A leader in audit innovation
Lanza brings more than 35 years of experience to his role at Grant Thornton LLP, where he helps to enhance the firm’s risk analysis, audit approaches and client insights.
Lanza’s work has redefined how auditors use data — moving beyond traditional, retrospective methods to more dynamic approaches that identify risk, detect anomalies and potentially uncover fraud.
Widely recognized for advancing general ledger analytics, Lanza has played a key role in developing journal and text entry analysis techniques that now enable auditors to efficiently analyze large volumes of financial and text data, respectively. His contributions have also influenced how the profession applies the professional auditing standards related to fraud risk and testing methodologies.
The inflection point in computer-assisted audit technologies likely occurred when Lanza provided the AICPA’s fraud task force his published works to define and bridge the technology gap in journal entry testing, as promulgated in SAS 99 (2001). Journal entry testing morphed due to SAS 99, from a top-level account balance analysis to an atomic level inspection of journal entry debits and credits. Grant Thornton capitalized on Rich’s general ledger innovations in being awarded a patent for their journal entry technology.
“Audit analytics over the past 25 years would have not been the same without the transition from balance to ledger that Rich has been so instrumental in advancing,” said Jay Thibodeau, director of the Dixon School of Accounting at UCF. “He has been a driving force in modernizing audit through the practical application of data and analytics. His work has significantly improved how auditors identify risk and deliver insight, and his influence on both practice and thought leadership makes him the perfect initial recipient of our newly created award.”
Thibodeau said Lanza’s work has culminated in the creation of a data “lake”: “Rich’s contributions to the profession provide clarity and direction previously unrevealed within accounting information, allowing practitioners to effectively guide and better serve their clients.”
Before joining Grant Thornton, Lanza spent more than 12 years leading his own firm, where he integrated data systems into internal audit and advisory functions. He began his career at KPMG Peat Marwick in 1991 and subsequently held a range of important technical roles in the industry, including assisting Toys R Us with cost recovery while also managing the Year 2000 project for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
He holds a degree in public accounting from Pace University, is a frequent conference speaker and has authored more than 20 books, as well as numerous articles and research papers.
An award reflecting UCF’s vision for the future
The Excalibur Innovator in Accounting Award reflects UCF’s commitment to leading through innovation. Faculty at the Dixon School of Accounting created the award to emphasize forward-looking research and real-world application in accounting and auditing.
This philosophy extends to the classroom, where UCF equips students with critical thinking skills and data fluency to address emerging challenges in the profession.
“Advancing the profession requires us to think differently about how we teach, how we research and how we engage with practitioners,” Thibodeau said. “Creating this award is a natural extension of our mission to bridge the gap between academic insight and professional impact.”
UCF presented Lanza with the award in May 2026 at its annual accounting conference, which convenes academics, practitioners and industry leaders to explore the trends shaping the future of accounting.
About the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting
The Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting at UCF delivers a state-of-the-art curriculum that provides students with technical expertise in the field of accounting and develops critical thinking, team building, communication and information technology skills. The Dixon School offers a four-year undergraduate Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Accounting (Ph.D.). Both the Dixon School of Accounting and the Barry S. Miller College of Business are among an elite group of programs that are independently accredited by the AACSB.
About Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton delivers professional services in the U.S. through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services — and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. In January 2025, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform. The platform offers a premier advisory and tax practice, as well as independent audit practices.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.
Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
“Grant Thornton” refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.
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