Idlan Zakaria

Idlan Zakaria is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Accounting at the Department of Accounting, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. She teaches financial accounting, accounting theory, and business analytics across BSc and MSc programmes, and currently serves as the School Employability Lead.

• PhD in Accounting and Finance, Lancaster University (2008)
• MA in Accounting and Finance, Lancaster University (2001)
• B.Commerce (Hons), Lincoln University, New Zealand (1999)
• Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2017)

Her research focuses on corporate governance, financial reporting disclosure, performance measurement, and higher education. She has conducted influential studies on executive remuneration, gender imbalance in university leadership, and international corporate governance frameworks. Her work often explores the interplay between institutional norms, culture, and financial reporting practices.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in corporate governance and executive compensation, with a growing emphasis on international and institutional perspectives. Several articles examine earnings management under IFRS, gender diversity in governance, and EU regulatory frameworks, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach combining accounting, policy, and social research.

• Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2017)

Idlan Zakaria has contributed to significant research projects, including leading a European Commission study on remuneration in financial institutions and co-leading teaching and ethics initiatives. She previously served as the founding CEO of The Centre, an independent think tank in Malaysia focused on social safety nets and public policy, and now acts as an Advisor to the organization. She is also a member of the British Accounting Association, contributing to the academic and professional accounting community.

She is actively involved in academic leadership and policy-oriented research, bridging the gap between academia and public institutions. Her role in think tank leadership underscores her engagement beyond traditional academic boundaries, influencing policy development in Southeast Asia.