Chair, Graduate Accounting Programs; Professor of Accounting; and PwC Faculty Fellow
6:45 a.m.: The alarm goes off, and it’s time to get moving. Another busy day awaits.
7:30 a.m.: I drive my oldest son, Max, to Bloomington High School South for his freshman year classes. Go Panthers!
7:45 a.m.: Make a quick stop at Soma Coffee House on the corner of Eagleson and Third Street for my daily fuel: a large black Americano. Some people need breakfast first. I need coffee.
8:10 a.m.: Arrive at my office at the Kelley School of Business and get settled for the day.
8:20 a.m.: Zoom call with two of my coauthors in Germany: Paul Pronobis and Frederik Pietig. We’re discussing a research project examining whether ESG disclosures matter to bondholders and mapping out our submission strategy for Review of Accounting Studies. We also spend time discussing Frederik’s dissertation as he prepares for graduation later this year. One of the best parts of academia is collaborating with colleagues around the world.
9 a.m.: Final review of my lecture materials before the first day of classes. No matter how many years I’ve taught, there is always a little excitement before students walk through the door.
9:35 a.m.: Time for the first section of A514: Audit Theory and Practice with our first-year 3/2 MBA students. Today’s agenda includes an icebreaker and networking exercise, course expectations for the semester and a discussion of the “Unraveling Principle of Full Disclosure” and why auditing plays such an important role in society and capital markets.
11:10 a.m.: Rinse and repeat with the second section of A514. Both classes bring tremendous energy and thoughtful discussion. By the end of the morning, I’m reminded why I enjoy teaching so much. It’s clear this is going to be a fun semester.
12:30 p.m.: I take advantage of a break between meetings and walk from Kelley to Kirkwood Avenue to grab lunch. The walk helps me chip away at my daily 10,000-step goal and gives me a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Before heading back, I stop to shake the hand of the Herman B Wells statue for
a little good luck. Hoosiers know the tradition well.
1:30 p.m.: Quick email catch-up session and a chance to work through administrative responsibilities as Chair of Graduate Accounting Programs.
Accounting teaches a disciplined way of thinking that helps you analyze challenges, make decisions and solve problems throughout your career.
2 p.m.: Meeting with the newly established Accounting & Auditing Advisory Council at the Indiana CPA Society. The group is collaborating with a similar committee at the North Carolina Association of CPAs to develop comment letters on emerging accounting and auditing standards. I enjoy opportunities like this because they allow me to combine my academic research background with my CPA experience to help inform policy and practice.
3 p.m.: I switch hats again, this time serving as an editor for The Accounting Review. Today’s work involves reading referee reports, evaluating submissions and communicating editorial decisions to authors. Two of the papers on my desk receive invitations to revise and resubmit. It’s rewarding to help researchers improve their work and contribute to scholarship that can ultimately influence practice, regulation and education.
4:30 p.m.: Meeting with the Kelley Specialty Master’s Portfolio team to discuss recruiting initiatives and upcoming student events. I am fortunate to work with an outstanding group of colleagues who are dedicated to helping students develop into future business leaders across Indiana and beyond.
5:30 p.m.: Time to trade spreadsheets and research papers for running shoes. I head out for a four-mile run through campus and downtown Bloomington. I don’t have any aspirations of running a marathon or winning races. I simply enjoy staying active, clearing my mind and taking in the scenery.
6:30 p.m.: I arrive at Bloomington High School North Natatorium just as my sons, Max and Ben, are wrapping up practice with Indiana Swim Club. Swimming is a huge part of our family’s life. While I’m there primarily as a parent today, I also serve as head coach of the Jackson Creek Middle School swim team. It’s always fun to catch up with swimmers and coaches as the new season gets underway.
7 p.m.: Time for the evening carpool route. After dropping the swimmers off at home, I stop at Chick-fil-A to pick up dinner for the family. Every time I visit, I find myself amazed at how they can move what feels like 70 cars through the drive-thru in record time. Honestly, there is probably an operations management case study waiting to be written.
8 p.m.: Finally home. Dinner is one of the few times during the day when all four of us are together, so we make the most of it. The boys finished their homework earlier, which leaves time for a family TV night. Our current choice is Chad Powers. The idea of a disgraced quarterback reinventing himself with a fake identity to get another shot is ridiculous, which is exactly why my sons find it hilarious.
10 p.m. The kids head to bed, and my wife Amanda and I finally have a chance to unwind and compare notes from our respective days. Amanda (also a CPA) serves as assistant dean for finance at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, so our conversations often cover very different corners of campus life. Busy days, meaningful work, great students, supportive colleagues, family and a community we love. Life is good.
First day of school
Caffeine stop at Soma Coffee House
About Me
Name: Joe Schroeder, CPA, Ph.D.
Job Title: Chair, Graduate Accounting Programs; Professor of Accounting; and PwC Faculty Fellow
Company: Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Most Interesting Thing About What You Do: I am the chair of our 3/2 MBA and M.S. in Accounting with Data and Analytics (MSADA). Outside of teaching and administration I conduct accounting research with a focus on audit regulation, internal controls and financial disclosure. I have published over 20 papers with many appearing in the top accounting and business journals. Through my research activities, I have helped with regulatory proposals at the SEC and the PCAOB.
Alma Mater: B.S. and M.S. in Accounting, Ball State University; Ph.D. in Accounting, Michigan State University
INCPAS Involvement: Board of Directors, Accounting & Auditing Advisory Council
When I’m Not at Work
Family: Amanda (wife) and two sons; Max (freshman) and Ben (6th Grade)
Hobbies: Swimming, running, coaching, BBQ
Other Memberships/Community Involvement: Member of the Executive Accounting Board at Michigan State University and member of the American Accounting Association
Advice
Advice for Students Considering the Profession: One of the great things about an accounting degree is its versatility. There are more than 500 career paths available to accounting graduates. More importantly, accounting teaches a disciplined way of thinking that helps you analyze challenges, make decisions and solve problems throughout your career. I cannot think of a better major for students who want to maximize their opportunities. The CPA designation only strengthens that foundation because of the credibility and trust it represents.
Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: Every milestone presents a choice. You can celebrate the achievement and become satisfied with where you are, or you can view that accomplishment as the foundation for what comes next. The most successful people continue to learn, continue to grow and continue to reach for goals that seem just beyond their grasp.
Do you think a day in your life would make a good addition to our series? Contact Katie Kirkton at [email protected] to find out how you can share your story.
