New Accounting specialization in Ted Rogers School’s PhD in Management program launched

The Accounting specialization in the PhD in Management program at the Ted Rogers School of Management launched in Fall 2026, welcoming its inaugural cohort of four doctoral students.

The launch of the Accounting specialization is a major achievement for Ted Rogers School’s Accounting department, and reflects years of collaboration among our faculty, the Dean’s Office and the Graduate Program Council. “It builds on the strong and growing research profile of our faculty, who bring diverse theoretical, methodological and professional expertise to the program,” says Dr. Shadi Farshadfar, Professor of Accounting and Chair of the Accounting Department. 

“This specialization creates a vibrant academic community where doctoral students can work closely with faculty, contribute to active research projects and develop as independent researchers,” she adds. “It also strengthens our department’s contribution to accounting education and research in Canada and internationally.”

Dr. Oliver N. Okafor, Associate Professor of Accounting and Director of the Professional Master’s Diploma (PMDip) in Accounting and Centre of Accounting and Accountability, points out that accounting is undergoing profound transformation, driven by advances in artificial intelligence and data analytics, evolving regulatory expectations, and growing sustainability and accountability concerns. “This new specialization will enable doctoral students to undertake rigorous and impactful research that advances accounting knowledge, while addressing consequential issues facing the profession and society,” he explains.

The program

Dr. Okafor says that the program hopes to attract talented, intellectually curious students who are passionate about accounting scholarship and aspire to careers in academia and thought leadership. “This includes recent graduates with strong research potential, as well as experienced professionals, such as Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) who want to translate insights from practice into scholarly inquiry,” he explains. “The program’s full-time and part-time options also provide flexibility for individuals at different stages of their careers.”

“We are particularly interested in students who want to investigate important and emerging issues in areas, such as financial reporting, auditing, managerial accounting, taxation, sustainability, public-sector accountability and the use of technology in accounting,” says Dr. Farshadfar.

The students

One of the four students in the inaugural class is Lucas Agbeli, who completed his Master of Science in Management at the Ted Rogers School (’25), served as an Academic Assistant within the school, and worked as a Research Assistant at the Diversity Institute. 

Before beginning his PhD, he worked for five years as an Account & Finance Officer at CDH Investment Holdings Ltd in Accra, Ghana, and was responsible for the financial reporting function of the parent company and its subsidiaries. 

Agbeli was drawn to Ted Rogers School’s PhD in Accounting because it allowed him to build directly on his professional experience in financial reporting while pursuing rigorous, data-driven research on topics that matter in practice. “I was particularly attracted to the program’s seasoned faculty members, whose expertise is reflected in their strong publication record in top-tier journals and the continued research support they provide, one that extends well beyond academia,” he explains. 

“As a member of the inaugural cohort in the Accounting specialization, I'm especially motivated to help shape the school’s emerging research profile in accounting, while preparing for an academic career that bridges research, teaching and industry engagement,” he adds. 

Another student, Isaac Agyemang, is pursuing his PhD in Accounting part-time. He holds CPA, CISA and ACCA designations, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration and a master’s degree in Accounting. In his professional role, he leads advisory engagements in audit, investigations and risk assurance across a range of organizations. 

Working in these areas sparked Agyemang’s research interests in regulatory enforcement, audit governance and public-sector accountability. “I chose the Ted Rogers School for its focus on relevant, applied research and the opportunity to develop these interests with the guidance of experienced faculty,” he says. “I am proud to be part of the inaugural Accounting PhD cohort.”

Shaping the next generation

The opportunity to mentor a doctoral student is one of the most meaningful aspects of academic life for Dr. Farshadfar. “It allows me to support an emerging scholar throughout their academic journey, from identifying meaningful research questions and developing strong research skills, to building confidence and establishing an independent research identity,” she says. 

“As Department Chair, it is especially rewarding to welcome our inaugural cohort and contribute to the program, not only through its development, but also by directly mentoring the next generation of accounting scholars,” she adds.  

Dr. Okafor says that being a faculty supervisor for this program is a fulfilling career milestone for him as well, giving him the opportunity to help shape the next generation of accounting researchers. “I look forward to mentoring emerging scholars as they develop their intellectual identities and become independent researchers who advance accounting scholarship, educate future professionals and make meaningful contributions to society,” he explains.