As the year draws to a close, many of us reflect on the accomplishments that have shaped us and are looking ahead for new opportunities. For some, this means setting ambitious personal goals for the new year, while for others, it marks the next chapter in a much longer story.
For School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) alum Jillian Adams (PhD ‘24), that next chapter began with earning her PhD — a milestone that opened doors to a career that blends research, teaching and influencing global tax policy.
Her journey reminds us that graduate studies can be a powerful way to turn curiosity into impact.
Jillian Adams
PhD ‘24
Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Since earning her PhD in Accounting from SAF — an achievement that marked years of dedication and discovery — Jillian Adams now brings her expertise and enthusiasm for tax research to the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee as an Assistant Professor of Accounting.
Jillian's interest in tax policy began during her time with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and EY, where she observed firsthand how different organizations respond to evolving tax regulations. Pursuing a PhD allowed her to examine the tax policy changes she encountered in practice and to contribute to research that supports tax authorities and policymakers around the world. Her research explores how large companies move their profits to reduce the amount of tax they pay, a practice known as tax-motivated income shifting. In particular, Jillian looks at how tax authorities and organizations like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are closing loopholes through initiatives such as the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project, which aims to make the global tax system fairer and harder to exploit. Her work provides valuable insights for how these reforms play out in practice and where further improvements can be made.
Looking ahead, Jillian is excited to expand her research and collaborate with international tax scholars. She is equally passionate about sharing her knowledge with students, where she hopes to inspire the next generation by showing them “how enjoyable a career in tax can be!”
Her path is a reminder that advanced studies offer more than academic achievement. They offer the space for deeper questions, new perspectives and the chance to shape conversations that reach far beyond the classroom.