Professor Michelle Carr is a Professor in Accounting (Sustainable Business) at Cork University Business School (CUBS), UCC and recently appointed Head of Department.
Michelle's research interests focus on managerial accounting and control. Specifically, she has investigated the use of accounting practices in organisations pursuing regulatory reform, the performance implications of using combinations of management controls practices, and the use of accounting and control practices in complex professional dominated organisations.
Her research has been published in outlets such as Accounting, Auditing and Accountability, British Accounting Review, Financial Accountability and Management, Journal of Management Control and Public Money and Management. Michelle coordinates and lectures in the subjects Cost Management, Managerial Control and Performance Systems. Michelle is a holder of a Bachelor of Business from University of Limerick and completed her PhD at DCU Business School.
Recently, we caught up with Michelle and spoke to her about her background in education, time at CUBS and life outside the business school.
“I was drawn to academia because it allows me to explore interesting organisational phenomenon, push my boundaries of knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of my field. I find fulfilment in the process of discovery, whether it's through conducting field-based case study research, analysing data, or synthesizing existing literature”.
My role also provides me with the opportunity to collaborate with other experts in my field, exchange ideas, and work towards solving complex organisational problems together. Ultimately, I am motivated by the prospect of making meaningful contributions to society through my research and teaching, whether by informing public policy, or improving our understanding of the world of work.
I started working at UCC in 2010 and since the establishment of the Business School in 2015, the ambition and investment the university was willing to make in Business Leadership was a remarkable milestone and turning point in my career also. I am proud to continue to play a part in achieving our commitment to sustainable leadership.
A personal highlight of my time at CUBS was the attainment of both AACSB and AMBA Accreditation, which was testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of my colleagues. Together our contributions have not only strengthened our national and international reputation but have also enhanced the value of the education we provide to our students.
I was thrilled to have been involved as Programme Co-Director in the recent AMBA EMBA reaccreditation process. It was a privilege to work alongside such a talented team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of our Executive MBA. I am writing this note on our MBA class trip to Amsterdam with a group of 30 inspiring MBA students, and this trip can certainly be added to my long list of CUBS highlights!!
As I step into my new Head of Department role, I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism for what lies ahead. My foremost hope is to foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within our department, and ensuring our Accounting and Finance disciplines continue to play a fundamental role in the future success of the school.
Away from the day job, I am married to a fabulous, driven, and supportive man, Tomás, whose passion for community and GAA keeps both our children, Oisín and Lauren, and me grounded. Key to our busy lives is my wonderful mom, Linda, who helps make our lives so much easier with her encouragement and support.”
You can register for Professor Michelle Carr's inagural lecture here