Professor Collins Ntim was elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences in spring 2026. He is Professor of Accounting at the University of Southampton, a Chartered Accountant (CPA), and an academic with over 20 years of global experience in teaching, research and senior university leadership. His research examines how accounting, accountability, finance and governance (AAFG) can drive economic development and sustainability globally, particularly in emerging and developing economies.
Professor Collins NtimFAcSS
Collins has held several senior roles, including Associate Dean, Head (Chair) of Department, and Deputy Head (Dean) of Southampton Business School. He currently serves as President of the British Accounting and Finance Association. Nationally, he was a full panel member of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 Sub-Panel 17 (Business and Management Studies) and has been re-appointed to serve on the same panel for REF 2029, contributing to the stewardship of research excellence across the UK.
Collins has published over 160 peer-reviewed outputs, the majority in leading international journals, attracting over £0.6m in competitive research funding. He is consistently ranked among the top accounting researchers in the UK and globally by major research platforms. He is deeply committed to teaching and doctoral supervision, supporting the development of future scholars and professionals across undergraduate, postgraduate, executive and PhD programmes worldwide.
Beyond academia, Collins has shaped policy and regulatory reforms. He led the development of Ghana’s National Corporate Governance Code in collaboration with the Institute of Directors-Ghana and key stakeholders, and has informed major policy debates, including giving oral evidence to the Public Accounts Committee of the UK Parliament.
Why do the social sciences matter?
I believe accounting, accountability, finance and governance have a central role in driving economic growth, development and sustainability. They determine how resources are allocated, how organisations are held accountable, and how long-term value is created. Through rigorous social science research, we can strengthen transparency, improve regulation, rebuild trust in institutions, and ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I value the combination of research, leadership and policy engagement. Contributing to governance reforms, shaping national research standards, and collaborating internationally on development and sustainability challenges are particularly rewarding. Mentoring doctoral students and early career researchers is also a core part of my commitment to the discipline.
What is the most urgent issue social scientists must tackle today?
Strengthening accountability, good governance and trust in corporate and public institutions is critical in driving global economic growth, development and sustainability. Social scientists must help design governance and financial systems that are transparent, resilient and aligned with long-term societal goals, particularly in the context of climate change, inequality and sustainable development.
What does being a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences mean to you?
It is a great honour to join a community dedicated to advancing the impact of the social sciences. This Fellowship recognises the collective efforts of family members, colleagues, co-authors, students, employers, administrators, mentors, managers, supervisors, research assistants and partners I have worked with, and reinforces my commitment to using AAFG research to support institutional reform and sustainable development worldwide.