Denise Hanes Downey

Dr. Downey joined VSB in 2013 and has since published several papers in top-tier journals becoming the 151st ranked professor across accounting topics and methods as ranked by Brigham Young University for publications in the last six years. Her portfolio reflects VSB’s goal of higher research quality, and at the same time remains practically relevant and enables stakeholder engagement.

During her tenure at Villanova, she has taught auditing at the undergraduate level, as well as an advanced auditing course which she developed for undergraduate students and online master’s students. Her courses feature experiential learning modules; data, analytics, and technology; and activities requiring students to engage with real-world, publicly available financial information. Her pedagogical innovations have been recognized by Issues in Accounting Education as well as two national awards, the Innovation in Auditing and Assurance Education Award by the AAA Auditing Section (2019) and the Teaching Innovation Award by the AAA Forensic Accounting Section (2016).

In addition to her professional service assignments with the AAA and various academic journals, she currently serves as one of two academics on the AICPA’s CPA Exam Team for Auditing & Attestation, and as a member of the Center for Audit Quality’s Accounting Academic Sound Board. On behalf of the University, she has served as a committee leader during the capital campaign, contributed to several Campus Ministry initiatives and serves on the Athletic Advisory Committee.

Within VSB, she is committed to focusing on advancing the MAC program, external relations, recruiting, facilitating faculty and student research, and mentoring Accounting majors and demonstrates a commitment to the school’s DEI initiatives.

Companies

• Associate Professor Of Accounting Villanova University (2020)
• Assistant Professor Of Accounting Villanova University (2013 — 2020)
• Senior Economic Research Fellow Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) (2017 — 2018)
• PhD Candidate Bentley University (2009 — 2013)
• Senior Associate PricewaterhouseCoopers (2004 — 2009)

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Accounting Bentley University (2009 - 2013)
• Masters Villanova University (2006 — 2008)
• Bachelors Villanova University (2001 — 2005)
• Central Bucks High School West (1997 — 2001)