An introduction to the field of accounting with emphasis on corporate financial statements. Financial statements are viewed as a communication device conveying the financial health of a business to interested parties. The objective of this first course is to teach students to read, analyze, and interpret these financial statements. The emphasis is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills using accounting concepts. Students are exposed to the steps used by accountants to record, measure, and process financial information. Cash flow analysis is contrasted with the accrual basis of accounting; the concepts of asset valuation and income measurement are discussed. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of C. Prerequisites: completion of the College Mathematics Course Requirement with minimum grade of C-, or instructor permission.
An introduction to the preparation, uses, and analysis of common management accounting information. Topics include cost-volume-profit analysis, capital budgeting and present value applications, cash budgets, financial statement analysis, taxes, and management decisions, plus a brief introduction to modern cost accounting, with emphasis on activity-based costing systems. The development of problem-solving and analytical abilities is given primary importance throughout the course. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of C. Prerequisites: MATH 140, MATH 141, or MATH 151 with a minimum grade of C-; and ACC 201 with a minimum grade of C. Or instructor permission.
Students are provided with information on business structure and how taxation affects each business type. This course is especially helpful for students considering starting their own business but students may find this course helpful in understanding current and future business structures of existing businesses.
Rigorous and comprehensive study of the means by which generally accepted accounting principles are used to generate the publicly-available information disseminated by modern U.S. corporations. Theoretical and practical criticisms and alternatives to current accounting practice are also considered, as is the idea of accounting as an information feedback system that allows individuals and organizations to reshape their environment. In addition, students are exposed to the realities of the economic and political climate surrounding the accounting standard-setting process. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of C. Prerequisites: MATH 140, MATH 141, or MATH 151 with a minimum grade of C-; and ACC 201 with a minimum grade of C. Or instructor permission.
Continuation of ACC 301. As the ACC 301-02 sequence progresses, increased emphasis is placed on the relationship of modern accounting and information theory to current accounting practice. In addition, students are expected to develop an insight into the behavioral and economic consequences of the financial reporting process. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of C. Prerequisite: ACC 301 or instructor permission.
A study of the information needed by managers for planning, control and decisionmaking. Both the tools needed to generate this information and the principles involved in evaluating the information are covered. Topics include: breakeven analysis; product and process costing, including activity-based costing,standard costing and joint costs; cash budgets and forecasting; relevant costs and nonroutine decisions; the direct vs. absorption costing tradeoff; and capital budgeting. The overall level of difficulty in this course is generally consistent with the level of difficulty encountered on typical management accounting problems found on the Uniform CPA Examination. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of C. Prerequisites: ACC 202 and ACC 301, or instructor permission.
A dual-purpose course which explores the theoretical view of information systems, while at the same time exposing the student to actual off-the-shelf accounting software. The course alternates between textbook readings and discussions and several case studies which require the student to create a computerized accounting system for a fictional client. After completing the course, the student is expected to possess the ability to computerize a manual accounting system, to understand system theory underpinnings of accounting information systems, and to have developed a view of the implications of expected technological advances on management information systems in general and accounting systems in particular. Prerequisite: BUAD 220 or CS 120. Prerequisite or corequisite: ACC 301, or instructor permission.
An introduction to the federal income tax system. Emphasis is on the ways in which the U.S. income tax laws influence personal and business behavior and decision making, and how the tax laws can be used to accomplish various economic and social objectives. Topics covered include an introduction to tax research, principles of income and deduction, tax liability, and tax credits. Individual taxation is the primary focus, but the basic principles apply to most forms of business organization as well. Accounting majors must pass this class with a minimum grade of C. Prerequisite: minimum sophomore standing or instructor permission.
Sponsored nationally by the IRS, VITA is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. It involves assisting taxpayers in preparing their state and federal tax returns. Prerequisite: ACC 350 with at least a B- and instructor permission.
An introduction to the field of auditing including an examination of the standards and methods used by certified professional accountants when attesting to the fairness of corporate financial statements. Specific topics include the accounting professional code of ethics, generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS), internal controls, sampling techniques, audit planning and specific audit procedures. Government policies concerning auditors’ responsibilities for fraud detection are also discussed. Prerequisite: ACC 302 or instructor permission.
Building on concepts covered in ACC 410 (Auditing), the course emphasizes the process of auditing information technology (IT), IT governance and management, IT acquisition, development and implementation, IT maintenance and support, and protection of IT assets. The course will present tools, concepts, and techniques necessary to properly audit IT. Prerequisites: ACC 340 and ACC 410, or instructor permission.
An overview of the financial accounting theory, practice, problems, and reporting requirements for various economic entities. These include partnerships, foreign branches and subsidiaries, state and local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals, voluntary organizations, and the modern parent/subsidiary corporate structure. The approach taken in this course is that there are common information needs which each of these entities must satisfy. While the specific approach used to satisfy this need is dependent on a variety of factors, the common thread is that useful information is being generated for the consumers of that information. Prerequisite: ACC 302 or instructor permission.
A continuation of federal income taxation, with emphasis on property transactions, corporations, partnerships, and fiduciaries. A primary objective is decision-making from an after-tax point of view, that is, how taxes affect behavior. Topics include the tax effects of organizing, operating, and liquidating partnerships and corporations. Tax research methodology and the federal estate and gift tax are also covered. Prerequisite: ACC 350 or instructor permission.
A boardroom approach to problem solving through research, discussion, and analysis.
A singular investigation into a unique problem arrived at between the researcher ad the advisor.
Investigates and explores the ethical responsibilities faced by professional accountants in all fields. Students will read, discuss, and analyze case studies regarding ethical situations and issues confronted by the accounting profession. The AICPA Code of Professional Conduct will be studied, as well as foundational ethical theory and an approach for identifying and analyzing ethical issues, with a focus on current events. Students are expected to make significant written and oral contributions to the class. This is the capstone course for the Standard Accounting Major and the Professional Emphasis. Prerequisite: senior status or instructor permission.
Experiences designed especially for the uninitiated student. Internships provide guided, counseled, and progressive experience under a dual tutelage program of a businessperson and an academician. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.