Assistant Professor of Accounting

Description

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The College of Undergraduate Studies at Pacific University invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Accounting for an Extended-Term Track appointment beginning August 2027. The position will contribute to undergraduate accounting instruction at both introductory and upper levels, with particular emphasis on one or more of the following areas: taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. The faculty member will also contribute to student advising, curriculum development, and departmental and university service consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Pacific is dedicated to re-imagining the future of the applied liberal arts by fusing interdisciplinary academics with robust experiential learning, empowering students to discover their purpose through learning by doing in authentic, applied contexts. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, our campus is situated in the "silicon forest" near downtown Portland, offering unparalleled access to nearby vineyards, the Oregon coast, Mt. Hood, and surrounding mountain ranges. Join an accessible and inclusive academic community that empowers students to achieve social mobility and become catalysts for change.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will:

• Teach and mentor undergraduate students through the delivery of all levels of undergraduate accounting courses, particularly in one or more of the following areas: taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. Specific teaching assignments will be determined based on the faculty member’s academic preparation, professional experience, areas of expertise, and program needs.
• Prepare students for professional success. Help students develop technical accounting competencies, ethical judgment, analytical and problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and an understanding of the expectations of professional practice.
• Connect students with career opportunities. Develop and maintain relationships with accounting firms, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other employers to expand access to internships, experiential learning, and entry-level positions.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain active liaison roles with campus units or external professional organizations.
• Stay informed regarding pedagogical innovations and best practices in the field.
• Integrate professional practice into the curriculum. Use relevant industry examples, case studies, applied projects, and other experiential approaches to connect coursework with contemporary accounting challenges and emerging developments in the profession.
• Serve as an academic advisor. Mentor students as they plan their academic schedule, explore career pathways, prepare for professional opportunities, and consider licensure and other professional credentials.
• Contribute to the academic community. Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development, student recruitment and retention, assessment, and initiatives that strengthen the accounting program and the department of business.

JOB SCOPE:

Faculty positions operate within the parameters of the University Faculty and Governance Handbook. This is a teaching position with service expectations in the Department of Business and College of Undergraduate Studies. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues to deliver a meaningful  education to undergraduate students. Course development, scheduling, and assessment are required.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:No direct supervision of employees is required. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Required qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting or a closely related field, or a master's degree in Business Administration or another business discipline with sufficient graduate-level accounting coursework to meet applicable ACBSP faculty-qualification standards.
• Active CPA license, CMA, or  another relevant professional accounting certification.
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional preparation sufficient to teach undergraduate accounting courses in the areas assigned to the position with emphasis on taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate accounting courses effectively and translate professional practice into meaningful learning experiences.
• Commitment to student mentoring and preparing students for internships and entry-level professional positions.

Preferred qualifications

• Substantial, relevant professional experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, or a related area of practice.
• College-level accounting teaching experience.
• Experience developing employer partnerships, supporting internships, and placing graduates in accounting positions.
• Doctorate in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS:

• Communicates with students, faculty, staff and the public appropriate to the age of the individual served.
• Builds on basic learning and carries it from one situation to another.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
• Asks questions and seeks assistance.
• Takes responsibility to eliminate the source of problems.
• Demonstrates confidentiality regarding information pertaining to all students, faculty and staff.
• Maintains proper appearance and personal conduct for the employee’s particular job.
• Uses effective communication skills taking 
• Demonstrates ability to work in a team environment. 

• Accounting Disciplinary Knowledge: Demonstrated accounting knowledge and academic and/or professional preparation sufficient to teach introductory undergraduate accounting courses and contribute to upper-level accounting instruction in areas consistent with the position’s teaching responsibilities.
• Instruction & Communication: Ability to communicate accounting concepts clearly and accurately to undergraduate students with varying levels of preparation and to use effective instructional approaches appropriate to the subject matter and student population.
• Collaboration & Problem Solving: Ability to work collaboratively with accounting and other business faculty in course planning, curriculum development, advising, and departmental responsibilities.
• Operational Efficiency: Ability to prioritize tasks, handle confidential materials, and manage complex projects.
• Curriculum & Student Learning: Ability to contribute to accounting curriculum development, maintain disciplinary currency, and support student learning and preparation for professional accounting careers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Classroom teaching, maintains office hours, and in-person or virtual meetings. Overtime is not possible for full-time faculty positions. Local travel possible for purposes of developing community and organizational partnerships.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:X Reaching  X Standing  X Walking  X Grasping  X Talking  X Hearing  X Repetitive motion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : __Sedentary work  X  Light work __Medium work __Heavy work __Very Heavy work  X Visual acuity

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please upload the following : 

1) Cover Letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position - 2 pages maximum
2) Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3) Statement of teaching philosophy - 1 page maximum
4) Contact Information for three professional references 

Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services.

ACCOMMODATIONS & INCLUSION:

We welcome and encourage applications from neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. If you need any accommodations or support at any stage of the application or interview process such as receiving interview questions in advance, alternative assessment formats, or extra time please let us know by emailing Catheryn Coupland ccoupland@pacificu.edu We are committed to providing an accessible process that allows you to demonstrate your strengths.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.