PhD Candidates in Accounting

SSRN; Oslo; On-site; NOK 573,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Norwegian business school invites applications for a PhD position in Accounting. The program offers an annual scholarship of NOK 572.800, focusing on both coursework and research leading to a dissertation. Applicants should have a strong background in relevant fields and good quantitative skills. Opportunities include collaboration with faculty and access to international research networks.

Qualifications

• Completed a Master’s degree with thesis work before autumn 2026.
• Strong background in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics.
• Preference for female candidates if equally qualified.

Responsibilities

• Engage in research toward a doctoral dissertation.
• Participate in regular research seminars with international scholars.
• Collaborate closely with faculty and other research institutions.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Master of Science degree

Research Master’s/M.Phil

Job description

Overview

PhD Candidates in Accounting

The Department of Accounting and Operations Management at BI Norwegian Business School is inviting applications for doctoral scholarships, start date August 2026. The Accounting group in the Department of Accounting and Operations Management is divided into two sub-groups: one conducts quantitative (formal analytical and archival) research in the areas of financial accounting and auditing, and the other focuses on qualitative research in management accounting and control. The group members are involved in teaching at Executive, Master, and Bachelor levels, as well as tailor-made corporate courses in the respective areas. The group publishes in top accounting journals and in renowned finance journals, hosts the Scandinavian Accounting Research Conference and Doctoral Consortium, and runs a regular research seminar series. PhD candidates have opportunities to reflect on and receive feedback on their own research, access to international databases, and, in some cases, work with unique Norwegian micro data from official registers. The department provides a supportive research environment and opportunities for collaboration with faculty and visiting researchers.

The four-year PhD specialization in Accounting prepares candidates for careers in leading academic institutions, research-oriented organizations, and industry. The program combines coursework with research toward a dissertation that is typically a collection of three research articles.

Program Structure and Funding

The program spans four years. The first three semesters focus on coursework covering major fields in Accounting and core topics in Finance and Economics relevant to an Accounting PhD. Courses are primarily taught by BI faculty, and candidates may take specialized courses and participate in doctoral workshops through international accounting research networks. The second year focuses on research toward the doctoral dissertation, with close collaboration with the supervisor and other faculty. Projects often involve collaborators from other research institutions. Candidates participate in regular research seminars with international scholars and departmental workshops. The research environment is supportive, and PhD candidates engage in the department’s social life.

The four-year scholarship is set according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale and currently pays NOK 572.800 annually. The position is linked to The Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens Pensjonskasse). The scholarship includes a 25% teaching obligation.

Application Timeline and Submission Rules

The application and attached documents can be submitted electronically using the "Send Application" button on the right-hand side of this announcement. E-mail or hard copy applications will not be accepted. All documents must reach the Doctoral Administration by the stated deadline. An exception is made for candidates who are completing their Master’s degree in 2026 and do not have a final certificate when applying. You will not be able to revise your application once submitted.

Application Requirements

We encourage applications from candidates with solid quantitative skills and strong backgrounds in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, and Statistics. Strong communication and analytical skills are crucial. If candidates are otherwise equally qualified, female applicants will be given preference. We welcome research interests, theoretical or empirical, in all areas of Accounting.

The following formal application requirements are detailed below.

1. A. Academic Record
   Eligible applicants must have completed a Master of Science degree with thesis work, a Research Master’s/M.Phil, or a comparable degree relevant to the Accounting specialization by early autumn 2026, with a grade point average of B or higher. An MBA degree does not fulfill admission requirements.
2. B. GRE / GMAT
   Applicants with a Master’s degree from an EU/EEA country are encouraged to take the GMAT or GRE. Applicants whose Master’s degree is not from an EU/EEA country are required to take GMAT or GRE. Percentile and raw scores for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing must be submitted. A good score is generally 85% or higher, but there is no minimum cutoff.
3. C. TOEFL / IELTS
   Applicants are encouraged to take TOEFL or IELTS. BI codes: GMAT 0529, TOEFL 0529, GRE 7365. For IELTS, copies are accepted if the TRF number is visible.
4. D. Materials to be uploaded in the electronic application
   Upload: CV, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and selected academic work. Details: Full CV including research output; at least two recommendation letters; English statement of purpose (up to 1000 words); one selected academic work showcasing prior research.

Certificates, test results, and verification documents include: Master’s and Bachelor degrees with transcripts; Diploma Supplement; other certificates; test scores; evidence of prior PhD-level coursework (if applicable); signed verification documents.

Interviews and Additional Information

Candidates may be asked to provide further information or attend an interview. Information about the doctoral program and admission requirements can be obtained from the Doctoral Administration at BI Norwegian Business School. E-mail: [e-mail]

For the vacancy details: https://bi.easycruit.com/vacancy/3539545/200453?iso=no

Application Procedure

https://bi.easycruit.com/vacancy/application/send/3539545/200453?iso=gb

About the Organization

BI Norwegian Business School is ranked as Norway’s #1 business school and one of the best in Europe. With more than 20,000 students, 1,000 employees and 300,000 alumni, it is one of the largest and most influential business schools in Europe. BI offers a diverse portfolio of bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and executive programs and courses. The school collaborates with leading Norwegian and international companies and institutions. By 2030, BI aims to deliver world-class research and outstanding learning experiences, helping businesses succeed and people build meaningful careers.