Murray C. Wells


Murray Charles Wells is a New Zealand economist, top manager, and Emeritus Professor of Accounting at the University of Sydney, known for his work on the history of accountancy.

Life and work

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Wells attended Christ's College, Christchurch, and obtained his Master of Commerce at the University of Canterbury, and his Ph.D. at the University of Sydney. He also obtained his licence as Certified Public Accountant.
Wells started his academic career at the University of Canterbury in 1966. In 1975 Wells was appointed Professor in Accounting at the University of Sydney. From 1988 to 1999 he acted also as Dean of the Faculty of Economics & Business, and from 1988 to 1997 he directed The University of Sydney Graduate School of Business. In 1996 he became emeritus professor, and has been on directed several organization ever since.
Wells' research interests were in the fields of Accounting History, Financial and Cost Accounting Theory, and Corporate Governance.
Wells was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours for "distinguished service to higher education, particularly to accountancy, and to business administration".

Selected publications

Articles, a selection: