Norbert J. Zarb

Dr. Norbert J. Zarb serves as Interim Dean and Professor in the Department of Accounting, Economics, Finance & Information Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's O'Maley College of Business, where he has taught since 1998. He previously held significant leadership roles including Faculty Delegate to the Board of Trustees (2014-2020) and Speaker of the Faculty (2009-2013), demonstrating sustained institutional commitment.

His academic credentials include a D.B.A. in Accounting from Argosy University, an MBA from the University of Central Florida, and a Bachelor (Honors) in Accounting from the University of Malta. Professionally, he maintains active CPA licenses in Florida and Georgia alongside the Chartered Global Management Accountant designation.

Professor Zarb's research centers on airline industry financial reporting, with particular expertise in IFRS 16 lease accounting impacts, cross-border disclosure practices, and financial health metrics. His work bridges theoretical accounting frameworks with practical aviation sector applications, examining how regulatory changes affect airline liquidity, valuation, and market performance through rigorous empirical analysis.

Recent publications (2020-2023) reveal intensified focus on European airline responses to IFRS 16, cash flow determinants of market valuation, and post-pandemic financial resilience. His collaborative work with Philip J. Slater demonstrates methodological sophistication in combining accrual and cash-based analysis to address complex aviation accounting challenges.

His scholarly contributions have been recognized through:

• College of Business Outstanding Faculty Award (2006)
• James E. Lewis Outstanding Service Award (2016)

As a doctoral advisor, Professor Zarb supervises dissertation research while drawing on 12 years of pre-academic CPA experience in public accounting and business management. His industry background enriches both research relevance and teaching practicality, particularly in courses on international accounting and aviation finance. Though no formal research lab exists, his work group produces high-impact studies in specialized accounting journals serving the aviation and international business communities.