New Realities of Accounting

A Focus on Data, Technology and Sustainability

Sustaining the environment is humanity’s greatest challenge, and business alignment with that goal is critical. Accounting Professor Tesfaye Lemma, current president of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Accounting Association and an associate editor of the journal Business Strategy and the Environment, is particularly attuned to addressing that challenge and responding to recent changes in the accounting profession, including a greater focus on data, technology and sustainability.

“Environmental and sustainability accounting deal with how corporations interact with the environment in business engagements and how corporations affect society as a whole,” explains Lemma. “What do they say they do to maintain the environment, and how does it affect the bottom line? More importantly, what do they actually accomplish? What causes the misalignment between the two, and what governance tools can be used to align them?” With the recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requirement that public companies provide reports on sustainability and environmental footprints, Lemma notes, “Environmental ruthlessness now has financial consequences.”

“ Small class sizes at TU mean students can engage one-on-one with professors. ”

Research Collaboration with Students

The recipient of CBE’s Excellence in Scholarship Award in 2023, Lemma was recognized for the volume and quality of his research publications. “I am passionate about research and welcome collaboration with both students and faculty members who have that inclination,” he notes. “Many junior as well as senior faculty members have served as co-authors with me.”

Lemma also served as a faculty advisor/co-advisor for the TU chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the national accounting honor society. “Membership in the society is restricted based on academic performance and these students are among the best in the department,” attests Lemma. “They are exposed to a range of experiences with professionals across industries and gain training to prepare them well for job interviews.”

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