg School of Management on June 29 and 30 at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. The Symposium was a convergence of the brightest minds in audit research offering approximately 150 attendees an unparalleled opportunity to explore developments in the field and engage in innovative discussions.

Since its inception in 1995, ISAR has been a significant event for audit experts and scholars, co-sponsored alongside the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst by prestigious institutions including Maastricht University (Europe), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), and UNSW Sydney (Australia). The symposium rotates among the consortium universities, with occasional hosts from other esteemed institutions.

“This is a unique opportunity for the Accounting Department at Isenberg,” says Bradley Bennett, chair of the department and Ronald C. Mannino Faculty Fellow. “Not only are we one of four member-host schools, but we are the North American host. It is truly a privilege and an honor. To have been considered a permanent host school five years ago speaks to the long-standing reputation of our faculty. We are known for researching interesting audit topics and issues and are recognized globally for our work.”

Bennett and Chris Agoglia, Richard H. Simpson Endowed Professor of Accounting, served on the international scientific committee for the event and oversaw the overall format of the symposium. Forty-eight research papers from 12 countries were presented at ISAR 2024. Ten Isenberg faculty members and seven doctoral students attended the symposium; three faculty members presented their cutting-edge research. Presenters from other institutions included five alumni from Isenberg’s PhD program.

Connecting and Innovating

The conference kicked off with a warm welcome reception where participants had the opportunity to connect and gather for an enriching experience, as attendees from around the world assembled to set the tone for the future of auditing. The first day began with the opening discussion on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the accounting and auditing profession, moderated by Matthew Sherwood, assistant professor of accounting at Isenberg. The session featured speakers from Deloitte, PwC, and Grant Thornton.

“The faculty enjoyed hosting top-flight researchers from universities around the world,” says Agoglia. “Our doctoral students were able to meet so many thought leaders and rising stars in our discipline.”

On the first day, attendees participated in sessions fostering robust discussions about key audit matters, auditor oversight and regulations, and the impact of technology on audits. Experts in the field shared their knowledge in sessions on auditor responsibility, threats to audit quality, and investor responses to audit disclosures.

Insights into Human Capital and Future-Focused Research

The second day of ISAR 2024 covered topics such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) assurance, internal controls, and the role of AI in financial reporting. Thought-provoking insights and engaging dialogue marked these sessions, leaving participants with new perspectives and actionable knowledge. The conference concluded with a presentation on research in the era of generative AI, moderated by Isenberg’s David Piercey, John F. Kennedy Endowed Professor of Accounting. Academic panelists representing editorial views from the American Accounting Association and top academic journals for accounting research joined Piercey in discussing new, evolving principles on using generative AI in academic research.

ISAR 2024 attendees left with new connections, insights, and a renewed enthusiasm for the future of auditing and AI research.