Course Information

The course covers what every accountant should know about computers, information systems and technology. The practical and efficient use of computer technology is highlighted. Popular accounting, compliance, tax, and audit software packages are discussed, along with trends in the computer market.  The importance of information systems and data protection, data bases, client/server computing, and cloud computing are discussed, with an emphasis on security issues. The course also teaches you how to make lease-purchase-rent decisions and analyze and evaluate information technology (IT) investments.

Chapter 1: Accounting Information Systems and Packages

1. Identify components of an accounting information system.
2. Recognize characteristics of accounting, tax, and audit software.
3. Recognize the purpose of eXtensible business reporting language (XBRL).

Chapter 2: Computer Software in Managerial Accounting

1. Recognize the function of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) systems.
2. Identify the value of managerial software and cash management software.

Chapter 3: Information Security and Data Protection

1. Identify the steps in managing computer security.
2. Recognize failure points for a computer system.
3. Recognize appropriate protective steps for software modification.

Chapter 4: The Accountant and the Networked Environment

1. Recognize technical advantages of cloud computing.
2. Identify business benefits from cloud computing.
3. Identify protective steps for network environments.

Chapter 5: The Accountant and Database Management Systems

1. Identify responsibilities for accountants on a database management system.
2. Recognize database types and terminology.

Chapter 6: Information Systems and Financial Analysis

1. Recognize several capital budgeting techniques.
2. Recognize the effect of taxes and Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery Systems (MACRS) on capital budgeting decisions.