🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Nishant Agarwal’s academic journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence. He holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from the prestigious Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, where he was awarded the ISB FPM Fellowship for his scholarly promise. As a visiting Ph.D. scholar at Michigan State University, he collaborated with renowned faculty, enriching his research acumen. His educational foundation includes an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kolkata, where he received the esteemed Post Graduate Diploma in Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering from the University of Delhi.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Currently a Lecturer in Accounting at the University of Western Australia (UWA), Nishant has been instrumental in leading units such as Financial Statement Analysis, Management Accounting, and Data Analytics since August 2018. His prior industry experience spans analytical roles at American Express, Unitech, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), showcasing his versatility and expertise in risk analytics, data modeling, and strategic planning.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Nishant’s research interests include capital market intermediaries, disclosures, cybersecurity, information asymmetries, and cost behavior. His collaborative working papers explore nuanced topics such as audit matters, cost behavior under uncertainties, and resource allocation’s impact on financial metrics. His contributions have received significant recognition, securing grants like the IMA Incubator Grant and AFAANZ funding, underscoring his influence in the field.
🌟 Teaching Excellence
With over five years of teaching experience at UWA, Nishant has consistently delivered high-quality education, earning average ratings of 4.5/5 in postgraduate courses and 4.2/5 in undergraduate courses. He designed and piloted the “Introduction to Business Analytics” unit, a foundational course for the Master’s in Business Analytics program. His innovative teaching approach extends to workshops, such as the highly-rated “Causal Inference” workshop for Ph.D. students at ISB.
📚 Academic Influence and Citations
Nishant has contributed significantly to academia through his roles as a reviewer for premier journals, including Accounting and Finance and Accounting Horizons. His involvement with the Pacific Accounting Review’s Early Career Reviewer Board further highlights his commitment to advancing academic scholarship.
🔧 Technical Skills
Proficient in statistical tools such as SAS and data analytics platforms, Nishant combines technical expertise with theoretical knowledge. His skills in predictive modeling and risk analysis have been instrumental in both his industry and academic roles.
🎓 Legacy and Future Contributions
Nishant’s legacy as a dedicated mentor is evident in his supervision of four Ph.D. students and his contributions to academic service, including coordinating seminars and serving on research committees. His ongoing work with the UWA Data Institute and his involvement in ethics reviews demonstrate his commitment to shaping the future of accounting research and education. As a liaison for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Nishant bridges academia and professional practice, ensuring his impact resonates beyond the classroom.
🌐 Broader Impact
Through his interdisciplinary approach, spanning academia, industry, and professional development, Nishant Agarwal is a beacon of innovation and leadership in accounting and analytics. His work continues to inspire students, collaborators, and peers alike.