MEMBERS

Accounting Education SIG Annual Conference 2026 & AGM

Wednesday 20 - Friday 22 May 2026 University of Sheffield

The BAFA Accounting Education (SIG) is delighted to announce the Annual Conference which will be held at the University of Sheffield, UK, from 20–22 May 2026. The AESIG AGM will take place during the conference. 

Our conference is designed to provide:

  • a setting for discussions on a range of accounting education research issues, through full and emerging research papers;
  • an opportunity to showcase innovative learning and teaching practices in Accounting and Finance and to discuss the development of associated scholarship outputs;
  • an opportunity for researchers to develop research projects or discuss current work and research ideas;
  • an opportunity for accounting educators to identify partners (individuals or institutions) for collaborative research, and learning and teaching initiatives; and
  • an opportunity to join our network of support.

Keynote Speakers

We are delighted to announce two inspiring keynote speakers for the BAFA Accounting Education SIG Conference, taking place 20–22 May 2026 in Sheffield.

Our first keynote will be delivered by the newly appointed Dean for Culture and Inclusion at Lancaster University, Professor Kendi Guantai, who previously served as Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the University of Leeds. Drawing on extensive leadership experience in advancing inclusive academic environments, this keynote, titled “Building an Inclusive Culture”, will explore practical and strategic approaches to fostering equity, belonging, and meaningful institutional change within higher education.

We are equally pleased to introduce our second keynote speaker, Professor Greg Stoner (University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School). A leading voice in accounting education, Greg will present “Accounting, Ambiguity, Critique and (Artificial) Intelligence.” His keynote will offer timely reflections on the evolving role of accounting in a complex and uncertain world, including the implications of artificial intelligence for teaching, learning, and professional practice. Greg recently co-led the QAA review of the UK Accounting Subject Benchmark Statement, helping to shape a renewed vision for accounting education grounded in public interest and sustainability. His insights promise to challenge and inspire educators navigating the future of the discipline.

This year BAFA AE SIG introduces a 'Buddy Zone'

New to the BAFA Accounting Education SIG Annual Conference, or simply keen to meet more colleagues and exchange ideas?

The Buddy Zone is a dedicated space designed to help delegates:

  • meet new people in an informal setting
  • build their professional network
  • find a friendly face if attending alone
  • spark conversations about topics in accounting education

Members of the BAFA Accounting Education SIG will host the Buddy Zone at key points during the conference programme, mainly during scheduled breaks. Details of the exact times and locations will be provided in the conference materials and at registration. 

If you are:

  • attending the conference for the first time
  • coming on your own and would welcome some structured networking
  • interested in volunteering to help host the Connect Zone

please get in touch; we would be delighted to hear from you.

Annual General Meeting 2026

The AESIG AGM will be held during the conference on 21 May 2026 at 15:40. You can read/download the Agenda here >>

Elections will take place for the following post on the Executive Committee of the BAFA AE SIG at the 2026 Annual General Meeting:

  • Treasurer
  • Elected Member (without a portfolio)

Nominations are sought for the posts.  Read the details of the role and information on how to apply on the BAFA website >>

Registration

Opens: 23 January 2026
Closes: 6 May 2026

Early Bird Full Fee: £290 up to midnight on 20 April 2026
Full Fee: £320 from 21 April 2026

Reduced Fee: £145 (You can check if you're eligible for the discounted ticket here: http://bafa.ac.uk/conference-information/#rate)

REGISTER NOW

The conference fee is inclusive of buffet lunches and tea, coffee and refreshments. All accommodation is to be organised by the participants at their own cost. Registration is via your BAFA Membership Account

Further Information

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Vysotskaya, conference organiser, at a.vysotskaya@surrey.ac.uk.

CALL FOR PAPERS—Closed

Extended Submission Deadline: 31 March 2026 14 April 2026

The Accounting Education SIG welcomes submissions from established, new or nascent researchers and academics in one of three forms:

Full papers will describe completed or near-completed research projects. These papers will be presented in ‘full presentation’ sessions with discussants who will provide critical review comments.

Emerging papers will describe either the initial stages of a project or the initial analysis of findings. Emerging papers will be presented under the ‘Lightning Presentation’ format.

Learning and teaching innovations will outline the innovative approach, the rationale for its development, and the impact on student learning. Learning and teaching innovations will be presented under the ‘Lightning Presentation’ format.

If your paper is accepted for the conference, you may be asked to act as a Chair for a session or as a discussant for another paper.

Presentation formats

As indicated in the information regarding submissions, there will be two formats for presentations:

Full Presentation – this will be a 30-minute session, with a presentation for 20 minutes, 5 minutes for a discussant to comment, and 5 minutes for Q&A

Lightning Presentation – this is a 15-minute session, with a 10-minute presentation and 5 minutes for Q&A

Submission

Please submit abstracts through the  online submission system by 14 April 2026. Acceptance will be on a rolling basis up to this date, so we encourage early submission.

Additional Submission Information

Full papers

Authors of full papers should submit a structured abstract of 300-350 words using the headings outlined below by 31 March 2026 14 April 2026.

  • Purpose (mandatory)
  • Design/methodology/approach (mandatory)
  • Findings (mandatory)
  • Research limitations/implications (if applicable)
  • Practical implications (if applicable)
  • Social implications (if applicable)
  • Originality/value (mandatory)

Once accepted and not later than 20 April 2026, full papers should be sent to the conference organisers (bafaaesig2026@sheffield.ac.uk). These will be distributed to the discussant(s) for review prior to the conference. Discussants will present their comments to the authors during the conference session. If the full paper is not received by the deadline, the paper may be moved to the emerging papers stream of the conference.

Emerging papers and Learning and teaching innovations

We welcome presentations of emerging papers (early draft papers, emerging research ideas, and proposals) as well as presentations of learning and teaching innovations. These will take the form of a lightning presentation. These shorter presentations allow for a quick overview or introduction to a research idea, initial findings or innovation.

Please submit an abstract of approximately 200 words by 31 March 2026 14 April 2026, covering as many of the structured abstract sub-headings shown under full papers above as appropriate,

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