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Doug Prawitt

Director, LeRay McAllister/Deloitte Foundation Distinguished Professor,
School of Accountancy
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Biography

Doug earned his PhD at the University of Arizona and is the LeRay McAllister/Deloitte Foundation Distinguished Professor and Director of the School of Accountancy at Brigham Young University. He teaches financial statement auditing in BYU’s undergraduate and graduate accounting programs, and professional judgment and decision-making in BYU’s MBA program. He founded and leads BYU’s Accounting PhD Prep program, which has placed over 150 students in top quality PhD programs over the past twenty years. Doug’s research has been published in The Accounting Review, The Journal of Accounting Research, Contemporary Accounting Research, Organizational Behavior & Human Decision Processes, Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Behavioral Research in Accounting, and others. Doug has also published award-winning articles in the top professional journals, and has coauthored eight books and monographs, including two leading college auditing textbooks. Doug has served on several professional committees and task forces, including five years on COSO's Enterprise Risk Management and Guidance for Smaller Public Companies Task Forces. He served a three-year appointment as a member of the AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board, where he was heavily involved with internal control, auditor reporting, analytical procedures, and audit sampling, and he is currently serving a fourth three-year term as the AAA’s representative on the COSO board. He was appointed by his fellow board members to serve as COSO’s Lead Director, and is now serving in his second year in that capacity. Doug chaired the American Accounting Association’s 2004 Annual Meeting Committee and co-chaired the 2004 Auditing Section Mid-Year Meeting Committee. Doug has won several “best paper” awards for his research and has earned several awards at BYU, including the Marriott School Outstanding Research award in 1998, the Marriott School Teaching Excellence award in 2000, the Merrill J. Bateman Student Choice Teaching Award in 2002, BYU’s Wesley P. Lloyd Award for Distinction in Graduate Education in 2006, the AAA/Deloitte Wildman Medal Award in 2013, BYU's Marriott School Outstanding Faculty Award in 2016, the AAA Outstanding Accounting Educator Award in 2016, the KPMG Mentoring Award in 2020, and the Distinguished Service in Auditing Award in 2021.

Education

  • PHD, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION--ACCOUNTING, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, 1993
  • BS, Accounting, Brigham Young University, 1988
  • MAcc, ACCOUNTING, BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, 1988

Group Affiliations

  • Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) — Worldwide professional organization for internal auditing profession — 1994
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) — 1990

Selected Publications

  • "Perceptions of Tone at the Top from the Inside: Insights into Audit Pricing", Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Edition 1, Volume 41, Pages 115-141, American Accounting Association, Sarasota, Florida, 2022
  • "Perspectives on Management Review Controls: Challenges and Solutions—Insights from a Qualitative Study of the Issues", Page 26, American Institute of CPAs Center for Audit Quality, Washington DC, 2020
  • "Providing Balance in the Accounting Curriculum and Beyond: The Case for Capitalism", Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting, Edition 2, Volume 12, National Association of Certified Valuators & Analysts, Salt Lake City, UT, Larry Crumley, 2020
  • "Professional Judgment at BDO", 2018
  • "The effect of information choice on judgments and confidence of auditors", Accounting Horizons, Edition 3, Volume 30, Pages 393-408, 2016
  • "Enhancing Auditor Professional Skeptism: The Professional Skepticism Continuum", Current Issues in Auditing, Edition 2, Volume 8, American Accounting Association, 2015
  • "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: A Path Forward for Using Substantive Analytical Procedures in Auditing Large P&L Accounts", Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, Edition 3, Volume 34, American Accounting Association, 2015
  • "Trust and Financial Reporting Quality", Journal of Accounting Research, Edition 5, Volume 52, Pages 1087-1125, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, Christian Leuz, 2014
  • "The COSO Framework and Tone at the Top from the Perspective of Independent Directors", Zicht op Toezicht (Perspective on Oversight), Volume June 2014, Ernst & Young International, Rotterdam, 2014
  • "Auditors’ Reactions to Inconsistencies between Financial and Nonfinancial Measures: The Interactive Effects of Fraud Risk Assessment and a Decision Prompt", Behavioral Research in Accounting, Volume In Press, American Accounting Association, Sarasota, Florida, 2014
  • "Auditing and Assurance Services: A Systematic Approach", Edition 9th, Page 784, McGraw Hill, New York, New York, 2013
  • "Enhancing Auditor Professional Skepticism", Global Public Policy Committee, 2013
  • "Put COSO Update to Work", Journal of Accountancy, American Institute of CPAs, New York, New York, 2013
  • "Using Professional Judgment in Auditing: McGladrey’s Framework", McGladrey, 2012
  • "Internal audit outsourcing and the risk of misleading or fraudulent financial reporting: Did Sarbanes-Oxley get it wrong?", Contemporary Accounting Research, Edition 4, Volume 29, Pages 1109-1136, 2012
  • "Publication benchmarking data based on faculty promoted at the top 75 US accounting research institutions", Issues in Accounting Education, Edition 3, Volume 27, Pages 647-670, American Accounting Association, 2012
  • "Firm-Level Formalization and Auditor Performance on Complex Tasks", Edition 2, Volume 24, Pages 193-210, ABO Section of American Accounting Association, Sarasota, Florida, 2012
  • "Enhancing Board Oversight: Avoiding Judgment Traps and Biases", COSO Thought Leadership Series, Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, 2012
  • "Reconciling archival and experimental research: Does internal audit contribution affect the external audit fee?", Behavioral Research in Accounting, Edition 2, Volume 23, Pages 187-206, 2011
  • "Elevating Professional Judgment in Auditing: The KPMG Professional Judgment Framework", Page 63, KPMG, 2011
  • "The Organizational Response to the Discovery of False Sign-off", International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Volume 8, Pages 43-61, Palgrave-Macmillan, Hampshire, 2011
  • "Internal audit quality and earnings management", The Accounting Review, Edition 4, Volume 84, Pages 1255-1280, 2009
  • "Auditing Standards Setting and Inspection for U.S. Public Companies: A Critical Assessment and Recommendations for Fundamental Change", Accounting Horizons, Edition 2, Volume 23, American Accounting Association, 2009
  • "Component Materiality for Group Audits", Journal of Accountancy, Volume December, Pages 42-46, AICPA, NY, 2008
  • "Internal Audit Sourcing Arrangement and the External Auditor's Reliance Decision", Contemporary Accounting Research, Edition 1, Volume 25, Pages 193-213, 2008
  • "Why Do Auditors Over-rely on Weak Analytical Procedures? The Role of Outcome and Precision", Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, Volume 25, American Accounting Association, 2006
  • "Publication records of faculty promoted at the top 75 accounting research programs", Issues in Accounting Education, Edition 3, Volume 21, Pages 195-218, 2006
  • "An Introduction to Corporate Governance and the SEC", An Introduction to Corporate Governance and the SEC, Page 198, South-Western, 2004
  • "A Test of Changes in Auditors' Fraud-Related Planning Judgments Since the Issuance of SAS No. 82", Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, Volume 22, Pages 237-251, 2003
  • "E-Business: Principles and Strategies for Accountants, 2nd Edition", E-Business: Principles and Strategies for Accountants, 2nd Edition, Page 181, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2002
  • "Does Congruence Between Audit Structure and Auditors Locus of Control Affect Job Performance?", The Accounting Review, Volume 76, Pages 263-274, 2001
  • "Independence and Objectivity: A Framework for Internal Auditors", Independence and Objectivity: A Framework for Internal Auditors, Page 63, Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation, Altamonte Springs, FL, Stanley Chang, Jane Mutchler, Doug Prawitt, 2001
  • "Tax Planning Professionals Interpretations of Ambiguity in Compliance and Planning Decision Contexts", Journal of the American Taxation Association, Pages 75-89, 1999
  • "Decision Aids and User Behavior: Implications for Knowledge Acquisition and Inappropriate Reliance", Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 1997
  • "Decision Aids and User Behavior: Implications for Knowledge Acquisition and Inappropriate Reliance", Organizational Behavioral and Human Decision Processes, Pages 232-255, 1997
  • "Adaptive Responses to Time Pressure: The Effects of Experience on Tax Information Search Behavior", Behavioral Research in Accounting, Volume Vol. 9, Pages 172-198, 1997
  • "Staffing Assignments for Judgement-Oriented Audit Tasks: The Effects of Structured Audit Technology and Environment", The Accounting Review, 1995
  • "The Effects of Trust on Firms’ Financial Reporting and Assurance Practices", Journal of Accounting Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Experience

Professional

  • Accountant/Intern, Baxter Health Care Corporation, 1988–1988
  • Accountant/Intern, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Welfare Division, 1984–1985

Awards

  • Gender Issues & Work-Life Balance KPMG Mentoring Award, American Accounting Association, 2020
  • LeRay Mcallister/Deloitte Foundation Distinguished Professorship, McAllister family, Deloitte Foundation, Marriott School, 2017
  • Outstanding Accounting Educator, American Accounting Association, 2016
  • Outstanding Faculty Award, BYU Marriott School, 2016
  • Innovation in Auditing and Assurance Education Award, AAA Auditing Section, 2014
  • AAA Issues in Accounting Education 2013 Best Paper Award, American Accounting Association, 2013
  • AAA/Deloitte Wildman Medal Award, 2013, American Accounting Association/Deloitte, 2013
  • "Emerging Research Award", Public Interest Section of the American Accounting Association, 2012
  • 2010 Best Paper Award--Glen McLaughlin Prize for Research in Accounting Ethics, University of Oklahoma, 2010
  • 2010 Best Paper Award--Lehigh University, Lehigh University 2010 Conference on Financial Reporting, Auditing and Governance, 2010
  • Innovation in Accounting Education Award (on behalf of Ph.D. Prep program), American Accounting Association, 2007
  • Issues in Accounting Education Best Paper Award, American Accounting Association, 2007
  • Wesley P. Lloyd Award for Distinction in Graduate Education, Brigham Young University, 2007
  • Glen Ardis Professorship, Marriott School, 2005
  • Merrill J. Bateman Student Choice Teaching Award, BYU Management Society, 2002
  • University Young Scholar Fellowship Award, Brigham Young University, 2001
  • Marriott School Teaching Excellence Award, Brigham Young University, 2000
  • Marriott School Outstanding Young Researcher Award, Brigham Young University, 1998
  • SOAIS Outstanding Scholarship Award, Brigham Young University, 1997
  • Teaching Excellence Award for Management Skills, Brigham Young University, 1996
  • Warnick/Deloitte & Touche Research Fellow, 1995-2001, Brigham Young University, 1995
  • Doctoral Consortium Fellow, American Accounting Association, 1991

Languages

  • Spanish

Administrative Assignments

  • Director — 2019

Certificates and Licenses

  • Certified Public Accountant — American Institute of Certified Public Accountants — 1990

BYU Citizenship

  • Faculty Center Department Chair Coordinating Committee (DC3) — Committee/Council Member — September 2021
  • Director--School of Accountancy — Director — June 2019
  • SOA Expectations Document Revision Committee — Committee/Council Member — January 2017–December 2018
  • Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) — Committee/Council Chair — September 2014–May 2016
  • SOA Accounting Research Symposium — Committee/Council Member — 2004–December 2014
  • Faculty Advisory Council — Committee/Council Member — September 2012–August 2014
  • Marriott School Dean's Search Committee — Committee/Council Member — October 2011–July 2012
  • University Rank & Status Council — Committee/Council Chair — 2011–2011
  • University Faculty Appeals — Other — September 2011–November 2011
  • University Rank & Status Council — Committee/Council Chair — 2010–2010
  • University Rank & Status Council — Committee/Council Member — 2009–2009
  • SOA Evaluation Committee — Committee/Council Member — 2008–2008
  • Junior Core Restructuring Committee — Committee/Council Member — 2004–2004
  • Citizenship Expectations Committee — Committee/Council Chair — 2003–2003
  • College Journals Committee — Committee/Council Member — 2002–2002
  • EMBA Admissions Committee — Committee/Council Member — 2002–2002
  • College Evaluation (Rank & Status) Committee — Committee/Council Member — 2000–2002
  • College Journals Committee — Committee/Council Member — 2001–2001
  • College Executive Education Committee — Committee/Council Member — 2000–2001
  • SOAIS Newsletter Editor — Other — 2000–2000
  • SCUFF Committee — Committee/Council Member — 1999–2000
  • Technology Committee — Committee/Council Chair — 1999–1999
  • Ph.D. Prep Track — Program Chair/Coordinator — 1998
  • Systems Minor Ad hoc Committee — Committee/Council Member — 1998–1998
  • MAcc Professional Stem Curriculum Committee — Committee/Council Member — 1997–1997
  • SOAIS Appropriations Committee — Committee/Council Member — 1996–1996
  • SOAIS Curriculum Committee — Committee/Council Member — 1996–1996

Professional Citizenship

  • COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission), Board Member, September 2011
  • The Accounting Review, Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, 2011
  • American Accounting Association, Auditing Section Distinguished Service Award Committee, Committee/Council Member, January 2021–January 2022
  • AAA Auditing Section, Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Editor, Associate Editor, May 2017–August 2021
  • Financial Executives Institute and AICPA Center for Audit Quality, Committee/Council Member, July 2017–November 2020
  • American Accounting Association 2019 Outstanding Educator Award Committee, Committee/Council Member, January 2018–August 2019
  • KPMG Academic Research Panel, Committee/Council Member, September 2011–September 2018
  • AAA Auditing Section A:JPT Best Paper Award Committee, Committee/Council Chair, January 2017–December 2017
  • Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) Access to Audit Personnel Committee, Committee/Council Member, January 2015–2017
  • American Accounting Association's Accounting, Behavior, & Organizations Section, Committee/Council Member, September 2014–September 2017
  • AAA Accounting, Behavior, & Organizations Publication Committee, American Accounting Association, Committee/Council Member, August 2014–August 2017
  • AAA Auditing Section AJPT Best Paper Award Committee, Committee/Council Member, August 2015–July 2016
  • AAA Wildman Medal Award Committee, Committee/Council Chair, August 2014–August 2015
  • Accounting Horizons, Editor, Associate Editor, June 2011–June 2015
  • Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Editorial Review Board Member, 2004–2014
  • Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association, Selection Committee for Notable Contribution to the Auditing Literature Award, Committee/Council Member, June 2010–January 2011
  • Behavioral Research in Accounting, Editorial Review Board Member, 2006–2009
  • Accounting Horizons, Editorial Review Board Member, 2004–2009
  • AICPA Auditing Standards Board, Board Member, October 2005–October 2008
  • AICPA Faculty Shortage Advisory Committee, Committee/Council Member, 2006–2006
  • COSO Small Business Guidance Task Force, Committee/Council Chair, 2005–2006
  • Distinguished Service Award Nominating Committee of the AAA Auditing Section, Committee/Council Member, 2005–2005
  • COSO Enterprise Risk Management Task Force, Committee/Council Member, 2000–2005
  • AAA Auditing Section Officer Nominations Committee, Committee/Council Member, 2004–2004
  • American Accounting Association Auditing Section Midyear Conference Planning Committee, Committee/Council Chair, 2004–2004
  • American Accounting Association Annual Conference, Committee/Council Chair, 2003–2004
  • Advanced Technology Committee, Institute of Internal Auditors, Committee/Council Member, 2001–2001
  • AAA Auditing Section Education, Committee/Council Member, 1997–2000
  • IIA/AAA (Institute of Internal Auditors & AAA) Independence & Objectivity Task Force, Committee/Council Member, 1997–1999
  • Contemporary Accounting Research, Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, –1996
  • Issues in Accounting Education, Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, –1996