John J. Maher
John F. Carroll, Jr. Professor
Email: jmaher@vt.edu
Phone: 540-231-4505
Fax: 540-231-2511
Office: Pamplin 3090
Education:
Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University
MBA University of Scranton
BS Accounting, University of Scranton
Specialization:
capital markets and accounting information, and information systems in accounting
Biography
John J. Maher is John F. Carroll, Jr. Professor in the Department of Accounting & Information Systems, Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech. During his academic career, Maher’s research has examined the proper measurement, valuation, and reporting for ill-defined corporate liabilities such as defined benefit pensions, medical benefits for retirees, and environmental obligations. More recently, Maher has investigated the effects of book-tax differences on corporate credit markets, the effects of auditor industry expertise on earnings quality, and the effects of non-audit service fees on perceived audit quality. Professor Maher’s research has been published in leading journals such as The Accounting Review; Journal of Accounting, Auditing & Finance; Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory; Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting; The Journal of the American Taxation Association; Accounting Horizons and others. Maher’s current research interests involve decision modeling directly related to accounting and auditing with particular emphasis on debt markets.
John Maher earned his Ph.D. in Accounting and MIS from the Pennsylvania State University, and his B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Scranton. His professional business experience includes several years with an international public accounting firm, and later as an internal auditor and management accountant. Professor Maher currently serves as the Director of the Ph.D. program for the ACIS Department at Virginia Tech. He teaches courses related to Accounting Information Systems as well as a Ph.D. seminar in Capital Markets in Accounting. Professor Maher’s emphasis on the importance of teaching as well as research is evidenced by the multiple teaching awards he has received while at Virginia Tech.
In giving back to the community, Maher has spent many years volunteering his time and talent as coach of youth soccer and basketball programs at various levels. He has also been a 20 year member of the Recreation Advisory Board in his community. Finally, Professor Maher has helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity and has been active in his church as a member of the Finance Council and Sunday lector.