Vairam Arunachalam

Professor Vairam Arunachalam is the PricewaterhouseCoopers/Joseph A. Silvoso Distinguished Professor of Accountancy and Associate Dean for Partnerships & Engagement at the University of Missouri's Trulaske College of Business. He leads initiatives in academic partnerships and engagement while maintaining a research focus on fraud examination, forensic accounting, and information systems. His roles include serving as Director of the School of Accountancy (2003, 2008–2024) and holding leadership positions in professional organizations such as the American Accounting Association and Institute of Management Accountants.

Education: B.A. Com (Loyola College, 1983), M.Acc. (University of Georgia, 1985), Ph.D. (University of Illinois, 1991), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Research Interests: His work explores fraud detection methodologies, the integration of technology in accounting practices, and cross-cultural negotiation dynamics. He has published extensively in journals such as Accounting, Organizations and Society and Journal of Information Systems, with notable contributions to understanding organizational decision-making processes and ethical frameworks in business.

Awards: He has received multiple teaching awards, including the William T. Kemper Fellowship (1999) and Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2007). His research has been supported by grants from PwC and i2 Inc., leading to innovative academic programs like the KPMG Master of Accounting with Data & Analytics.

Service & Leadership: He has served on boards of national and international organizations, including the Missouri Society of CPAs and the IMA Research Foundation. He chairs AACSB accreditation review teams and advises the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business.

Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and edited volumes on topics ranging from forensic accounting to cross-cultural mediation, with recent work focusing on fraud archetypes and emerging economies' financial landscapes.