Dr. Clara Chen

Professor

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Biography

Clara Chen is the Lillian Morrie Moss Distinguished Professor of Accountancy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has an extensive academic background with a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Southern California, awarded in 2006, and holds both a Master's degree in Accounting and a Bachelor's degree in English from the same university and Peking University, respectively. Professor Chen has had a distinguished career at the University of Illinois since 2006, where she has transitioned through various roles, including Assistant Professor and Associate Professor of Accountancy before receiving her current professorship. Her research mainly focuses on Management Accounting Control, specifically in the design of performance measurement and compensation systems. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles in notable journals, exploring topics such as the effects of customer-base concentration on innovation and the impact of gender diversity in corporate boards. She has been recognized multiple times for her excellence in teaching and reviewing, and has served as an Associate Editor for prominent academic journals in her field.

Research Interests

Experience

Lillian Morrie Moss Distinguished Professor of Accountancy

2018-01-01 — Present

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • Champaign, IL

Holding the Lillian Morrie Moss Distinguished Professor title and continuing research and teaching.

Professor of Accountancy

2018-01-01 — Present

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • Champaign, IL

Engaging with students and conducting research in accounting.

Director, Ph.D. Program

2017-01-01 — 2021-01-01

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • Champaign, IL

Oversaw the Ph.D. program in Accountancy.

Associate Professor of Accountancy

2013-01-01 — 2018-01-01

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • Champaign, IL

Taught and researched in the field of accountancy.

Assistant Professor of Accountancy

2006-01-01 — 2013-01-01

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • Champaign, IL

Initiated academic career focusing on Accounting.

Accountant

2000-01-01 — 2001-01-01

Los Angeles Center Studios • Los Angeles, CA

Held an accounting position in a professional studio.

Awards

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Teachers Ranked Excellent by Students

2025-01-01
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Outstanding Reviewer Award

2023-01-01
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Teachers Ranked Excellent by Students

2010-01-01
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Teachers Ranked Excellent by Students

2012-01-01
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Teachers Ranked Excellent by Students

2018-01-01
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Teachers Ranked Excellent by Students

2019-01-01
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Teachers Ranked Excellent by Students

2023-01-01
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Teachers Ranked Excellent by Students

2024-01-01
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Journal Management Accounting Research Paper Award

2023-01-01

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.