Hi All,

I'm considering pursuing an accounting PhD in the next few years with the end goal of teaching accounting classes at a University (not necessarily one that grants PhDs). I am primarily interested in the ability to interact with students (I am extremely extraverted), be involved at a University as an advisor, the flexible hours, autonomy, and decent pay for the time ($100k may not be awesome but its a lot of money for 9 months a year). I've always been strong in math and quantitative reasoning so I'm not that worried about the higher level math required for most programs. However, the one area I am a bit intimidated by is the research and publications aspect. I'm not sure how well I'd do in trying to create and tackle tough, new accounting questions/issues. I understand accounting well and am fairly good at it, but I dont really have a thirst for advancing the profession, I just want to teach students.

With this in mind I've figured I should start reading up on some publications to get a feel for the type of research accounting PhDs and PhD students do. Does anyone here have any advice about my considerations above or any good journals I should get my hands on? Thanks!

I researched the Universities that I had the desire to attend when looking into getting a PHD.  It is important to get to know the professors you would be working closely with if you were to pursue a degree.

Often times on the university websites, the professors and/or grad students will list articles they have published.  Reading those articles will one allow you to familiarize yourself with the universtiy and current students but two give you something to talk about when you visit the university.  Make a trip, meeting with some professors and current students.  They will give you the best idea of being a PHD student and what to expect post.

I did just this when I had the desire to become a PHD student.  I'm a CPA working in industry. I realized the PHD was not for me at this time in my life.

Thanks TXAG, reading the professor and student's publications is an excellent idea. It will especially help me understand exactly what types of issues they tackle in general.

I'm also a CPA in industry and these busy seasons are starting to wear on me :-) That and the fact that I consistently miss all of my church's youth retreats and missions trips due to quarter closes on a consistent basis (and those trips are important to me). However, I think there are many people out there that would consider a professor position if not required to withstand the rigors of a PhD.

I have a pretty good job with a good company now so I wouldn't want to leave the job to pursue a PhD unless I was sure I had a good shot at finishing it. To help me gauge this I'm planning to do my MBA over the next two years at my local University while working full time. I figure this will help me gauge my ability to work very hard all the time, since if I did a PhD I'd want to finish it ASAP. I also plan to talk to the accounting professors there as well as read up on some publications so I can get an idea of what the non-teaching aspects are like.

Do you have any idea how early I need to start "reaching out" to programs I may be interested in before I apply? I'm planning to complete my MBA first which I plan to finish by Spring 2014 (Fall 2011-Spring 2014). So would you recommend I start reaching out around Fall 2013? That way I'll have proven to myself I can handle a large load and will have a bit of a MBA GPA to display as well. Thoughts? Thx!!

The earlier you start making contact, asking questions the better.  In my discussions with some professors, they said you really have to love accounting.  You really have to love the idea of accounting.  If you start showing interest early, it shows that you have put some serious thought into the decision.  If you have the time now, start asking questions.  What is it going to hurt? 

Oh another thing, make friends with your current professors.  You will need reference letters.

Ya that whole "Love Accounting" and having a "Thirst for new Accounting knowledge" is what worries me the most. I am not interested in research, but would be willing to handle it during my PhD. I have a friend who completed his PhD in computer science and now works at a non-PhD granting (ie, not a research heavy school - its an undergrad school) college. He does token research publications on occasion, but basically teaches all the time. He's a full associate professor now that makes $100k without the research aspect. I know the professors who make the big bucks do research, but I'm not after the money. $100k is fine with me...

But very good advice on reaching out early. And I plan on making some strong connections with professors :-)