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This month let’s meet Raul BARROSO, professor of Accounting on the Paris campus since 2015. 

Each year, more than 600 professor-researchers on IÉSEG’s Lille campus and Paris-La Défense campus contribute to the students’ learning journeys, enhancing their chances of achieving their professional goals and thriving in their careers. 

“Faculty in the Spotlight” is the monthly feature that offers a closer look at IÉSEG’s professors—their background, what they teach, why they joined IÉSEG, fun anecdotes and more! 

Could you tell us a bit about your background and academic journey? 

I’m originally from Madrid, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During my studies, I had the chance to go on two exchange programs—one in Norway and another in the United States. After graduating, I worked for an international company in Madrid for a few years before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in international management in Switzerland. 

That program took me not only to Switzerland but also to Canada and France. Afterward, I began my PhD in Management in Switzerland, focusing on corporate governance. Once I completed my PhD, I did a postdoc split between Spain and the U.S., in New York, and later worked at another school in Paris before joining IÉSEG. 

What drew you to become a professor? 

I was very lucky to have very good and inspiring professors throughout my studies. That, combined with my curiosity—I’ve always liked to understand how things work—pushed me toward academia. Being a professor allows me to take advantage of that curiosity while also sharing knowledge and interacting with people. For me, it’s the best profession in the world. 

Could you tell us about the subjects you teach?

While my research is mostly focused on corporate governance—a transversal subject that connects with accounting, finance, and management—most of my teaching is in accounting. I teach at all levels, from Bachelor’s degrees to Specialized Masters. 

For many students, my course is their first exposure to accounting. I often describe it as learning a new language—the language in which business decisions are made. We start with vocabulary (basic concepts), then move to writing sentences (journal entries), and finally to writing books (financial statements). By the end of the course, students are not just producing these statements but also understanding the logic behind them.  

At higher levels—like Master’s programs—the technical details become more complex, but my main goal is to help students link those details to broader organizational decisions. For example, in a course on advanced accounting, it’s not only about the mechanics of the technique—it’s also about risk management, negotiating contracts in different countries, and understanding the strategic implications for a business. 

What teaching methods do you use? 

On my courses on corporate governance, I work with very diverse company cases. They might focus on different governance structures, sustainability challenges, executive compensation, or the role of institutional investors. Sometimes the cases highlight family firms or specific industries. The idea is that by the end of the course, students should be able to analyze governance arrangements and understand how they shape corporate decision-making. I also invite professional speakers to bring real-world perspectives into the classroom. 

I like to create a good atmosphere with students. The first day of classes, I create a playlist with their choice of music. Before starting each class and during breaks, I play that music. It helps set a positive mood. But once the music stops, they know it’s time to start working and focus on the class.  

How do you see your teaching aligning with IÉSEG’s vision? 

I believe education is the most powerful tool we have to improve society. In my classes, I aim to cultivate critical thinking rather than provide “right” or “wrong” answers. I want students to challenge ideas, push themselves, and remain curious beyond the classroom. These are skills and attitudes that last, and they align with the school’s mission of preparing graduates who can make a positive impact on society. 

What do you appreciate most about being a professor? 

Research is often solitary—you spend a lot of time reading papers or writing at your computer—but it’s balanced by the chance to interact with brilliant colleagues and students. It is very interesting of course, but I value a lot the human side of the job in class: the discussions, the challenging questions, and the energy students bring. They surprise me, they’re full of ideas and dreams, and my role is to encourage and nurture those ambitions. 

What do your students say about you? 

Well, they like the music I play just before we start class! More seriously, beyond that, they often say I’m very patient. I’m happy to repeat the same concept three, four, or even five times if needed. I also structure the course to help students develop a complete understanding by creating an atmosphere where they support each other’s learning and learn together without fearing making mistakes, which I think they value. 

How does your international background influence your teaching? 

Having lived and worked in multiple countries—Spain, France, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, the U.S.—and worked with international colleagues, I bring an understanding of tolerance, appreciation of diversity, open-mindedness, resilience, and curiosity. These are not “obvious” skills, but I try to transmit them to students in a safe learning environment. I feel comfortable contributing to that international mindset at the School. 

I see the international dimension at IÉSEG as an opportunity to grow academically, personally, and professionally. Interacting with people from diverse cultures, hearing different perspectives, and learning to challenge one’s own assumptions is invaluable. It fosters curiosity and a desire to understand things more deeply. 

Any memorable moments with students?

At the beginning of the year, I meet my master’s students in person—putting faces to CVs I had received is always exciting. Also, last year was when my students won the IMA European Case Study Competition in Amsterdam. They provided the most innovative strategy during this hackathon, and the jury awarded them accordingly, I was very proud of them!