Markus Widmann, born in 1986, joined the Departments of Services and Consulting in September 2022 as Professor of General Business Administration, in particular Auditing and Business Taxation. Previously, the business graduate worked as an audit assistant and audit manager in the Audit Middle Market division at Deloitte GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft and later as a manager in the Audit Private Equity division at Deloitte Audit S.à.r.l, Luxembourg. From 2016 to 2022, Widmann also worked first as a research assistant and then as an academic advisor at the Chair of Accounting & Auditing at the University of Trier. Since successfully completing his studies at the University of Mainz in 2012, Widmann has also been a freelance lecturer in cost accounting, controlling, accounting and business taxation for various teaching institutions, including ISÉC Luxembourg, VWA Trier, TU Kaiserslautern and Trier University of Applied Sciences. He was also associated with HWG LU as a lecturer before taking up his professorship. Here, Professor Markus Widmann introduces himself in an interview.
You have been a professor at HWG LU since September 1. Have you had a good start?
M. Widmann: Yes, I had a very good start. As I was already working as a lecturer for the HWG LU last summer semester, I was able to gain a rough overview in advance. Apart from that, the HR development team provided me with all the information I needed to get started. So I feel very well prepared and am looking forward to my new role.
What tasks does your new position involve?
I represent the professorship in research and education. I am responsible for Bachelor's and Master's courses in the Department of Services and Consulting. At Bachelor's level, for example, this includes the degree programs "Business Taxation and Auditing" and "Business Administration with a Focus on Finance". The content of my courses deals with the preparation and, in particular, the auditing of annual financial statements.
What appeals to you most about the new position?
The independent responsibility for the courses. The HWG LU has a great - very well thought-out and practice-oriented - teaching program. I'm looking forward to being able to help shape this from now on.
Education has always been very close to my heart. Even during my studies, I worked as a tutor for various courses and realized early on that I wanted to take on a position of responsibility in academic education. I really enjoy interacting with the students - especially when I realize that I am inspiring enthusiasm and the students show interest in the topics being discussed.
What are the first goals you have set yourself?
I want to set up an attractive course that specifically prepares students for the changing challenges in the profession of auditor, tax consultant or as an employee in a finance and accounting department. This requires a close interlinking of specialist topics with technical solutions for their implementation. I always create my case studies and tutorials using tools I have developed myself, in particular MS Excel and PowerBI, and try to use them to better demonstrate the connections to the students.
In addition, I would like to intensify cooperation with practice partners and associations in the field of auditing and continue to carry out various research projects. For example, I am currently working on various empirical analyses to assess the Financial Market Integrity Strengthening Act, i.e. the "reaction of the legislator" to the scandal surrounding Wirecard AG.
What did you do professionally before you took up your post in Ludwigshafen?
I was an academic advisor at the University of Trier at the Chair of Accounting & Auditing.
Why did you choose HWG LU?
HWG LU impressed me right from the start. It started with the invitation and the professional organization of the appointment lecture. When the welcome and the discussions with the appointment committee were so warm, I knew that I wanted to go to HWG LU. The rest of the application process was also very transparent. I felt very well informed at all times. I would like to thank everyone involved for this!
Have a good start and thank you very much for the interview!
(Interview: Iwana Hübner / Elena Wassmann)
