Jennifer Bannister Ph.D.

Why did you become a professor?
While tutoring others as a college student, I realized how much I enjoyed helping people reach new levels of understanding.  The thought of becoming a professor began to increasingly appeal to me during my Master’s program, and it didn’t take me long after graduation to realize that I was never going to get that same kind of fulfillment out of any other job.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Getting to know a new group of students each semester and learning their future goals.  I especially enjoy seeing former students achieve the goals they discussed in class.

What do you hope students gain from your courses?
I want students to walk away from my courses with an appreciation for how accounting fits into our society as a whole.  Specifically, I hope for students to realize the benefits they can receive from understanding accounting no matter what their future career goals are.

What did you do prior to entering academia?
Prior to entering academia, I worked as an international tax accountant.  I also spent a brief period of time establishing accounting procedures for a start-up oil and gas company.

What are you passionate about outside of the University?
My entire family shares a passion for animals.  We take in all kinds of animals in need or unwanted animals and help them find a better life.   We usually care for an average of 20 to 30 animals at any given time, which includes anything from ducks to tortoises to feral cats.

What are your research interests?
My primary research interest is international accounting.  In particular, I like to research the effects of various accounting standards on capital markets and investor sentiment towards foreign firms and their financial statements.