Dr. Sarah Mcvay

Professor

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Biography

Sarah McVay is a Professor of Accounting at the Foster School of Business, University of Washington. With a PhD from the University of Michigan and a BA from the University of Oregon, she has extensive experience in financial accounting. McVay has held faculty positions at the University of Utah and New York University, where she contributed significantly to academic research and teaching. Her work focuses on financial reporting processes, non-GAAP earnings, and corporate disclosure practices. McVay is actively involved in academic service, holding roles such as Vice President of Research Publications for the American Accounting Association and Editor for several leading journals. She has received numerous teaching awards recognizing her impact on students and her contributions to graduate education. Currently, McVay's research investigates the financial reporting environment and the implications of earnings quality and managerial incentives on firm performance.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2012-01-01 — Present

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Teaching and research in accounting, focusing on financial accounting practices.

Faculty

2007-01-01 — 2012-01-01

University of Utah •

Engaged in teaching and scholarly activities in accounting.

Faculty

2004-01-01 — 2007-01-01

New York University •

Instructed courses in accounting and conducted research.

Senior Auditor

1998-01-01 — 2000-01-01

Arthur Andersen • Portland, Oregon

Performed auditing services for various clients.

Staff Accountant

1997-01-01 — 1998-01-01

Moss Adams & Co. • Vancouver, Washington

Provided accounting services and support.

Awards

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Keynote Speaker

2025-01-01
#

Keynote (Plenary) Speaker

2024-01-01
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Diversity Research Grant

2023-01-01
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Dean’s Leadership Award

2023-01-01
#

PhD Faculty Mentor Award

2016-01-01
#

MBA Professor of the Quarter

2021-01-01
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Dean’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching

2019-01-01
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Faculty of the Quarter Award

2019-01-01
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Excellence in Teaching Award

2016-01-01
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Special Achievement in Accounting

2014-01-01

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.