ACCT - Accounting

A study of the nature and purpose of accounting in modern business organizations with emphasis on business income and financial position measurement. At least sophomore standing required for enrollment.

A study of the objectives, preparation and uses of managerial accounting information. Emphasis is on the measurement, allocation, and reporting of costs to identify and solve business problems.

The course examines the relationship between economic events and the accounting view of those events. It emphasizes business processes, double-entry bookkeeping, and computer-based accounting information systems.

An in-depth study of the theory and application of generally accepted accounting principles. Emphasis is given to the environment of financial accounting including the standard setting process and the conceptual framework. Specific topics include the time value of money, receivables, inventories, long-term assets, and current liabilities, intangibles, and contingencies.

A challenging course including the rigorous study of theory and application of generally accepted accounting principles to complex accounting topics including stockholders' equity, revenue recognition, earnings per share, pensions, leases, accounting for taxes, accounting changes and error analysis, and cash flows.

A study of the concepts and techniques of management and cost accounting including cost-volume-profit analysis, various product costing methods, cost behavior and allocation, and other internal accounting information needs for management decision-making. Computer software is used in solving application problems.

An in-depth study of U.S. taxation of individuals including tax policy considerations and the historical development of tax law. The provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations will be used extensively.

An in-depth discussion of federal income taxation of multi-national corporations and partnerships. Tax issues connected to formation, operation, distributions, and liquidation will be examined. Other topics discussed include: special tax assessments like the alternative minimum tax, the personal holding company tax, and the accumulated earnings tax, S corporations, taxation of international transactions, and tax research.

A general study of the functions and procedures of law. Included will be a detailed analysis of legal principles governing contracts, torts, agency and business organizations. The course represents the first half of the Business Law sequence. It is designed to provide accounting students with the required knowledge and theory for the CPA examination, by paying particular attention to practical business law problems involving the application of legal principles.

A continuation of the study of law begun in ACCT 311. Topics covered include Uniform Commercial Code subjects such as commercial paper, secured transactions, and sales, and other areas of law including bankruptcy, debtor/creditor relations, product liability, estate and trust law, and property, accountant liability and international law. Continuing attention is given to particular issues involving application of the principles discussed.

Extension of financial accounting to the study of additional accounting entities such as partnerships and consolidated and multi-national firms. Topics include accounting for mergers and acquisitions, consolidated financial statements, international transactions, and an introduction to fund accounting.

A study of the standards, procedures, strategies, and reporting used in the financial audit process. The environment in which the auditor functions is considered, including regulatory requirements, professional ethics, legal liability, and the business entity. The completion of a computerized audit case is required in the course.

An introduction to the concepts underlying Accounting Information Systems (AIS). Students will study current developments in the information systems field, particularly with respect to databases, networking, and enterprise systems. Terminology, reports, documents, procedures, systems development and controls inherent in a modern AIS will be studied.

A course for highly motivated students to undertake, under guidance, special studies of areas of accounting which are not normally covered in other courses. Permission of instructor.

A study of financial accounting designed to enhance the student's understanding of and appreciation for the evolution of contemporary financial accounting theory and contemporary financial report issues. Recent contributions to theory, research and practice will be investigated and discussed. Individual research will be conducted with results presented for critical analysis.

Seminar dealing with contemporary problems in the field of accounting. The course is designed so that students may utilize what they have learned in previous accounting courses. The seminar also serves to introduce students to interdisciplinary approaches in problem-solving and lead to possible areas of graduate or professional work. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Permission of instructor or senior standing.

A study of internal control in an information technology environment; audit sampling; integrated, internal, operational, and compliance audits; non-audit assurance services; and fraud examination.

The course provides credit to students for professional experiences which are closely related to their field of study. Enrollment is to be arranged with an appropriate instructor. Permission of departmental internship coordinator and junior standing.

Seminar in financial accounting designed to enhance the student's understanding of and appreciation for the evolution of contemporary financial accounting theory and empirical research on financial reporting issues. Recent contributions to theory, research and practice will be investigated and discussed. Individual research will be conducted, with results presented for critical analysis.

Introduces students to accounting research by combining a study of the methodology, execution, statistical analysis and reporting of applied research and the practical application of research methods to a real-world business situation. The course provides a forum for exploration, discussion, and debate of current issues and events in the field. Students will propose, design, and execute an applied research project that will culminate with the presentation of the final research report.

An introduction to the concepts underlying Accounting Information Systems, especially those that relate to managerial decision-making and accounting. Students will discuss current developments in the information systems field particularly with databases, networking, and enterprise systems. Terminology, reports, documents, procedures, systems development and controls inherent in a modern AIS will be studied and practiced with hands-on applications.

An advanced examination of the latest function of public accountants, focusing on technology, risk, and changing audit approaches, including statistical sampling, computer auditing, evaluation of audit risk, ethics, and international aspects of auditing. Generalized audit software will give students experience with applications relevant to applications used in the field.

An introduction to the coordination of financial and tax accounting. Topics covered include cash and accrual methods, installment reporting, inventories, LIFO, changes in accounting methods, accounting periods, time value of money, and annual/transactional accounting concepts.

Applications-based analysis of current management accounting topics and techniques including activity-based management, value chain analysis, capacity management, quality control, target costing, and benchmarking. A case analysis approach is utilized.

An examination of problems and issues of current concern in accounting. Recent contributions to theory, research, and practice will be investigated and discussed.

A survey of tax procedure topics including IRS and Treasury Department rulemaking, confidentiality and disclosure, audits and appeals, returns and statutes of limitations, civil tax litigation, penalties and interest, tax crimes, and the standards and hazards of tax practice. Research topics include sources of tax law (administrative, legislative and judicial) and research resources (public and private).

An opportunity for students to gain professional experience in public, corporate, or not-for-profit accounting while completing the graduate degree. Internships must be approved and coordinated through the School of Business. No more than 3 hours of internship credit may be applied to the graduate degree.