My name is Charlotte Antoons, and I am an assistant professor in the field of accounting, auditing and control at Erasmus School of Economics. On campus, one of my favourite places is the green area next to the tennis courts. In summer it’s ideal for a short walk, and during lunch my colleagues and I often sit there to eat outside and unwind.
Accounting as a language
I have always been curious about how societies and organisations work: why do some businesses succeed and others fail? Why do economies grow? And how do decisions today shape outcomes tomorrow? That curiosity led me to study Business Economics, and over time I became increasingly drawn to accounting.
One common misunderstanding is that accounting is boring. Many people imagine endless calculations, spreadsheets, and rigid rules. Technical skills do matter, but the field is far richer than that. For me, accounting is about the story behind the numbers. It helps explain how a business creates value, where it invests, and which trade-offs it makes.
For my master's, I decided to specialise in accounting and finance, because I realised that accounting is essential if you want to understand what is really happening inside an organisation. It is the language firms use to describe performance, risks, and priorities. What fascinates me is that accounting is not only about getting the numbers right, but it is also about using information to ask better questions and solve practical problems.
In my work, I study how organisations use accounting information to guide decisions and influence behaviour. My research looks at corporate governance, executive compensation, and management control systems. I am especially interested in how incentives and performance measures shape the choices managers make. I enjoy combining analysis with questions that matter in practice. In the classroom, I try to show students that accounting is much more than numbers: one that connects strategy, incentives, and accountability.
‘Just start walking step by step and you will come a long way’
Adapting to international environments
International experiences have played a big role in my development. During both my bachelor’s and master’s, I went on exchange. Once within Europe and once outside Europe. Later, during my PhD, I spent a semester in Australia for a research visit. Being originally from Belgium and working in the Netherlands has also allowed me to experience different academic environments.
Keep moving step by step
One of my favourite activities is going on multi-day hikes. During holidays, I love packing a backpack and spending several days walking outdoors. Hiking taught me a lesson I often bring back to studying and research: the route can feel long and tough, but if you break it into smaller parts and keep moving step by step, you will get there. On a steep climb, you don’t focus on the entire mountain, you only focus on the next bend in the path.
I also enjoy creative outlets. Recently I took a sewing class, simply to try something new. I also like experimenting in the kitchen, especially with plant-based dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours.
Embrace opportunities
My advice to students is to embrace opportunities. There is a lot to explore within your courses, but also outside your programme. University is a unique time to try new things. Attend guest lectures, join a student or study organisation, take an elective outside your comfort zone, or apply for an exchange. At the same time, don’t forget to enjoy your time here. Ask questions in lectures, discuss ideas with your peers, and learn from the people around you.
- Assistant professor
- More information
For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics: rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, mobile: +31 6 53 641 846.
