Curriculum

This course covers ethical and professional conduct including the role of rules of ethics and legal aspects relating to the practice of public accounting. The course is case based and includes the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, AICPA and SEC independence rules, as well as current developments in the ethical and legal environment for as it relates to public accounting. Case analyses of recent corporate scandals is a component of the course. The mandates included in the SARBANES-OXLEY legislation will also be covered.

The emphasis of this course is on developing and analyzing financial statements and supplemental information including form 10-K, financial statement footnotes, and other documents required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The course explores how particular transactions and differing accounting treatments may affect financial statements. Theoretical concepts of accounting are emphasized with an examination of standards issued by various organizations such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), SEC, and AICPA. The course also examines emerging issues in financial reporting such as revenue recognition, leases, taxes and the implications of adopting IFRS. Accounting research is a component of this course as students learn how to use the FASB codification and interpret results. Examples are also integrated and used to illustrate and discuss the complex financial reporting process and ethical issues confronted by the business community and accounting profession.

Examines C corporations, S corporations, Limited Liability Corporations, Limited Liability Partnerships, and partnerships as taxable entities. Topics include the theory and political environment of taxation, income determination, deductions and credits, acquisition and disposition of property, and related gains and losses. Additional topics include distribution of income and liquidation of business entities. Income taxation of estates and trusts and not-for-profits will also be covered. Tax planning and research are emphasized.

This advanced course in auditing will further develop the student’s skills and research abilities in assurance services. Case studies are utilized to further develop the student’s audit and assurance skills. Emphasis will be on risk analysis, development of research skills in accounting and auditing, audit documentation, and development of leadership, teamwork and communication skills including effective report writing. An introduction to fraud examination and the impact of information technology on the audit process will be included.

The purpose of this course is to establish a balance between marketing theory and practice, in an effort to prepare students to make managerial decisions in marketing. Essential topics will include buyer behavior, digital and social media marketing, marketing research and market segmentation and positioning. The assigned readings, class discussions, case analyses and a final applied project in which groups bring a product to market, students apply marketing concepts to propose solutions to marketing situations.

This course will strengthen students’ skills and abilities to analyze data at a level required by top employers. The course will delve into assignments that build mastery of productivity tools commonly used by managers. Several workshops will develop skills for using computer-based technologies to locate, access, evaluate, manipulate, create, store, and retrieve information to express ideas, perform sophisticated analysis of data, and communicate information and results with others. Students learn how to build spreadsheet models to perform scenario analysis, analyze the impact of uncertainty, and formalize trade-offs in the context of business decisions. Students will integrate a variety of supporting materials to deliver a thorough business presentation. By the end of the course, students will have a more analytic view of business decision-making and be more adept at analyzing data and presenting results in a business context.

Effective writing and speaking skills are necessary for a career in management. This course is designed to help students develop a process for thinking and writing strategically. Students will learn how to analyze message, purpose, and audience; develop strategies for structure and style; construct persuasive arguments; and review for tone, organizational flow, and quality of evidence. This course will enable students to develop and demonstrate their ability to deliver formal and informal presentations and written reports in the context of addressing business challenges. Students will also learn communication strategies, principles, and methods as well as interpersonal skills that are essential for success in business. Students will have the opportunity to receive instructor and peer feedback.

This course examines how managers work to integrate operations, marketing, finance, information systems, and management processes to achieve competitive advantage. Students will examine how to analyze the external environment and assess the capabilities of an organization to craft competitive strategies. Different strategic perspectives will be reviewed to understand the competitive dynamics within a strategic group. Case examples will be reviewed to consider how managers combine analysis with creative problem solving to achieve innovative strategies, to create new markets, and to compete in novel ways.

This course will provide the student with an understanding of accounting as an information system. Specifically, the course will give the student hands on experience with understanding the structure of an accounting system and also the use of accounting software as a tool. Frameworks for analyzing internal control systems and understanding the structure and risks of IT based systems are also covered.

This course considers the reporting environment and rules of the Financial Accounting Standards Board as it relates to Not-for-Profit entities and the rules and procedures of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board as it relates to governmental entities. The course will investigate and examine the reporting practices of federal, state, and local governments and specific not-for-profit entities such as hospitals, universities, and not-for-profit organizations.

This course will focus on the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and Common Law practices related to commercial transactions, particularly those relevant to accountants and auditors. Topics include contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code, agency law, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, securities regulations, bankruptcy, property laws, and accountant/auditor liability.

This course will provide the student with a knowledge of a variety of fraud schemes, how to prevent them, as well as how to investigate and document findings. We will consider the auditor’s role in investigating scams, employee fraud schemes, and fraudulent financial reporting. Specifically, the course will give the students hands-on experience with a simulated case study of a fraud.