Yiyang (Ian) Zhang, associate professor and Lariccia Family Endowed Faculty Fellow in the Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance in the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University, has been appointed associate editor of the Journal of Information Systems (JIS), a leading scholarly publication in the field of accounting information systems.

The Journal of Information Systems is the official academic journal of the Accounting Information Systems Section of the American Accounting Association. The publication advances research at the intersection of accounting and technology, including systems design, data analytics, cybersecurity and emerging technologies that influence accounting practice and education.

“Being selected as an associate editor for the Journal of Information Systems is truly meaningful to me because it reflects recognition from peers in the AIS community for the quality and impact of my research,” Zhang said. “Serving in this role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to shaping the future direction of AIS research. It’s both an honor and a responsibility to help maintain the journal’s high scholarly standards and to support other researchers in communicating innovative ideas that advance our discipline.”

Zhang is ranked the No. 3 AIS researcher nationwide, according to the Brigham Young University Accounting Research Ranking. His research focuses on topics such as IT capability, Enterprise Resource Planning system, cybersecurity, eXtensible Business Reporting Language implementation and sustainability.

As associate editor, Zhang will help manage the peer-review process for submitted manuscripts, select reviewers, evaluate feedback and guide authors through revision and publication. His goal is to help ensure the journal continues to publish rigorous and relevant research that connects AIS with emerging accounting-related technologies.

“This appointment aligns closely with my teaching and research,” Zhang said. “As the instructor of AIS and accounting data analytics at YSU, staying actively involved in current research allows me to bring fresh, real-world insights into the classroom and help prepare students for the evolving demands of the accounting profession.”

Christina Saenger, interim dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration, said Zhang’s appointment reflects his exceptional contributions to the field.

“We are immensely proud of Ian Zhang’s invitation to serve as an associate editor for the Journal of Information Systems,” Saenger said. “This role is a direct reflection of the quality and impact of his work. His commitment to rigorous and relevant research will help shape the future of the field, and his active involvement brings cutting-edge AIS insights into our classrooms, enriching the student experience.”

Zhang was invited to join the editorial team by the incoming senior editors of JIS, who recognized his research contributions and his involvement in the AIS Section of the American Accounting Association. His appointment underscores both his scholarly achievements and WCBA’s continued engagement in advancing research and education at the intersection of accounting and technology.