Olsen, Lori
Professor and Chairperson
Biography
As a Professor of Accounting at Central Michigan University, one of my greatest rewards is watching students grow in confidence, develop their skills, and discover the many opportunities available in the accounting profession. I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 2001 and taught at the University of Northern Iowa and North Dakota State University before returning home to Michigan in 2010 to join the CMU faculty. My teaching interests focus on financial accounting and reporting, with an emphasis on helping students connect classroom learning to the accounting profession. Complementing my teaching, my research explores how firm characteristics influence accounting method choices.
More about Lori Olsen
Publications & Presentations
- Harrast, S.A., Olsen, L.M., Sun, Y., Yu, J. (2026). Teaching Benford's Law in Accounting: A Multi-Platform Approach Using Excel, Python, and AI Tools. Journal of Accounting Education, 73, 101015
- Harrast, S.A., Olsen, L.M., Sun, Y. (2023). Analyzing Eight Emerging Topics and Their Importance to Career Success. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 20 (1), 16.
- Harrast, S.A., Olsen, L.M., Sun, Y. (2023). The Most Important Emerging Skills for Career Success: A Survey Analysis. Advances in Accounting Education: Teaching and Curriculum Innovations, 27: 3-27.
- Ghosh, D., Olsen, L.M. (2022). Task Complexity, Analyst Experience and Accuracy of Earnings Forecasts. Advances in Accounting Behavioral Research, (25). 103-130.
- Harrast, S.A., Mattingly, J., Olsen, L.M., Sun, Y. (2022). The Relation Between Corporate Social Performance and Financial Reporting Bias. Journal of Accounting and Finance, 22 (2), 125-127.
Presentations
- Harrast, S.A. (Presenter & Author), Olsen, L. M. (Author), Sun, Y. (Author), MICPA Accounting Educators' Conference, "The Most Important Emerging Skills for Career Success." MICPA, Lansing, MI (2023).
- Harrast, S.A. (Presenter & Author), Olsen, L. M. (Author), Sun, Y. (Author), Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, "The Most Important Emerging Skills for Career Success: A Survey Analysis." (2023).
Academic Service
- CMU, The Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting, Assessment Committee
- CMU, The Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting, Personnel Committee
- CMU, The Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting, Bylaw Committee
- CMU, The Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting, Faculty Advisor Honors Project
- CMU, The Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting, Scholarship Committee
- CMU, College of Business Administration, Dean's Advisory Council
- CMU, College of Business Administration, Assessment Committee
- CMU Budget Priorities Committee
- CMU Council of Chairs
Professional Service
- Ad Hoc Reviewer, American Journal of Business (January 2021-Present).
- Ad Hoc Reviewer, American Accounting Association - Annual Meeting, Tampa, Florida (March 2022-May 2022).
Awards and Honors
- Central Michigan University, School of Accounting Outstanding Teaching Award (2023)
- Bob Cook Service Award, College of Business, Central Michigan University (2020).
Education
- PhD in Accounting - University of Oklahoma (2001)
- MS in Accounting - Ferris State University (1991)
- BS in Accounting - Ferris State University (1985)
Membership in Professional Organizations
- Delta Community College Accounting Advisory Committee (2025-Present)
- MiCPA Educator's Task Force (2024-Present)
- Mt. Pleasant Community Finance Committee (2024-Present)
Courses Taught
Undergraduate: Intro to Financial Accounting (ACC 250); Intermediate Accounting I (ACC 301); Intermediate Accounting II (ACC 302); Managerial Cost Accounting (ACC 321): Accounting Intern/Co-Op (ACC 489); Independent Studies (ACC 491); Practicum in Small Business (ACC 492); Advanced Accounting (ACC 501); Internship in Management (MGT 490); Independent Studies (MGT 491)
Graduate: Managerial Accounting: Management Perspective (MBA 620); Internship (ACC 689); Independent Studies (ACC 791 & MGT 791)