Noel Harding

Professor Noel Harding is the Head of School at the School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, UNSW Business School. With over 30 years of experience in accounting and auditing as a practitioner, researcher, and educator, he advocates for research-driven improvements in audit practice. He serves as an academic board member of the Australian Government's Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and participates in international standard-setting advisory committees. His career spans academic roles at Macquarie University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Fudan University, and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

• BEc (Hons) Macquarie University
• MCom (Hons) UNSW
• PhD UNSW

Noel’s research focuses on enhancing auditor professional skepticism, judgment quality, and standard-setting. His work addresses ambiguity tolerance in accounting, investor mood effects on financial decisions, and regulatory impacts on audit practices. He explores hierarchical influences, cognitive biases, and environmental factors affecting audit evidence interpretation.

Recent publications (2020-2024) emphasize international auditing standards, sustainability assurance, and behavioral dynamics in auditing. His studies bridge academic research and industry practice, supported by government and industry grants, including an ARC Discovery Grant. Collaborative engagements with global standard-setting bodies and professional conferences highlight his influence.

• ARC Discovery Grant

As Director of Research, he promotes academia-industry collaboration. His teaching areas include Audit and Assurance Services, Research Methods, and Current Developments in Audit Research. His advisory role involves guiding auditors and firms, particularly during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.