Accounting Commons^™

Preparing For The Ai-Driven Accounting Workforce, Thomas C. Pate

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is embedded in accounting workflows, raising concerns about job displacement, professional relevance, and ethical risk. This thesis argues that AI represents an evolutionary force in accounting, not a disruptive replacement of human professionals. By situating AI within the historical trajectory of accounting technologies, the paper demonstrates that technological change has consistently reallocated work toward higher-value activities instead of eliminating the need for professionals. The analysis examines how generative and agentic AI are transforming core accounting functions, including auditing, financial reporting, tax compliance, and strategic decision support, primarily through the implementation of automated processes for data-intensive tasks. The …

Buyer-Seller Relationships In Rural Belize, Mackenzie K. Albright

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines buyer–seller relationships between small-scale farmers and lead firms in rural Belize, with a focus on how sustainability initiatives affect farmer autonomy and satisfaction. Drawing on firsthand fieldwork conducted during an internship with the Belize Ministry of Agriculture in Dangriga, this study analyzes the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize program and its efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and environmentally sustainable production practices. While these initiatives aim to improve long-term environmental and economic outcomes, findings suggest that strict oversight, organic requirements, and compliance standards imposed by lead firms—such as large agricultural buyers—can reduce farmers’ decision-making autonomy and overall satisfaction.

Through …

A Study Of The Agricultural Industry In Belize And Associated Future Growth Opportunities, Henry J. Conner

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to complete an internship in Belize with Peacework. During my time there, I worked with the Ministry of Agriculture. This Thesis is a summary of my time there and a study of the agricultural industry in Belize. It explores topics like climate change, sustainable agriculture, and the economic impact of recent events and potential future events on Belize.

Ncaa Revenue Sharing: Implications For University Financial Reporting And Sustainability, Cal Dunham

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

The NCAA's House v. NCAA settlement, finalized in June 2025, allowed Division I universities to directly share athletic revenue with student-athletes for the first time, resulting in up to $20.5 million in new annual costs per institution. This thesis explores how this model affects the athletic department's financial reporting and long-term sustainability. Using historical financial data, legal documents from the first year of revenue-sharing litigation, and relevant accounting standards, it addresses three key questions: how revenue-sharing obligations should be recognized and disclosed under nonprofit standards, how breach-of-contract disputes influence financial reporting obligations, and whether the model is sustainable across different …

The Impact Of Change In The Legal Definition Of Confidentiality On The Redaction Behavior Of U.S. Firms, Alexey Alferov

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

U.S. public companies may redact information from material contracts in SEC filings as long as such information is not considered to be material by the SEC and when it is the type of information that the registrant treats as private and confidential. In 2021, the SEC revised redaction regulations in response to the expansion of the legal definition of ‘confidential’ by the Supreme Court of the United States. In this paper I examine whether these changes, referred to as FMI Amendments, impact companies’ decision to redact information from their material contracts filed with the SEC. In addition, I extend Thompson …

Non-Profit Foundation Boards: An Investigation Into Best Practices Using Fayetteville Public Library Foundation Board As A Test Case, Esther S. Beller

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Effective governance is critical for the success of non-profit organizations, with foundation boards playing a central role in ensuring accountability, strategic direction, and resource allocation for the organization. This thesis investigates best practices for non-profit foundation boards, using the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation Board as a case study to evaluate the efficiency of its governance practices. The research aims to identify whether the foundation board operates efficiently and adheres to established best practices for non-profit governance boards.

To address this, a two-phase methodology was employed. The first phase involved an extensive review of scholarly journals, industry guidelines, and other resources …

From Bean To Cup: Sustainability Practices In A Small Specialty Coffee Roaster, Reese Weathersby

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in the coffee industry as businesses

face growing pressure to balance profitability with environmental and social responsibility.

While much of the existing research focuses on large corporations and global supply chains, less

attention has been given to how small independent businesses approach sustainability with fewer

resources and different operational constraints. This study examines Doomsday Coffee Roasters,

a small specialty coffee business in Northwest Arkansas, to better understand how sustainability

is practiced at the local level.

Using a qualitative case study approach, the research focuses on four areas of operation: ethical

sourcing, roasting practices, …

Reframing Fitness And Nutrition For Women: Understanding Hormonal And Metabolic Differences, Brooke J. Luecke

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores how women can consider approaching fitness, nutrition, and recovery based on the physiological differences between men and women. While much of the existing fitness and nutrition research has been based on male participants generalized to women, this paper aims to woman-centric, tailored recommendations. By focusing on hormonal cycles, metabolism, and muscle physiology, my paper will suggest a need for women to adjust their exercise and dietary practices for optimal health outcomes, including fat loss and raised energy levels. My suggestions in this paper are supported by the latest research, including Dr. Stacy Sims' insights on female health, …

Firm Disclosures And Retail Investor Behavior: The Role Of Information Type, Disagreement, And Social Networks, Hansol Yoon

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This paper examines whether disclosure characteristics–specifically hard versus soft information–influence disagreement among retail investors, whether due to differences in information sets or interpretation, and how such disagreement subsequently affects trading volume. Using a sample of 85,050 earnings conference calls and StockTwits disagreement data from 2010 to 2021, I find that hard information (i.e., earnings figures) is negatively associated with investor disagreement, while soft information (i.e., forward-looking statements) is positively associated with it. Further analysis reveals that the disclosure characteristics impact trading activity only indirectly, through their influence on investor disagreement. Additionally, I examine the moderating role of social network centrality, …

Evidence On The Quality Of Segment Profit/Loss Disclosures And Its Determinants, Hiba A. Abu Sammour

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Investors have recently indicated that disclosed descriptions of segment profit/loss measures are useful, but insufficient. Clear and detailed descriptions are essential for helping investors understand the segment profit/loss measure employed, especially since these measures may not align with measures from the consolidated income statement under the “management approach.” To better understand investors’ concerns, I hand-collect data from segment profit/loss disclosures and develop a measure that captures a dimension of disclosure quality specific to this setting: the extent to which segment profit/loss disclosures effectively describe the segment profit/loss measure employed. The measure considers the level of detail provided and the ease …

Garver, Lucas G. Ortiz

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis is a summary of my two-year internship at Garver, an engineering firm headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. I interned with the finance department in the North Little Rock office. During my time with Garver, I gained an abundance of technical experience in the accounting field, as well as invaluable networking and professional development skills.

A Year In The Making: Evaluating Sec Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule Compliance Through Public Company Case Studies, Katherine Kuli

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis evaluates public company compliance with the SEC’s 2023 cybersecurity disclosure rule, which mandates that material cybersecurity incidents be reported within four business days via Form 8-K, Item 1.05. Through case studies of UnitedHealth Group, AT&T, and Krispy Kreme, the research assesses firms’ performance across three key areas: materiality determination, timeliness, and the scope and depth of disclosures. Using a structured benchmarking framework based on SEC guidance, the findings reveal inconsistent compliance, with patterns of vague reporting, selective disclosure, and procedural adherence that falls short of regulatory intent. While Krispy Kreme aligned most closely with SEC expectations, UnitedHealth and …

The Electric Revolution: A Quantitative Analysis Of Tesla's Sales Growth, Mason Bravo

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores the key factors influencing Tesla's sales growth within the evolving electric vehicle (EV) market. It uses regression analysis to quantify the impact of average sales price, charging infrastructure, EV demand, and macroeconomic performance on Tesla's vehicle sales. The analysis is based on data from Tesla's annual reports, the Alternative Fuels Data Center, the International Energy Agency, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Key findings include a significant negative correlation between average sales price and vehicle sales, and a strong positive correlation between charging infrastructure and sales. These insights offer valuable implications for Tesla’s strategic decision-making, investor analysis, …

Razorback Analytics And Consulting: Driving Innovation, Clayton J. Chapman

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Under the identity of Razorbacks Analytics and Consulting, a consultation company, recommendations are made into the future of the vehicle manufacturing industry. Based on financial statement and industry data, Razorbacks Analytics and Consulting advises manufacturers about the uncertainty and high cost of transitioning vehicle lineups to electric powertrains. Recommendations are made based upon the observed data. Topics include: basic ratios, industry timing, supply chain issues, profitability, risk, and consumer issues.

Data-Driven Audits: Audit Analytic Platforms And General Ledger Analytic Tools, Daniel E. O'Leary, Vernon J. Richardson, Marcia Weidenmier Watson

Accounting Faculty Publications and Presentations

The future of auditing is a data-driven audit, which extracts and analyzes digital data stored in client accounting systems. To help conduct data-driven audits, audit firms are developing audit analytic platforms (AAPs). This paper focuses on one key application tool of AAPs that analyzes the entire population of general ledger transactions. These general ledger analytics tools (GLATs) use assessment routines to assign a risk score to each transaction, helping guide the auditor’s planning, risk assessment, and selection of high-risk transactions for substantive procedures. GLATs help support audit quality and provide valuable new insights about client operations. We discuss the analytics …

Determinants And Consequences Of Engaging With Multiple Auditors In The Mutual Fund Industry, Chelsea Mae Anderson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mutual funds are an important industry and component of capital markets, with $34 trillion in assets under management that hold 32 percent of exchange-traded common equities. In this industry, there are often multiple auditors serving the same client concurrently, which could impact auditor behavior. I examine the determinants of engaging with multiple auditors, finding that it is driven by fund complex size, recent merger activity, and having multiple locations. I also examine the consequences of this dynamic, finding that funds in multiple auditor complexes pay lower audit fees and have higher audit quality, as proxied by audit adjustments. I find …

Small And Mighty: An Analysis Of Foundational Aspects Of Small Family Firms And Their Corporate Social Responsibility, Ashlyn Crosby

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the foundational aspects of small family firms to understand how their unique characteristics create differences among various types of firms. This review examines five key business components: operations, longevity, innovation, succession, and decision-making within these firms. The analysis in this report focuses on businesses that operate within the United States. When considering the American economic model, it is also vital to consider the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of small businesses and, due to its emergence as an integral aspect of contemporary business practices, the impact on society, the environment, and stakeholders. While CSR is frequently associated with …

What Impact Did The Tcja Tax Cuts Have On The Manufacturing Sector?, Ryan Parker

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Throughout this paper I will examine positive effects the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 had on the manufacturing sector. To do this I begin by outlining the key provisions in the TCJA that directly benefit the manufacturing sector. This includes the corporate tax rate reduction from 35 percent to 21 percent, the changes to the repatriation tax for foreign funds, and the treatment for capital assets. I then analyze key metrics including pre-tax income, income tax provision, dividends, changes in retained earnings, and spending on property plant and equipment. I will show the interactions between the increase in …

20 Years In The Making: Do Executive Compensation Clawback Policies Have Claws?, Brielle Mackinnon

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Compensation clawback policies allow shareholders to recoup any incentive compensation that executives earn based on reported financial performance metrics that are subsequently determined to be misstated. They were introduced to encourage top executives to take increased responsibility for the financial statements, and to give shareholders increased security when designing compensation contracts for executives. Clawback policies have existed in several different forms for the past 20 years. In this study, I review the history of clawbacks, and discuss the enforcement (or lack thereof) of such provisions by regulators and corporations. The goal of my study is to further the understanding of …

How Did The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Effect Small Businesses?, Jackson Pittman

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 marked a significant overhaul of the United States tax system, promising to stimulate economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of American businesses. Amidst its broad-reaching reforms, the TCJA introduced several provisions directly impacting small businesses, aiming to alleviate their tax burdens and foster entrepreneurial activity. This thesis endeavors to evaluate the multifaceted effects of the TCJA on small businesses, examining its implications for their financial performance, investment behavior, and overall economic contribution.

Preliminary findings suggest that the TCJA has produced a generally positive result for small businesses. On one hand, reduced …

Enhancing Audit Quality Through Artificial Intelligence: An External Auditing Perspective, Jonah Mitan

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

The evolving landscape of the audit profession has been significantly influenced by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, marking a pivotal shift in audit methodologies, the auditors' roles, and the overarching quality of audits. This thesis delves into the breadth of AI's impact on the industry through a comprehensive review of academic literature, professional publications, and industry insights, highlighting the transformative effects of AI on audit processes. AI-driven tools, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing can expedite laborious audit tasks, enhancing data analytics capabilities, and enabling more accurate risk assessment and fraud detection. AI technologies …

Faculty-Led International Business Seminar In Dublin, Ireland: An Account Of Personal Experiences And Reflection Of The Difference In Work-Life Balance Between Ireland And The United States Of America, Megan Hanigan

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

The study abroad program consisted of four weeks of learning through cultural immersion, tours, classes, travel, and personal experiences. I was granted the opportunity to travel abroad to a foreign country with fellow University of Arkansas students. While abroad, I learned about international business affairs and participated in local Irish activities. The purpose of the study abroad trip was to provide the students in attendance with the chance to immerse in another culture while learning about the differences between office structures in America and Ireland.

Market-Based Oil Spill(Overs): Market Reactions To The Energy Windfall Tax Announcements And Disclosures In The United Kingdom, Kristian D. Allee, Raffael Speitmann, Arthur Stenzel, Yuchen Wu

Accounting Faculty Publications and Presentations

We investigate the market reaction to a windfall tax regulation announcement for oil and gas firms in the UK. We find that firms subject to the windfall tax experience a significant abnormal price effect of 6.0 to 7.3 %. The effect is concentrated among large and more profitable firms. The results also show that firms voluntarily disclose more precise information after the regulation to offset the negative abnormal price reaction at the windfall tax announcement date. Evidence suggests that these disclosures are largely effective at allaying the price effects associated with increased investor disagreement. Moreover, our analyses show that firms …

Assessing The Asymmetric Cost Behavior In China, Yuxin Shan, Vernon J. Richardson, Peng Cheng

Accounting Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose

A country’s institutional environment influences every facet of its business. This paper aims to identify institutional factors (state ownership, government attention on employment and employees’ educational background) that affect the asymmetric cost behavior in China. Design/methodology/approach

Using 2,570 listed firms’ data between 2002 and 2015, we use empirical models to explore the effects of state ownership, government attention on employment and employees’ educational background on the asymmetric cost behavior in China. Findings

This study found that the asymmetric cost behavior of central state-owned enterprises (CSOEs) is greater than local state-owned enterprises (LSOEs). Meanwhile, the empirical results show that government …

How Does Rolling Conformity Affect State Tax Revenue?, Tyler Johnson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Recent federal tax legislation has dramatically altered the landscape of state taxation. A product of this change is the increased interest in rolling conformity among corporate income taxing states. Under rolling conformity, states adopt federal tax provisions on a continual basis without the need for legislative approval. Despite its benefits, academic literature theorizes that rolling conformity is associated with several attributes that may negatively impact state budgets. I assess the merits of these concerns by examining the effect of rolling conformity on state corporate tax revenue. My results suggest that corporate tax revenue in rolling conformity states is more sensitive …

No News Is Bad News: Local News Intensity And Firms' Information Environments, Kristian D. Allee, Ryan Cating, Caleb Rawson

Accounting Faculty Publications and Presentations

We examine the effects of local newspapers on firms’ information environments. With newspaper employment dropping precipitously in the last few decades, we posit that these changes will harm local firms’ information environments. Consistent with local news improving information environments, we find that volatility, spreads, and illiquidity increase as local newspaper intensity declines and that this is associated with firms’ importance in their local economy. We further find that for firms that are more important in their community, or have busy analysts, less local newspaper intensity is associated with significantly lower analyst accuracy and higher forecast dispersion. This is consistent with …

Index Fund Ownership And Stock Price Efficiency: Evidence From Quarterly Earnings Seasons, Joe López Vilaró

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While prior research argues that individual investors benefit from a switch to passive investment in index funds (French 2008, Bond and García 2022), higher levels of index fund ownership of firm shares lead to competing factors that influence a firm’s price efficiency (i.e., the speed and accuracy with which a firm’s stock price reflects investor consensus on the information provided about a firm). If relative investor sophistication increases as index fund ownership increases, there is a benefit to the firm’s price efficiency. Yet, more shares held passively limit the shares available for investors to actively incorporate firm news, adversely impacting …

Grassroots Lawn Services Business Plan, Logan Walden

Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this thesis is to show how a lawn-care company can be profitable in North-West Arkansas. Grassroots uses a group of service-partners who are trained to provide professional and consistent lawn care services to customers. Grassroots Lawn Services offers different service levels to meet the changing needs of their customers. The goal is to make it easier for customers to access lawn care services without dealing with the high cost and competitive scheduling of traditional single-provider lawn services.

"Hog Wild" Business Plan, Ethan Munk

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

A business plan covering all parts of the creation of a business. In this case the business is a comedy club named "Hog Wild", located in the old Dickson Street theater. It covers the financials, marketing, hiring and construction processes within it. A good visual and physical understanding of a business plan and what it can lead to. Well served as an example for students to use on future projects.

Financial Advising Experience, Joshua Wittenauer

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Building wealth can be easier with the help of a financial advisor. Wealth consists of assets and savings, and while there are many ways to save, there are some basic steps to get started:

1) Earn enough money to live and have some left over for saving. 2) Control your spending so you can save. 3) Invest your money in different assets – “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”