Continuing our Women’s History Month series on illustrious LSE women, we are publishing Susan Dev’s profile. Professor Susan Dev OBE was the first female professor of accounting in the UK.

Professor Susan Dev OBE, an alumnus and later staff member of the London School of Economics and Political Science, was the first female professor in Accounting in the UK.

LSE magazine published this note about her in June, 1986 (no.71, p.18) –

Susan Dev came to the School in 1967 as a PD Leake Fellow in the Department of Accounting. She arrived with outstanding professional qualifications in the fields of general accounting and taxation, having passed final examinations in both with distinction, and with a background of practical experience which included auditing and management accounting. While holding the fellowship she took her master’s degree and in 1970 was appointed to a part-time Lectureship, becoming a full-time Lecturer shortly afterwards. She became a Senior Lecturer in 1978 and in 1979 was appointed to the Chair of Accounting formerly held by William Baxter.

Besides being the first to break the gender barrier in the field in the UK, Susan Dev was also recognised as being exceptionally good in her subject of expertise. She received the prestigious lifetime achievement award by the British Accounting Association in 2004.

Susan Dev has also been a generous donor to the School and a Susan Dev scholarship is awarded each year to support an undergraduate student with overseas fees status to register at LSE after their first year of study.

Professor Susan Dev OBE stands out not only as an accomplished scholar but also as a woman who went on to become an inspiration for many.