Dr. Jonathan Stanley was appointed as Director of the School of Accountancy in July 2022.

Dr. Stanley, who has served on the faculty of the School of Accountancy since 2009, and as the Harbert College of Business Director of Quality Assurance for the past three years, succeeds Duane Brandon, now acting as the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs.

We asked Dr. Stanley a few "get to know you" questions, and his answers are below.

Name: Dr. Jonathan Stanley

Hometown:  Greenville, AL 

University Alma Mater:  University of  Alabama (BSBA, MTA, PhD)

Courses Currently Teaching & Recently Taught:  Dr. Stanley currently teaches Intermediate Accounting I and Advanced Accounting Topics. He previously taught a variety of auditing and financial accounting courses at the undergraduate, masters, and MBA levels.

Research Focus: Determinants of Audit Quality and Information Content of Audit Disclosures

Research and Teaching Awards: He received various awards in recognition of research and teaching, including the American Accounting Association’s Outstanding Auditing Dissertation Award, the Auburn School of Accountancy’s Outstanding Research and Teaching Awards, and the Auburn Harbert College’s Lowder Teaching Award.

Life before coming to work at AU: "I joined the Auburn School of Accountancy faculty in 2009, after spending two years on faculty at Clemson University. I earned my Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD at the University of Alabama.  Before returning to school to begin the PhD program, I worked as an auditor and tax consultant with EY in Birmingham."

When I am not at work, you can find me:  "My wife, Natalie (also a CPA) and I have three children Sawyer (17), Drew (14), and Jenna (14). Most of my free time revolves around their activities (e.g., golf, cheer, and other school functions). As our schedules allow, we all enjoy spending time around the water boating, fishing, or just relaxing!"

Favorite restaurant: "Picking just one is tough!  Our local favorites include Bow & Arrow, The Hound and The Depot.  Also, we enjoy just about any seafood restaurant along the coast."

Greatest impact on your career: "The experiences that have had the most significant impact on me professionally have all related to the great teachers and professors I had as a student and the students I’ve been fortunate to teach over the years.  I entered college wanting to major in accounting and hoping to become a CPA.  Thankfully, it all worked out!  I have always enjoyed accounting and appreciated the opportunities that it provides.  As a professor, I have the best job in the world.  I get to share what I’ve learned with tomorrow’s accounting professionals here at Auburn!  It is extremely rewarding to watch students develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the profession.  I’m thankful to get to play a small part in that process!"