Thomas Dow
Lecturer in Accounting
Department of Accounting
919.515.4434
tcdow@ncsu.edu
Courses Taught
BUS 542 Forecasting and Scenario Planning Using Monte Carlo Simulation
BUS 543 Communicating Risk Information Using Tableau
Areas of Expertise
Data Analytics in Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Education
MS, Accounting, University of Connecticut
Industry Experience
With 25 years in the corporate world before transitioning to academia, Thomas Dow brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom. His career began as an auditor at KPMG before he moved into corporate finance roles, including positions as manager of financial planning & analysis, corporate controller, and ultimately, chief financial officer of Cormetech. Dow played a pivotal role in guiding the company through its growth and eventual sale, an accomplishment that marked the conclusion of his corporate journey and the beginning of his academic career.
Teaching and Student Engagement
Dow’s teaching philosophy revolves around making accounting concepts accessible and engaging. He believes accounting is more than just numbers—it’s about storytelling. By leveraging real-world experiences, he helps students connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. His classes emphasize critical thinking, professional judgment, and the ability to interpret financial data to drive business decisions.
He prepares students for the complexities of the profession by challenging them with real-world case studies that mirror the uncertainty and decision-making they will face in their careers. His background in financial leadership allows him to provide valuable insights into corporate financial strategy, budgeting and analytics.
Why Poole College?
Dow was drawn to Poole College’s commitment to integrating data analytics into business education. He values the opportunity to engage with students and fellow faculty members in a dynamic learning environment where theory meets application. His goal is to equip students with both technical skills and strategic thinking abilities that will serve them well in any business setting.
Outside the Classroom
An avid outdoors enthusiast, Dow enjoys kayaking, hiking and biking. He believes in the importance of maintaining balance through outdoor activities, which help him return to the classroom with renewed energy and focus.