University of Richmond Professor Ashley Austin Receives American Accounting Association Award for Audit Research

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Ashley Austin, an accounting professor at the University of Richmond, has been awarded the 2025 Deloitte Foundation Wildman Medal Award from the American Accounting Association for her work on the article “The Data Analytics Journey: Interactions Among Auditors, Managers, Regulation, and Technology.”

The Wildman Medal Award is given annually to scholars for an exemplary research paper with practical implications for the accounting profession. Austin and her co-authors will receive a monetary award and medal at the AAA annual meeting.

“For this research paper, my co-authors and I interviewed CFOs, audit partners, and regulators to understand their perspectives on the use of data analytics in financial reporting and auditing,” said Austin.

“Since its publication, these insights have helped shape subsequent research and contributed to the development of new auditing standards. To me, this award underscores the value of researchers and practitioners working together and truly listening to one another to advance the profession in meaningful ways.”

In addition to her teaching and research, Austin serves as the director of accounting student engagement, elevating the visibility of accounting careers to undergraduates.

Austin has taught at the University of Richmond since 2016. While at UR, she has received recognition for her scholarship from Pricewaterhouse Coopers, KPMG, and the Center for Audit Quality.

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