(FEB NEWS) Surabaya, Tuesday 07 October 2025 – The Department of Accounting, FEB Universitas Airlangga, proudly hosted the 8th Guest Lecture Series featuring Professor Ileana Steccolini from the University of Essex, United Kingdom, moderated by Dr. Anak Agung Gde Satia Utama, (7/10/2025).
With over 60 international participants, the online session explored the past, present, and future of Public Sector Accounting (PSA) — tracing its 50-year evolution and reflecting on how accounting research can shape a more inclusive and resilient public sector.
Key Highlights from the Lecture:
- The transformation of PSA from “Why?” to “Wow!” — a journey from technical financial tools to an interdisciplinary, value-based field.
- Resilience and how governments respond to financial crises and global shocks.
- Social Equity, Democracy, and Inclusion as new frontiers in PSA research.
- Digitalization and AI in enhancing transparency and accountability.
- A renewed call to rediscover “publicness” in accounting — where citizens, not just governments, become active actors in accountability systems.
Professor Steccolini also introduced emerging concepts such as “Accountee-ability”, which emphasizes the ability of citizens to hold governments accountable — a timely reminder that accounting is never value-neutral, but deeply intertwined with democracy and ethics.
The discussion inspired thought-provoking questions from participants, including:
- How can PSA research reflect Indonesia's diverse communities and religious values?
- What is the link between PSA sophistication and a country's resilience to corruption and economic shocks?
- These conversations reaffirmed the global relevance of PSA and its potential to drive social change, good governance, and public trust.
The Department of Accounting extends its deepest gratitude to Professor Steccolini, Dr. Anak Agung Gde Satia Utama, and all participants for their active involvement in this inspiring academic dialogue.