Prof. Han Yan | Internal Auditing – International Journal of Auditor at Fairfield University, United States
Han Yan, PhD, CPA, and CIA, is a multidisciplinary scholar and educator with a unique blend of academic, professional, and cultural experiences. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Accounting at Fairfield University, Dr. Yan brings a forward-thinking, inclusive, and research-driven perspective to the evolving landscape of accounting and internal audit. She has a demonstrated commitment to bridging academic excellence with practical impact, particularly in the realms of internal audit, risk management, and accounting education. Her work reflects a passion for mentoring, cross-cultural engagement, and innovation in both teaching and research.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Yan’s academic journey spans continents and disciplines, forming the foundation of her diverse expertise. She earned her Ph.D. in Accounting and a concurrent M.S. in Business Administration from Washington State University (2018–2022), where her dissertation focused on internal audit and organizational risk. Prior to that, she completed dual master’s degrees at Emporia State University—an M.B.A. in Accounting and an M.A. in English—building both analytical and communication strengths. Her academic pursuits began in China, where she earned an M.A. in English Language and Literature from Liaoning Normal University and a B.A. in English Education from Qiqihar University. This robust educational background underscores her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives.
Experience
Dr. Yan’s professional experience reflects a powerful synergy of academic and industry engagement. As an Assistant Professor at Fairfield University since 2022, she has taught a variety of accounting courses while also serving in numerous faculty leadership and mentoring roles. Her teaching excellence dates back to her years as an instructor and research assistant at Washington State University, where she received consistently high student evaluations. Outside academia, Dr. Yan gained valuable field experience as a senior auditor at CBIZ Myers & Stauffer LC and as an internal auditor at The University of Kansas, holding both CPA and CIA certifications. She also contributed to community education as a Chinese language instructor and group fitness coach, emphasizing her multifaceted approach to leadership, service, and wellness.
Research Interest
Dr. Yan’s research portfolio centers on internal audit quality, risk management, crisis response, and the internal audit functions in higher education. She utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to explore how internal auditors can serve as effective agents of change, particularly in response to institutional crises such as the U.S. college admissions scandal. In addition, she is interested in the intersections of culture and gender within accounting education and practice, aiming to promote equity and diversity in the profession. Her research not only contributes to academic literature but also informs real-world applications across public institutions and regulatory frameworks.
Award
Recognized for her contributions to teaching, mentorship, and research, Dr. Yan has received multiple honors throughout her career. Most notably, she was nominated for Professional Mentor of the Year at Fairfield University in 2024, highlighting her dedication to student development and inclusive academic environments. She was also the recipient of the Outstanding Recent Graduate Award from Emporia State University in 2023 and served as a Dolan School of Business Ignatian Fellow, demonstrating her commitment to ethical leadership and global citizenship. Her selection as a J. Michael Cook Doctoral Consortium Fellow further emphasizes her standing as an emerging leader in the accounting academic community.
Publication 📚
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“Internal audit structure and risk management: Evidence from the 2019 U.S. college admissions scandal” – International Journal of Auditing, 2025. 🏛️📉 Cited by 17 articles. Offers new insights into internal audit effectiveness in crisis settings.
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“Informal communication: A pathway to success for internal auditors” – Current Issues in Auditing, 2024. 📬🕵️Cited by 12 articles. Co-authored with Jacob Jaggi and Seema Bhandari; explores the role of informal networks in audit outcomes.
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“Internal auditing and crisis management: A post-crisis outcome evaluation” – Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change, 2024. 🔄🔎Cited by 9 articles. Examines audit effectiveness in post-crisis contexts with Xinghua Gao and Jacob Jaggi.
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“Transforming internal auditing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond” – College and University Auditor, 2023. 😷🧾Cited by 8 articles. A practitioner-oriented perspective on adapting audit processes during global disruptions.
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“Gender stereotypes in gift purchasing and giving in the Chinese context” – International Journal of Business, Marketing, and Decision Sciences, 2013. 🎁🌏 Cited by 6 articles. Investigates cultural dimensions of consumer behavior in China.
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“Variations of jazz: The legacy and influence of Langston Hughes on Amiri Baraka’s views of African American music” – ProQuest Theses, 2011. 🎷✍️ Cited by 3 articles. A literary analysis bridging arts, culture, and social commentary.
Conclusion
Dr. Han Yan exemplifies a well-rounded academic leader who bridges rigorous scholarship, innovative pedagogy, and meaningful service. Her career trajectory from internal audit practitioner to academic researcher reflects a commitment to applying real-world experience to enrich education and scholarship. Her work addresses urgent issues in governance, accountability, and diversity, with implications that resonate across sectors. Whether through mentoring, teaching, or publishing impactful research, Dr. Yan consistently demonstrates excellence, leadership, and vision in the field of accounting and higher education.