CFO Expertise and CSR Disclosure in 10-Ks

• In Event: Capital Markets Research III

Abstract

In this study, we examine whether and how CFO expertise and previous working experiences influence voluntary CSR disclosure using text mining techniques. In particular, we find that both CFO’s prior working experience as CEO in other firms and CPA professional increases CSR disclosure in firm 10-K reports. Especially, CSR disclosure in 10-Ks increase more for firms with CFOs with management experience such as serving as a CEO in prior working experience relative to the firms with CFOs with CPA and accounting experience. In addition, CFOs with CPA experience are not associated with pro-forma CSR issues (general CSR). Overall, this study provides evidence on the association between CFO’s professional attributes and voluntary CSR disclosure in their 10-Ks.

Authors

• Jun Guo, Rutgers University - Camden

• Sungsoo Kim, Rutgers University

• Rong Yang, Rochester Institute of Technology

• Yang Yu, Rochester Institute of Technology