On September 20, 2025, the School of Accounting held the opening ceremony for the 2025 cohort of doctoral students in the Professional Accounting (PA) program in Classroom 504, Duxing Building. The ceremony was attended by Hang LIU (Dean of the School), Xiaodong ZHANG (Associate Dean), Wenzhang SUN (Director of the Professional Degree Education Center), Rui LIU (Director of the Administrative Office), Yilin SUN (Doctoral Student Counselor), Xiaodong LIU (Academic Program Secretary), and all incoming PA doctoral students of the 2025 cohort.

Xiaodong ZHANG announced the official launch of the 2025 PA program and introduced the attendees as well as the implementation status of the program. Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE) is among the first batch of universities in China authorized to confer the Doctoral Degree in Professional Accounting, and it is the only such institution in Northeast China and Inner Mongolia. The successful implementation of the PA program not only marks a historic breakthrough in the School of Accounting’s model for cultivating high-end accounting professionals but also reflects the strong recognition by the state and society of the School’s educational capacity and reputation. He noted that the School has made thorough preparations for the students’ future studies and campus life: in terms of faculty allocation, a “strongest supervisor team” has been assembled, consisting of renowned professors with profound academic achievements, leading industry practitioners with rich hands-on experience, and distinguished overseas scholars; in terms of teaching support, a high-quality learning environment and dedicated teaching assistants will be provided; in terms of the training system, a well-designed, scientific curriculum has been developed that emphasizes both cutting-edge theoretical exploration and the ability to address major real-world problems. Through an integrated approach combining coursework, research training, and practical experience, the program aims to cultivate high-caliber, interdisciplinary accounting talents who understand China and are well-grounded in practice.

On behalf of the School of Accounting, Hang LIU extended congratulations to the students who, through the competitive selection process, have become members of the first cohort of doctoral students in professional accounting at DUFE—and indeed the first such cohort in the country. He first reviewed the entire process of the PA program from application and approval to the official launch. DUFE stood out among the first seven universities authorized to offer the PA program, thanks in part to the School’s profound historical legacy and strong academic strength in accounting, and in no small part to the great importance and full commitment of the University and School leadership as well as all staff involved in the application process. He then put forward three requirements for the students: first, observe classroom discipline and avoid absences or tardiness unless under special circumstances; second, embrace their new identity as PA doctoral students and consciously uphold the reputation of DUFE and its School of Accounting; third, adhere to academic integrity and uphold the bottom line of ethical conduct. Finally, he offered three expectations: first, integrate knowledge with action and become valuable practitioners; second, shoulder responsibilities and become visionary leaders; third, be grateful and become warm-hearted inheritors of knowledge and values.

After the ceremony, all attendees took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.