Associate ProfessorNicola Beatson

Nicola has a strong record of leadership and service within universities, the accounting education community, and the wider profession. Her leadership centres on advancing accounting education, supporting academic development, and fostering collaboration across institutions and disciplines. 

At the international level, Nicola has held several leadership roles within the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ), including serving as President in 2023 and 2024. She currently serves on the AFAANZ Board and leads the Education and Conference portfolios, helping to shape strategy, professional development, and community engagement for accounting and finance academics across the region. She has also chaired and organised major conferences, forums, and special interest groups, creating opportunities for collaboration and scholarly exchange.

Within universities, Nicola has held a range of teaching and academic leadership positions. These include serving as Director of the BCom Core at the University of Otago, Chair of departmental teaching and learning initiatives, Research Leader in the Office of Student Success, and membership of numerous academic governance and curriculum committees. Through these roles, she has contributed to curriculum development, quality assurance, student success initiatives, and educational innovation. 

Nicola is also committed to supporting the next generation of academics. She supervises doctoral and master's students, mentors early-career researchers both nationally and internationally, and serves as Associate Editor of Accounting Education and as a member of the Editorial Review Boards of the Journal of Accounting Education and Pacific Accounting Review. Through these activities, she contributes to the development and dissemination of high-quality research in accounting education and related fields