Abraham Briloff, Emanuel Saxe Distinguished Professor of Accountancy Emeritus at Baruch College, was recently elected to the Accounting Hall of Fame at Ohio State University. Briloff, who passed away December 2013 at the age of 96, was elected by the Board of Nominations for his dedication and hard work in the field of accountancy.
The Accounting Hall of Fame was established by the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University in 1950, for the purpose of honoring accountants who have made or are making significant contributions to the advancement of accounting since the beginning of the 20th century.
In June 2012, when Briloff was about to celebrate his 95th birthday, The Journal of Accountancy named him among the “125 People of Impact in Accounting.” For three decades, he wrote a column for Barron’s in which he frequently discussed irregular accounting practices. His expertise also put him in demand as a speaker. On numerous occasions, he testified before accounting and governmental bodies. Briloff’s work earned him the title “The Philosopher-King of Accountants.”
Born and educated in New York City, Briloff earned a BBA and an MSEd from City College/Baruch in 1937 and 1941. Upon mentor Emanuel Saxe’s invitation, Briloff joined Baruch’s accountancy faculty in 1944, later earning a doctorate in accountancy and taxation from New York University in 1965.
In 1976 he was named the Emanuel Saxe Distinguished Professor of Accountancy, a title that he held until his death. He also served as a Baruch College Fund Trustee from 1969 to 1974 and was, at his death, a Trustee Emeritus.
Briloff’s contributions and dedication to Baruch continue to be remembered. In 1995 Baruch alumnus Charles Dreifus funded the Abraham J. Briloff Prizes in Ethics, awarded annually to a faculty member and a student.