Changwoo Lee is a distinguished professor of accounting at Seoul National University (SNU). With extensive experience in academia and leadership roles, he has significantly contributed to the field of accounting, both in Korea and internationally. In addition to his academic role, Professor Lee serves as an independent director of Samsung Biologics, highlighting his influence and expertise in the corporate world.
Educational Background and Experience
Professor Lee’s journey in education and academia is marked by a strong foundation. He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration at Seoul National University in 1978. His academic pursuits continued at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a Master of Accounting Science in 1982. He furthered his education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he achieved a Ph.D. in Business Administration in 1987.
Professor Lee’s academic journey is characterized by excellence and dedication. He holds a Ph.D. in accounting from SNU, which has provided him with the foundation for his impressive career. His research spans various facets of accounting, including corporate governance, financial reporting, auditing, and accounting ethics. His vast body of work comprises numerous research papers and publications, making him a recognized scholar and leader in the field of accounting, both in Korea and on the global stage.
His teaching and professional experience are equally impressive. He began as a Staff Accountant at Coopers & Lybrand in Seoul from 1977 to 1979. His academic career took flight when he served as a Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, from 1986-1987, followed by his role as an Assistant Professor at New York University from 1987 to 1992. Since 1992, Professor Lee has been a dedicated Associate Professor at Seoul National University, where his tenure underscores his ongoing commitment to educating future generations.
Leadership and Service
Professor Lee’s commitment to his field extends beyond the classroom and research. He has taken on significant leadership roles, serving as a member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Korea Accounting Standard Board (KASB). His dedication to advancing accounting practices is further demonstrated through his role as President of the Korean Accounting Association. His service to the country includes his appointment as Chairman of the Performance Evaluation Board for State Enterprises of Korea by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. Additionally, he has chaired the audit committees of STX and KT&G, contributing to transparency and accountability in these organizations.
Awards and Recognitions
Professor Lee’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was honored with the Finance and Economy Minister Award and the Best Paper Award from The Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants, highlighting the practical significance of his research. His commitment to teaching excellence has also been acknowledged with the Outstanding Teaching Award from the Alumni Association of the Graduate School of Business Administration at Seoul National University.
Published Works
Professor Lee’s research primarily centers around Financial Accounting and Auditing. His contributions to the field are not limited to academic papers; he has authored seven books in the domain of accounting, further enriching the educational resources available. His expertise also extends to his role as an editor of the Korean Management Association and Accounting and Auditing Journal, where he has contributed to the dissemination of knowledge and research in the field of accounting.
Quote
“In the world of finance and business, accounting is the compass that guides us through the sea of economic uncertainty.”
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