In 2007, I graduated from the Applied Informatics Department of University of Macedonia in Greece. A year later, I received my master degree in the area of Accounting and Information Systems from Kingston University London. I then worked for one year as Systems and Network Administrator in the second Hellenic Army Corps in terms of my compulsory military service. Subsequently, I have worked in both private and public sector organisations in Greece by holding positions like Informatics Manager, Assistant Accountant and Accounting Information Systems Manager. I have also served as Adjunct Lecturer in the Accounting Department of the Alexander TEI of Thessaloniki. Modules taught include Computer Applications in Cost and Financial Accounting.

My main research interests lie in the relationship between computer-based information systems and management accounting. In recent years, management accounting has made a significant contribution to business control and planning as organisations compete within an increasingly global and competitive environment. More informed decision making has been aided by a number of management accounting techniques such as activity based costing, the balanced scorecard and benchmarking. Very importantly, the contribution of management accounting appears that can be facilitated by advances in the corporate use of information systems, commonly referred to as enterprise systems. However, we still know very little on this subject. It is thus really challenging to carry out my PhD research in an area that is rather at its infancy. I chose University of Ulster for my PhD research because of its outstanding reputation. Furthermore, given the significant expertise of Professor Joan Ballantine (i.e. the principal supervisor of my research project) in both accounting and information systems disciplines, I knew that it would be an excellent opportunity to work with her.

During my PhD research, I have managed to develop my research skills to a great extent by attending a number of research training courses which are offered by the University of Ulster and cover a wide range of topics, among others: Research Ethics, Research Methods and Transferable Skills. I have also improved my presentation skills by doing presentations both internally in the University of Ulster (e.g. in terms of my PhD progress assessment) and externally in international conferences. My writing skills have also enhanced via the preparation of academic papers. I believe that my experience at the University of Ulster will boost my future career as it equips me with a number of imperative skills, including analytical thinking, communication, presentation and writing abilities.