Accounting educator, author and commentator Abraham J. Briloff died last week at the age of 96.
Well-known for both his concern for the integrity of the profession and for his penetrating insights into the current state of accounting and auditing, Briloff displayed both in his varied roles as a long-time professor at Baruch College, the author of four influential books and countless articles, and as a columnist at Barron’s, where he frequently dissected the irregular accounting practices of public companies. His work earned him the title of “Philospher-King of Accountants,” according to Baruch president Mitchel Wallerstein.
Born and educated in New York City, Briloff earned a BBA in 1937 and an MSEd in 1941 from City College/Baruch, and joined the accounting faculty there in 1944. In 1965, he earned a doctorate in accountancy and taxation from New York University. In 1976, he was named the Emanuel Saxe Distinguished Professor of Accountancy, a title he held until his death. He also served as a trustee of the Baruch College Fund from 1969 to 1974.
Briloff’s four books are Effectiveness of Accounting Communication; Unaccountable Accounting; More Debits Than Credits: The Burnt Investors' Guide to Financial Statements; and The Truth About Corporate Accounting.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, at Temple Beth El, 5 Old Mill Rd, Great Neck, N.Y.
Baruch College is planning a memorial service to honor Briloff; in addition, memorial gifts are being accepted to grow the Abraham Briloff Scholarship Fund, which was established in honor of Briloff’s 95th birthday in 2012.
