Dawn Matsumoto Named New Accounting Department Chair
Matsumoto prioritizes nurturing a community where students and faculty can thrive together
The Foster School of Business recently announced that Professor Dawn Matsumoto (Ph.D. 1998), a long-time faculty member and the Marion B. Ingersoll Professor of Accounting, has been appointed Chair of the Accounting Department.
As anyone who knows Dawn can attest, her enthusiasm for accounting is infectious. “People think accounting is boring, but it’s fascinating—that’s the big secret,” she often says with a smile. “Accounting is one of the least visible and least understood professions, yet it is critical in business, government, and society. Accountants help organizations drive growth, identify new opportunities, and become more efficient.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
As the Foster School welcomes Dawn to her new role, the faculty, staff, and students expressed their gratitude to Professor David Burgstahler for his dedicated service as the outgoing department chair. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the department’s supportive and collaborative culture—a legacy that Dawn is eager to continue.
Fostering a Team Environment
For Dawn, her appointment as chair isn’t just about managing a department—it’s about nurturing a community where students and faculty can thrive together, united by their shared fascination with the world of accounting and desire to make a difference in our communities.
“I have worked closely with Dawn Matsumoto for 24 years as colleagues in the Accounting Department,” said Frank Hodge, Dean of the Foster School of Business. “She is an outstanding researcher and teacher, cares deeply about others, and gets things done through consensus building. I am very much looking forward to working with Dawn in her new role.”
Dawn’s vision for the Accounting Department is refreshingly straightforward. “I will continue to build a collaborative and collegial environment that encourages faculty to bring their best to the classroom, their research endeavors, and across the Foster School of Business,” she explains. “Every member of our faculty is making a meaningful contribution. We are a team.”
Bright Future for Accounting Careers
When asked about the outlook for accounting students, Dawn’s enthusiasm peaks. “There are so many varied jobs, so much potential with a degree in accounting and CPA designation,” she explains.
While accounting has always been known as a stable profession, Dawn emphasizes it’s much more.
“It’s true that accounting is often seen as a counter-cyclical major; more students choose accounting during economic downturns because it’s perceived as stable,” Dawn notes. “But many don’t realize that it’s an excellent foundation for all kinds of careers, from entrepreneurship to consulting—and that all types of organizations in virtually all industries need accountants, from startups to governments to the largest corporations in the world.”
A Natural Progression
Before pursuing graduate studies, Dawn was a senior auditor at Deloitte. After earning her Ph.D. at the University of Washington, she joined the faculty of Harvard Business School’s Accounting and Management Unit. Two years later, she got the call inviting her to return to the Foster School. She excitedly jumped at the opportunity and has been a valuable member of the Foster faculty since.
“Across the years, I have been very happy at the Foster School and wholeheartedly value and appreciate the dedication and scholarship of our faculty across the University of Washington,” she reflects.
As she settles into her new role, one thing is clear. With Dawn at the helm, the Foster Accounting Department is in capable hands, ready to prepare the next generation for successful careers in accounting and beyond.
Learn more about Foster School of Business accounting programs here.
