Accounting PHD Katie Daughtery
Katie Daugherty: From Industry to Academic Research in Taxation
Katie Daugherty’s journey from the professional world of accounting to the academic halls of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is a story of determination, personal growth, and vulnerability. With undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Georgia, Katie graduated in 2014 and began her career at PwC in Atlanta in 2015. Over the next four years, she gained valuable experience, primarily in partnership tax, working in both Atlanta and Nashville.
Despite her success in the industry, Katie always harbored an interest in potentially becoming a professor. This interest grew stronger over time, leading her to transition to a local accounting firm to better prepare for a PhD program. During this period, she reached out to Bridget Stomberg, a former professor at the University of Georgia, who became a key mentor. Bridget’s guidance and advice on the qualities needed for research helped Katie navigate the PhD application process.
Now a fourth-year Accounting PhD student, Katie’s research focuses on tax-related topics. Her dissertation explores two main areas: the impact of Treasury regulations on company investment and financial reporting choices, and labor market analysis in accounting using job posting and LinkedIn data. Her interest in technical tax research and the practical implications of regulations for tax practitioners drive her work.
Katie’s research approach involves advanced data analysis techniques, including text analysis and working with unstructured data. She has developed strong coding and technical skills, which have been essential in tackling complex data sets. Her future research interests include exploring different types of taxes, such as sales tax, property tax, and tax credits, and continuing to work with unexamined data sets.
Throughout her PhD journey, Katie has learned the importance of embracing vulnerability in learning and seeking feedback. She advises aspiring researchers to be open to learning, share incomplete ideas, and understand that research is an iterative process. Her experience at the Kelley School of Business has taught her to value constructive feedback and be comfortable with not knowing everything.
Looking ahead, Katie is excited about the future possibilities in her research and career. She is eager to build a new community wherever she goes.