School of Accounting and Finance

Professor Coombes has held senior positions at Australian universities, including Dean of Commerce/Business Faculties at the University of Southern Queensland and the University of Western Sydney, and more recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Western Sydney. He has also held visiting positions in accounting at UC Berkeley and Rice University in North America. In February 2007, the Council of the University of Western Sydney conferred the title of Emeritus Professor for his distinguished service to the University in academic leadership and to the discipline area of accounting. His teaching interests are financial accounting, management accounting and finance.

Teaching and Research

Research Interests

• Accounting standards and financial reporting
• "forensic" accounting practices
• Internal audit governance and related management processes

Professional Activities

Professional and Community Engagement

Community service currently includes:

• Chair of the Penrith City Council Audit Committee
• Chair of the audit committee of the Universities Admission Centre (NSW and ACT)
• Member of the audit committee of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council
• Director of the Board of the Universities Admissions Centre (NSW and ACT)

Prior committee memberships include:

• The TAFE Western Sydney Institute Advisory Council (Ministerial appointment ??? 2004 to 2007)
• The Survey Reference Group, Graduate Careers Council of Australia (2004 ??? 2007)
• Councillor and Deputy President of the NSW Division of the Australian Society of CPAs (and received the ASCPA Award for Meritorious Service in 1991)
• State Councillor of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (QLD), June 1997 to June 1998

Selected Publications