Professor Warwick Funnell delivered a public lecture on 27 May on themes from his recently published book, Accounting at War: The Politics of Military Finance.”
Professor Funnell, Professor of Accounting and Public Sector Accountability and Head of Accounting at Kent Business School focussed his lecture on the political nature of accounting.
From the Crimean War, to the War on Terror in the 21st century, Professor Funnell demonstrated how accounting has been used to assert civilian control over the military, instil rational business practices on war and create the visibilities and invisibles necessary to legitimise the use of force.
Following the lecture, there was an open discussion about the content of the lecture. As Professor Funnell commented:
“The lecture prompted vigorous discussion and a number of questions from the wide range of interested participants at the lecture. Notably, one knowledgeable member of the audience sought to widen discussion about the importance which is now given to the military in financial matters related to defence.”
Professor Funnell is nationally and internationally recognised for his public sector research, in particular the impact of the new public management reforms on public sector audit and accountability. He has published five books. His most recent book, Accounting at War is available online at Taylor & Francis.
For more information about Professor Funnell’s research and publications, please see his profile on the Kent Business School website, or email Professor Funnell at W.N.Funnell@kent.ac.uk.