SMU’s School of Accountancy (SOA) has embarked on a new chapter with the appointment of Professor Zhang Liandong as Dean, effective 1 July 2025. A familiar and trusted figure within the School, Professor Zhang brings with him a proven track record of academic excellence, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing accounting scholarship in Asia and beyond. His appointment follows a rigorous international search led by then-Provost Professor Timothy Clark and endorsed by the University’s Board of Trustees.
“Professor Zhang Liandong is an accomplished scholar, known internationally for his expertise in Financial Reporting, Corporate Governance, and Taxation. He is also a dedicated teacher, a proven academic leader, and a respected colleague,” said SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan. “With Liandong at the helm, we are confident that SOA will continue to scale new heights.”
Leadership rooted in experience
Professor Zhang has been a key member of SOA’s leadership team since 2017, when he was appointed Associate Dean, Research – a role he held for six years before becoming Deputy Dean. His tenure has been marked by meaningful contributions to the School’s academic advancement and research profile.
Notably, under his leadership, SOA launched its inaugural PhD programme (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting) in 2017 and introduced a dual-degree PhD programme with Renmin University of China in 2019. These programmes have not only enhanced the School’s academic standing but have also cultivated a new generation of scholars and educators focused on Asia-relevant accounting research.
SOA’s rising position in the Brigham Young University (BYU) accounting research rankings during this time reflects its growing influence in the field – a trajectory Professor Zhang has helped shape.
A respected voice in global accounting research
Beyond his leadership within SMU, Professor Zhang is widely recognised for his research excellence. He has published in some of the world’s most rigorous and respected journals – including the Journal of Accounting Research, The Accounting Review, and the Journal of Financial Economics – consistently contributing to high-impact scholarship in financial reporting, corporate governance, and taxation.
In 2024, his commitment to socially responsible research was recognised with an Honourable Mention at the Moskowitz Prize, a prestigious international award. He is also frequently invited to present at top institutions and conferences across North America, Europe, and Asia.
In addition to his research, Professor Zhang is a prominent editorial leader. He has served as Associate Editor of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Accounting and Economics since 2015, joined the International Review of Finance in 2023, and has been Editor of Corporate Governance: An International Review since 2020. These roles place him at the forefront of discourse in global accounting scholarship.
A vision for the future
Following his appointment, Professor Zhang expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to advancing the School’s mission.
“I am deeply honoured to accept this role and grateful for the trust placed in me by the senior management and faculty,” he said. “As Dean, I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and research while enhancing our contributions to society. Together, we will build on our strengths and strive to make a meaningful impact in the accounting field and beyond.”
Professor Zhang’s appointment marks an important new chapter for SMU’s School of Accountancy. Working closely with the University’s senior management, faculty, staff, and students, he will lead efforts to strengthen both the School’s educational offerings and its research impact – building a School that continues to serve Singapore, Asia, and the wider global community.
See also: SMU Appoints Professor Zhang Liandong as New Dean of School of Accountancy | SMU Newsroom
