Course Descriptions

ACCT Course Descriptions

• ACCT 201 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (3)

  A comprehensive study of basic financial accounting processes applicable to a service, merchandising, and manufacturing business. An analysis of transactions, journalizing, posting, preparation of working papers and ­financial statements.

• ACCT 202 INTRODUCTION TO MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING (3)

  An introductory study of managerial accounting processes including job order costing, process costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, standard costs, activity-based costing, cost analysis, budgeting, and managerial decision making. Prerequisite: ACCT 201 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 301 INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING I (3)

  The first course of the three-semester sequence of intermediate financial accounting. This course focuses on a comprehensive review of issues related to the reporting and analysis of financial accounting information. Topics include financial accounting standard setting, the conceptual framework underlying financial accounting, balance sheet and income statement presentations, revenue and expense recognition, and accounting for current assets and current liabilities. Data analytics is used to analyze data and present findings. Prerequisite: ACCT 202 with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 302 INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING II (3)

  This class is the second course of the three-semester sequence of intermediate financial accounting. This course focuses on issues related to the reporting and analysis of financial accounting information. The objective in this course is to examine in detail (with an emphasis on both the "what" and the "why") the following financial topics: 1) Operational Assets 2) Time value of money 3) Bonds and long term notes 4) Leases 5) Employee benefits and pensions. Prerequisite: ACCT301 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 306 COST ACCOUNTING (3)

  A study of cost behavior, overhead cost ­allocations, cost systems design, and an introduction to activity-based costing and control systems. Emphasis is on case studies and other practical applications. Prerequisite: ACCT 202 with minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 310 INTERMED ACCOUNTING III (3)

  The third course in a three-course sequence for accounting majors. A comprehensive view of financial accounting concepts and principles, an intensive look at the nature and determination of the major financial statements, and an examination of current accounting practice, theory, and literature. Topics include shareholders' equity, investments, income taxes, earnings per share, accounting changes, error analysis, and statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: ACCT 302 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C. [CAP]

• ACCT 317 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3)

  A study of fundamental accounting system concepts, the utilization of accounting system technology to establish security and controls, accounting system development, documentation and data base implementation and the internal controls of accounting information. SQL and Python languages will be used to perform accounting information systems (AIS) tasks on the revenue, expense, production and payroll cycles. Prerequisite ACCT 202.

• ACCT 401 AUDITING (3)

  A study of generally accepted auditing standards with emphasis on professional standards, planning, internal control, audit evidence, audit sampling and standard reports for the various attestation functions. Prerequisites: ACCT 302 with a minimum grade of C or permission of instructor.

• ACCT 402 SEMINAR IN ASSURANCE SERVICES (3)

  A study of auditing and other assurance services with an emphasis on the world of auditing that exists outside of the college textbook. Special emphasis is given to legal liability, audits of SEC registrants, in depth study of financial statements fraud, auditing complex accounting estimates, and other assurance services (internal audit or government financial statements audits). A case study approach is used to attempt to create a realistic view of how an auditor organizes and carries out an audit examination. Prerequisites: OPRE 202 and ACCT 401 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 403 ADVANCED FINANCIAL REPORTING (3)

  A study of accounting concepts and financial reporting for state and local governments, not-for-profit entities, and partnerships; translation of foreign currency financial statements, and preparation of consolidated financial statements for consolidated enterprises. Data analytics is used to analyze data and present findings. Prerequisite: ACCT 302 with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 405 INCOME TAXATION (3)

  Students develop skills to examine and evaluate data and problems in the context of income tax law. Primarily related to the taxation of individuals, students will use judgment to draw conclusions, and demonstrate and apply tax concepts. Students will use income tax law to compute and minimize tax liability, analyze the interrelationships of separate areas of taxation to identify causes and find evidence to support inferences. The course includes the use of tax research databases to find evidence to support conclusions on tax issues and prepare an individual income tax return using tax return preparation software. Prerequisite ACCT 202

• ACCT 406 ADVANCED TAXATION (3)

  Students develop skills to examine and evaluate data and problems in the context of the income tax law related to C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Students will use judgment to draw conclusions, and demonstrate and apply tax concepts. Students will use income tax law to compute and minimize tax liability, analyze the interrelationships of separate areas of taxation to identify causes and find evidence to support inferences. The course includes the use of tax research databases to find evidence to support conclusions on tax issues and prepare an individual income tax return using tax return preparation software. Prerequisite ACCT 405.

• ACCT 411 SEMINAR IN ACCOUNTING (3)

  A detailed study of current problems and contemporary developments in accounting literature, reports, and bulletins and a review of financial accounting theory as it relates to current accounting practices. Prerequisite: ACCT 302 or equivalent with a minimum grade of B-. Merrick School of Business student, or by permission of the instructor.

• ACCT 412 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ACCOUNTING (3)

  Provides an overview of the field of forensic accounting, focusing on the roles, responsibilities and requirements of a forensic accountant in both litigation and fraud engagements. Examines basic litigation and fraud examination theory, identifies financial fraud schemes, explores the legal framework for damages and fraud and damage assessments and methodologies, and reviews earning management and financial reporting fraud. Other topics include computer forensics and corporate governance and ethics. Actual litigation and fraud cases are used to highlight the evolving roles of forensic accounting. Prerequisite: ACCT 202 with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 413 ETHICAL ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING (3)

  Considers business ethics issues within an accounting context from a multiple stakeholder perspective. Ethical theories, codes of ethics relevant to accountants, corporate governance and professional and corporate social responsibility are covered. The course emphasizes the application of concepts such as professionalism, integrity, independence and objectivity to individual decision-making. Prerequisite: ACCT 202 with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 414 FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING (3)

  The course covers the basics of federal, state and local (municipal) accounting with particular focus on fund accounting and issues specific to the accounting by the US Federal Government. The course coverage will roughly approximate the curriculum of Part II and III of Exam II of Certified Government Financial Manager examination. Prerequisite: ACCT 202 with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 420 LAW, REGULATION AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (3)

  The course provides rigorous overview of theoretical and practical aspects of Law, Regulation, and Professional Responsibilities for Certified Public Accountants. The course covers legal issues pertaining to agency, contracts, debtor-creditor relationships, securities and employment law. The course also covers ethical and professional standards for certified public accountants. Prerequisite: ACCT 202 with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 435 FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS (3)

  Explores theoretical and conceptual foundations of generally accepted accounting principles. Integrates U.S. generally accepted accounting principles to develop students' understanding of financial statement analysis. Case materials and financial statements of U.S. and international companies are incorporated. Topics include standard setting, financial statement presentation issues, measurement issues (including fair-value accounting) and classification and recognition issues. Prerequisite: ACCT 201 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.

• ACCT 493 HONORS SEMINAR (3)

  An advanced interdisciplinary seminar that focuses on important books and issues and encourages independent thinking, clear presentation and an understanding of the concerns and methods of various disciplines. The course may be team taught; topic and instructor(s) may change from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. prerequisites: 3.3 GPA and permission of the Denit Honors Program director

• ACCT 494 HONORS PROJ/THESIS (3 - 6)

  Directed individual instruction in an advanced project of the student's choice; the project must be academically related to this discipline. Each student works closely with a faculty director who guides his/her progress. The project must be of honors quality and must be finally approved by both the faculty director and a second faculty member. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisite: 3.3 GPA and permission of both the Denit Honors Program director and the faculty director

• ACCT 495 ACCOUNTING INTERNSHIP (3)

  Provides students with real-world accounting experience. The course requires approximately 175 hours of practical work with a qualified firm based on explicit statements of student responsibilities and faculty/firm monitoring mechanisms. Students will work closely with both the firm and a faculty member. It is recommended that students complete an internship in their junior year. prerequisites: Completion of nine semester hours of accounting with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Completion of MGMT 330 or permission of the instructor. Permission of the instructor is required.

• ACCT 497 SPECIAL TOPIC: (3)

  The accounting faculty, from time to time, offer an opportunity to integrate new material into the undergraduate program reflecting changes in the field and in the educational needs of students. Prerequisites: ACCT 202 or equivalent with a grade of C or better or instructor permission.

• ACCT 499 INDEPENDENT STUDY: ACCOUNTING (1 - 3)

  An in-depth study of a specific accounting topic performed on an independent basis by the student under the direction of a faculty member. Completion of a major paper as part of the independent study is required. For eligibility and ­procedures, refer to the Merrick School of Business Independent Study Policy. Prerequisite: Merrick School of Business student or permission of the instructor.

• ACCT 505 ACCOUNTING ESSENTIALS (1.50)

  Introduces students to the basics of corporate financial reporting and financial statement analysis from the manager’s perspective. Emphasizes the analysis of financial statements and provides an overview of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) rules for most critical accounting items. prerequisite: graduate standing

• ACCT 510 INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING I (3)

  The first course of the three-semester sequence of intermediate financial accounting. This course focuses on a comprehensive review of issues related to the reporting and analysis of financial accounting information. Topics include financial accounting standard setting, the conceptual framework underlying financial accounting, balance sheet and income statement presentations, revenue and expense recognition, and accounting for current assets and current liabilities. Data analytics is used to analyze data and present findings. Prerequisites: ACCT 504 or ACCT 505.

• ACCT 511 INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING II (3)

  This course focuses on issues related to the reporting and analysis of financial accounting information. The objective in this course is to examine in detail (with an emphasis on both the "what" and the "why") the following financial topics: 1) Operational Assets 2) Time value of money 3) Bonds and long term notes 4) Leases 5) Employee benefits and pensions. Prerequisite: ACCT 510 or equivalent

• ACCT 512 AUDITING (3)

  A study of generally accepted auditing standards with emphasis on professional standards, planning, internal control, audit evidence, audit sampling and standard reports for the various attestation functions. Prerequisite: ACCT 505 or equivalent

• ACCT 513 INTERMEDIATE ACCOUNTING III (3)

  A comprehensive view of financial accounting concepts and principles, an intensive look at the nature and determination of the major financial statements, and an examination of current accounting practice, theory, and literature. Topics include shareholders' equity, investments, income taxes, earnings per share, accounting changes, error analysis, and statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: Completed or concurrent enrollment in ACCT 511.

• ACCT 514 FUNDAMENTALS OF INCOME TAXATION (3)

  Students develop skills to examine and evaluate data and problems in the context of the tax law and using judgment draw conclusions, demonstrate and apply tax concepts and the tax law to compute and minimize tax liability, analyze the interrelationships of separate areas of taxation to identify causes and find evidence to support inferences, use tax research databases to find evidence to support conclusions on tax issues, and prepare an individual income tax return using tax return preparation software. Prerequisite ACCT 505.

• ACCT 601 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (3)

  Provides an overview of the field of forensic accounting, focusing on the roles, responsibilities and requirements of a forensic accountant in both litigation and fraud engagements. Examines basic litigation and fraud examination theory, identifies financial fraud schemes, explores the legal framework for damages and fraud and damage assessments and methodologies, and reviews earning management and financial reporting fraud. Other topics include computer forensics and corporate governance and ethics. Actual litigation and fraud cases are used to highlight the evolving roles of forensic accounting. Prerequisites: ACCT 504 or ACCT 505.

• ACCT 605 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING CONTROLS (3)

  Focuses on how managers can use accounting information in the budgeting process to assist them in planning, controlling and making decisions. Introduces students to internal controls, corporate governance and enterprise risk management. Prerequisites: ACCT 504 or ACCT 505.

• ACCT 624 ACCOUNTING ANALYTICS (3)

  This course focuses on applying cutting-edge analytics techniques to examine “big data” in areas of accounting, auditing, and related fields. It is designed to help motivated students who have little or no prior programming experience quickly grasp the concept of programming and apply it to real business situations. Upon successful completion, student will have a comprehensive understanding of data analytics principles and terminology, and able to proficiently execute projects that leverage data analytics tools and methodologies on accounting data to make informed business decisions. Prerequisite: ACCT 512 or equivalent or permission of program director.

• ACCT 635 FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS (3)

  Explores theoretical and conceptual foundations of generally accepted accounting principles. Integrates U.S. generally accepted accounting principles to develop students' understanding of financial statement analysis. Case materials and financial statements of U.S. and international companies are incorporated. Topics include standard setting, financial statement presentation issues, measurement issues (including fair-value accounting) and classification and recognition issues. Prerequisite: ACCT 505 or equivalent

• ACCT 650 LAW, REGULATION AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (3)

  The course provides rigorous overview of theoretical and practical aspects of Law, Regulation, and Professional Responsibilities for Certified Public Accountants. The course covers legal issues pertaining to agency, contracts, debtor-creditor relationships, securities and employment law. The course also covers ethical and professional standards for certified public accountants. Prerequisite: ACCT 505 or equivalent.

• ACCT 655 TAX POLICY (3)

  Explores the evolution and structure of the federal income tax system from a public policy perspective. Focus is placed on legal, economic, social and practical considerations. Alternatives, including current legislative proposals, are considered. Students prepare a research paper on a topic related to tax policy.

• ACCT 680 TAXATION OF ENTITIES (3)

  Students develop skills to examine and evaluate data and problems in the context of the income tax law related to C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates, and using judgment draw conclusions, demonstrate and apply tax concepts and the income tax law to compute and minimize tax liability, analyze the interrelationships of separate areas of taxation to identify causes and find evidence to support inferences, use tax research databases to find evidence to support conclusions on tax issues, and prepare an income tax return using tax return preparation software. Prerequisite: ACCT 514

• ACCT 701 ACCOUNTING ETHICS (3)

  ACCT 701: Accounting Ethics - Considers business ethics issues within an accounting context from a multiple stakeholder perspective. Ethical theories, codes of ethics relevant to accountants, corporate governance and professional and corporate social responsibility are covered. The course emphasizes the application of concepts such as professionalism, integrity, independence and objectivity to individual decision-making. Prerequisites: ACCT 505 or permission of department.

• ACCT 702 FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING (3)

  This course covers the basic of federal, state and local (municipal) accounting with particular focus on fund accounting and issues specific to the accounting by the US Federal Government. The course coverage will roughly approximate the curriculum of Parts II and III of Exam II of Certified Government Financial Manager examination. Prerequisites: ACCT 505 or permission of department.

• ACCT 707 CURRENT AND EMERGING ISSUES IN FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING (3)

  Students develop skills to evaluate financial data and financial information and using judgment draw conclusions, apply accounting concepts and standards to measure and recognize financial statement amounts, analyze the interrelationships of separate financial statement and financial statement areas to identify causes and find evidence to support inferences, and use FASB’s and GASB’s codification of accounting standards and the SEC EDGAR Database to find evidence to support conclusions on financial reporting and information. New and emerging issues in financial accounting and related disciplines are emphasized. Prerequisite: ACCT 511.

• ACCT 720 DESIGN OF MANAGERIAL COST AND CONTROL SYSTEMS (3)

  Using data analytics techniques, applies theoretical knowledge to practical applications. Examines both the conventional and more recent advanced cost systems, such as activity-based costing, in many different environments. Through the analysis of the problems associated with identifying cost drivers, the determination of the allocation of costs, and the transfer of costs, students will gain an appreciation of the importance of managerial decision-making process using advanced data analytics techniques. Prerequisite: Admission into MS in Acctg/BAS program or permission of the program director.

• ACCT 740 ADVANCED TOPICS IN ASSURANCE SERVICES (3)

  This course delves into auditing and various assurance services, placing a strong focus on the application of data analytics techniques and tools within this domain. It explores the role of auditing analytics in risk assessment, providing an in-depth analysis of financial statement fraud and the utilization of data analytics for its detection. Additionally, the course offers comprehensive insights into the auditing of complex accounting estimates, emphasizing the use of data analytics to evaluate their plausibility. Beyond traditional auditing, the course extends its examination to include the integration of data analytics in other assurance services, including internal and governmental audits, thereby offering a broad perspective on the multifaceted applications of these techniques in the field. Prerequisites: ACCT 512 or equivalent.

• ACCT 752 ADVANCED TOPICS IN ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3)

  An advanced study of accounting information system development, documentation and database implementation and the internal controls over the accounting information, including cybersecurity controls. Includes an exploration of advanced accounting information system topics, such as ERP systems, E-business applications, AI implementation, and the use of blockchains. Prerequisite ACCT 505.

• ACCT 755 ADVANCED FINANCIAL REPORTING ISSUES (3)

  A study of business combinations and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for consolidated enterprises, fund-type accounting for governmental units and not-for-profit entities, accounting for partnerships and accounting for multinational enterprises. Graduate equivalent of ACCT 403. prerequisite: ACCT 511 or equivalent.

• ACCT 770 SEMINAR IN CURRENT TOPICS IN ACCOUNTING (3)

  A study of current developments and contemporary problems in accounting. Topics vary from year to year. A significant writing and research experience is provided. prerequisite: ACCT 511 or equivalent

• ACCT 792 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ACCOUNTING (1.50)

  Specialized topics in accounting, allowing flexibility for both the changing developments in accounting and the educational needs of students. Exact topics and prerequisite structure appear in the schedule of classes. Prerequisites: ACCT 605 or ACCT 640.

• ACCT 795 GRADUATE ACCOUNTING INTERNSHIP (3)

  Students will attain professional accounting experience and work on assigned projects within a workplace accounting environment. Requirements include a work supervisor evaluation, a journal detailing the work experience, and a self-assessment of the student's internship experience. Prerequisite: Admission to the MS in Accounting and Business Advisory Services Program and permission of the graduate director of the accounting program.

• ACCT 797 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ACCOUNTING (3)

  Specialized topics in accounting, allowing flexibility for both the changing developments in accounting and the educational needs of students. Exact topics and prerequisite structure appear in the schedule of classes. prerequisite: ACCT 505 or permission of instructor.

• ACCT 799 INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH (3)

  prerequisites: approval of accounting instructor, department chair and academic adviser