Barbara Voss is a lecturer in financial accounting in the Canberra Business School and a member of the UC Ally Network. Her research interest discusses the inter-related aspects of accounting, politics, regulation and LGBTIQ+ diversity. Her current work on diversity includes understanding politics concerning sexuality, gender, identity and intersectionality within professionals and organisations.
Give us a glimpse into the journey that has brought you to where you are now.
I learnt very early in life that I needed to work and study hard to be someone. I think I did. Also, being here at UC is a combination of work, find the right people and the support of my family. I am still working on these research projects and trying to get my footprint in my research field. Moving to Australia was not in my original plan. But I am glad every day. Being an academic is more than a job, it is a life style.
Did you always want to work in academia?
No, I have tried to work as a professional, but it was not enough stimulating. When I started my Master I realised that research is very intriguing and I felt that it was for me. Years later, I am here at UC.
Did you have any academic role models that helped in your decision making?
Very few. I was prepared to navigate without role models, but when I found some, I tried to grab them as much as possible. We have great people around us. Sometimes it is matter of time and luck. However, having good role models really helps to release the pressure and made my life lighter.
What is the best advice you have ever received in the course of your studies and career? Never take criticisms too personally, use them as an opportunity to grow.
Can you tell us a bit about your research and how you have divided your work into three projects?
My research is about equity by understanding our current issues and support a better world. I live facing the future and acknowledging the past helped me to be here today. My research mantra is: what can I do to be better? My work started with my thesis on the politics of corporate social responsibility that quickly expanded to incorporate regulation of accounting and auditing. The third element: diversity, came naturally as being part of the UC Ally Network and during chats with senior academics. Then, I realised that my major research concern is on equity that makes me reflect on diversified issues of our societies and communities. I think that my intersectional identities really play a greater impact on having many projects and interests. But, ask this question in some years, I will probably have a better response. I am trying to navigate the ‘now’ and being very grateful to have so many exciting research projects.
Projects that I am working on:
The Lived experience of the LGBTIQ+ accounting professional: a performative inquiry
‘Car Wash’ and Post-truth: an investigation of corporate social responsibility of a corruption case in Brazil
The promise of happiness: coming out experience in the professional service firms
Client privilege and the recognition of LGBTI staff within professional service firms
Regulation of auditing in Australia
Financial accounting regulation: an investigation of the influence of the conceptual framework
Most recent and relevant publications:
Voss, B. (2021a). Convenor of the ‘Call for Streams’ on 15 September 2021. 2022 GWO Conference, Bogota (Colombia) - Online. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/assets/14680432/GWO%20Conference%202022%20CFS-1625236611603.pdf
Voss, B. (2021b). Lived experience of the LGBTIQ+ accounting professional: a performative inquiry. Invitation seminar to Gender Studies discipline on 10 November 2021 at School of Economics, Business and Accounting (FEA-USP) - University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo (Brazil) - Online.
Voss, B. (2021c). Professional identities at work: the lived experience inquiry. Pitch presented at the BGL Faculty Connect Event – Industry networking event on 10 November 2021, Canberra (Australia). https://live.remo.co/e/faculty-connect
Voss, B. (2021d). Lived experience of the LGBTIQ+ accounting professional: a performative inquiry. Paper presented at the Pride in Practice Conference on 22-24 November 2021, Sydney (Australia) (Virtual). https://www.prideinpractice.com.au/
Voss, B. (2020). Opening statement: Regulation of Auditing in Australia on 7 February 2020. Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services Regulation of auditing in Australia, pp. 1-4. Retrieved from https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=4e1957b8-c259-4ef2-bb39-e220a87ba42b
Voss, B., Carter, D., & Warren, R. (2020). A Car Wash and ‘Clean’ Corporate Imagery: Post-truth Politics, Petrobras and Corporate Social Responsibility. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal (Q1 Journal)(Addressing reviewers’ response).
Voss, B., & Egan, M. (2021a). The ephemeral promise of happiness: Coming out in the accounting profession in the late 2010. Paper presented at the Canberra Business School (CBS) Seminars, Virtual (University of Canberra).
Egan, M., & Voss, B. (2021b). Redressing the ‘male, pale and stale’ image of professional service firms, through LGBTIQ+ ethical praxis. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, (submitted to journal - waiting response).
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