Dr Teng Li

Biography

Teng Li joined Essex Business School as a Senior Lecturer in Accounting in 2023. Prior to joining Essex, he lectured at Newcastle University Business School and Brunel University of London. He holds a BSc in Accounting, an MSc in Finance, and a PhD in Sustainability Accounting. His research lies in the fields of social and environmental accounting, sustainability reporting and assurance, ESG issues in corporate governance, and sustainable finance. Broadly, Teng explores the role of accounting as a technology of both accountability and control in driving businesses to pursue long-term value creation rather than short-term monetary returns. His work examines how sustainability-related practices, standards, and assurance are developed, interpreted, and embedded within organisations, and how organisations use accounting and reporting processes to navigate growing institutional pressures, regulatory scrutiny, and stakeholders' expectations. Teng’s research draws on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. His fieldwork-based case studies explore the emergence and implementation of sustainability (CSR) reporting, third-party independent assurance, and related accountability practices across different organisational settings, particularly in emerging and developing economies. He also collaborates on quantitative research examining the real effects of firms' sustainability-oriented governance, climate risk exposure, and sustainable investing on their financial stability and resilience in times of crisis. His academic publications have appeared in international journals (ABS 4&3; ABDC A*&A), including the British Journal of Management; Accounting and Business Research; Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal; and Journal of Financial Stability, among others. Teng serves on the editorial board of the British Accounting Review, and has acted as a Guest Editor for a special issue of the Asian Review of Accounting. Teng is a member of CPA Australia, holds the IFRS-FSA Credential, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).