Nyenrode Business Universiteit has appointed Dr. J.A. (Hans) ten Rouwelaar (1959) as Professor of Controlling, effective 28 August. In his research and teaching, he focuses on the role of controllers as strategic business partners within organizations. Ten Rouwelaar has been affiliated with the Nyenrode Center for Accounting, Auditing & Control since 2000.
Ten Rouwelaar specializes in the role of controllers and how they contribute to organizational decision-making in practice. After studying Econometrics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, he obtained his PhD from Nyenrode Business Universiteit in 2015 with his dissertation Business Unit Controller Involvement in Management, which examined the extent to which business unit controllers are involved in management decisions. His research showed that personal characteristics and skills largely determine how much influence controllers have on managers’ decisions. This theme remains central to his research today. In addition, he conducts research into Enterprise Risk Management and Entrepreneurial Finance. Owing to his background in econometrics, he mainly works with quantitative methods.
Controlling with societal relevance
According to Ten Rouwelaar, controllers play an important role within organizations. Traditionally, they were regarded as the “financial conscience” of organizations, but over the years their responsibilities have expanded significantly. Controllers not only combine internal data — often financial in nature — but also incorporate insights from outside the organization. Developments such as changing markets, increasing automation, and digitalization mean that information quickly becomes outdated. Controllers must respond effectively to these developments, taking into account not only the financial opportunities available, but also the ecological and societal consequences of management decisions.
With this appointment, Nyenrode Business Universiteit further strengthens its position in research and education on the role of controllers. Prof. Dr. Michael Erkens, Rector Magnificus of Nyenrode Business Universiteit, said: “Hans ten Rouwelaar brings many years of teaching experience and a sharp understanding of professional practice. In doing so, he helps controllers and future controllers develop into strong business partners in modern organizations, and we look forward to his continued involvement in the controlling programs.”