Ryan Leece

Dr. Ryan Leece is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the undergraduate and graduate accounting programs at the Collat School of Business, University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, following prior careers as a software engineer and auditor, including certification as a CPA in Kentucky.

His research focuses on auditing, financial reporting, and public finance, with notable contributions to understanding municipal debt costs, internal control weaknesses, and the impact of audit outcomes on market behavior. Professional activities include roles in curriculum coordination, faculty governance, and institutional service committees such as the Academic Integrity Task Force and the ACFN Scholarship Committee. Dr. Leece actively engages in research-related conferences and serves the accounting profession through roles like the AAA Annual Meeting organizer.

Notable research trends reflect a dual focus on regulatory compliance mechanisms and market-driven financial outcomes, particularly in governmental and nonprofit sectors. Teaching and mentorship are central to his role as a program director, fostering academic and professional development in accounting disciplines.

Collaborations include projects on municipal finance transparency, corporate risk management, and the intersection of technology with auditing practices. His work bridges academic research with real-world financial challenges in both public and private sectors.