PhD in Auditing

About the role

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School at Vrije Universiteit Brussel seeks a PhD candidate to investigate how audit report presentation influences stakeholder decisions, especially in companies with uncertain going‑concern status. The research will combine observational data, eye‑tracking, and experimental methods, and will be complemented by teaching duties.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original research leading to a doctoral thesis on audit reporting and stakeholder decision‑making.
• Design and execute studies using observational data, eye‑tracking, and experimental techniques.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Assist in teaching financial accounting, financial statement analysis, auditing, and management accounting courses, including exercise sessions and exam preparation.

Required profile

• Holds a relevant master’s degree (e.g., accounting, auditing, finance).
• Secured a doctoral grant for the PhD position.
• Strong interest in empirical research on auditing and financial reporting.
• Willingness to collaborate with supervisors and potentially co‑supervisors.

Required skills

• Experience with observational data analysis.
• Familiarity with eye‑tracking research methods.
• Ability to design and conduct experimental studies.

What we offer

• Doctoral grant covering tuition and living expenses.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and data sources.
• Opportunities to teach and gain academic experience.
• Integration into a vibrant, international research community.