Sara Reiter
Binghamton University
“Excellent teacher. Beautiful speaking skills, delivers information thoroughly and clearly.” – Arina Makurina
Sara Reiter, 72, is a professor at Binghamton University School of Management.
Over the years, her research interests have changed from a focus on bonds and pensions to concern with ethics, professionalism and the environment. She has been published in the Journal of Accounting Research; Contemporary Accounting Research; Journal of Accounting and Economics; Accounting, Organizations and Society; Business Ethics Quarterly; Behavioral Research in Accounting; and Critical Perspectives on Accounting among others.
She has been involved with various service roles with the American Accounting Association (AAA), faculty governance roles at Binghamton University, and a representative to the University Faculty Senate of the SUNY system.
She is a member of the KPMG Professor of Accounting Hall of Fame, Northeast Region of the AAA. She is winner of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, Best Paper award for Public Interest Section, and is a KPMG Peat Marwick Faculty Fellow.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 1990
Education: MS and PhD in Accounting University of Missouri – Columbia, BA in English Literature Cornell University
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Cost and Managerial Accounting, Accounting for Managers, Financial Accounting (intermediate and advanced), Tax Policy
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when… I had such great professors at the University of Missouri, but I worked for a couple of years as a tax accountant to get experience before returning to school for my doctorate.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I am concerned with “story-telling” both as a tool to teach accounting ethics and in analyzing corporate Economic Social and Governance disclosures. I am also concerned with the ethics of corporate tax avoidance.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be… A dog trainer
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I care about the students and I am passionate about accounting.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Scary
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: How it never seems to get old – no matter how many times you teach a class it is still so interesting.
Professor I most admire and why: Professor Tom Kelly (former dean of the Binghamton University School of Management) for his deep commitment to an ethical compass.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Getting students to think critically about issues.
What is most challenging? Getting beyond student concerns with exams and grades.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Engaged.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Grade-obsessed.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as…Tough but fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Dog sports – agility and herding
How will you spend your summer? Working on my farm, training my dogs and traveling to sheepdog trials.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Places with water – lakes and rivers.
Favorite book(s): “Rebecca” by Daphne DuMaurier
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? Shetland (BBC series based on Ann Cleeves novels) – I love the setting (Shetland Islands), character development and mysteries.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? 1960s folk music – it never gets old
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this… Experiential learning and community engagement.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at… Valuing the contributions of different styles and types of people.
I’m grateful for… The opportunity to work with exceptional students.
DON’T MISS: THE ENTIRE 2022 ROSTER OF THE 50 BEST UNDERGRAD PROFESSORS
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