The Department of Accountancy at Gies College of Business recently came out on top in the two primary rankings of accounting research scholarship by Brigham Young University. The Department tied for the #1 spot in the overall research and publications rankings, and earned the #1 ranking in the Relevance of Accounting Research (ROAR).

The research and publications rankings are determined not just on the volume of research but also on research appearing in leading journals in the field.

“Our rise to the #1 spot in overall research productivity and prestige – up from #3 last year – underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in scholarship,” said Michael Donohoe (right), head of the Department of Accountancy. “This achievement not only reflects the volume of research our faculty produce but also the quality of that work, as it consistently appears in the most highly regarded, peer-reviewed outlets in the field.”

The ROAR ranking is based on evaluations by accounting professionals of research articles published in 12 leading accounting journals. These articles are rated for their perceived relevance to accounting practice.

“Together, these achievements hold immense significance for me and our entire faculty,” Donohoe said. “They reflect the dedication, innovation, and influence of our scholars, while honoring the prestigious legacy we have built over the past century. These achievements reaffirm our leadership in generating new knowledge – knowledge that shapes the development of our undergraduate and graduate students. They also motivate us to keep pushing the boundaries of accountancy research, ensuring we remain at the forefront of thought leadership in both academia and practice.”

Gies Business has been at the forefront of accountancy education for more than 100 years. As one of the nation’s first accountancy programs, Gies boasts a proud history of innovation, advocacy, and excellence. Gies granted the nation’s first PhD in accounting in 1936; hosted the first international conference of accounting education in 1961; and launched Project Discovery, a revolutionary projects-based curriculum, in 1997. For the past century, Gies has been the home to some of the world’s top scholars, corporate CFOs, and multiple National Accounting Hall of Fame inductees.