Units
Computerised Accounting Systems
Unit code: AYB221
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit provides an examination of the concepts, processes and issues relevant to computerised accounting systems including: accounting information systems; internal controls; design and development of computerised accounting systems including general ledger and reporting cycle, revenue cycle, expenditure cycle and payroll cycle; computer fraud, security and crime; accessing accounting information; and accounting in an electronic environment. Practical application of these concepts is enhanced by the use of accounting software such as MYOB, spreadsheet software such as Excel, database software such as Access, and interactive resources such as as CasWorkX on Accounting Information Systems Cycles.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Computerised accounting systems are an essential element of any business. An appreciation of accounting in a modern electronic environment, how accounting systems are designed and how application software can be applied in accounting, are therefore crucial to the study of real world accounting systems. This unit builds on the knowledge attained in the prerequisite subjects and applies it to accounting information systems environment.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop an understanding of the concepts, processes, issues and internal controls that underlie existing accounting information systems and the development of new systems. This theoretical foundation is enhanced by the use of software packages such as MYOB, Access and Excel.
Objectives
Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)
1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context
Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)
2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue
Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)
4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output
Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)
5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding
Unit Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Discuss accounting information systems concepts, issues and controls;
2. Analyse and discuss the design of accounting information systems including the general ledger and reporting cycle, revenue cycle, expenditure cycle and payroll cycle;
3. Examine and explain real world applications of accounting information system concepts, processes and controls;
4. Apply accounting information concepts to the hands-on use of MYOB, Access and Excel.
The specific course learning goals that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.
Content
The following provides a brief overview of topics to be covered. Refer to the Week 1 Unit Information document for a more detailed lecture and tutorial schedule.
1. Accounting Information Systems (AIS) - introduction, controls, general ledger and reporting cycle, revenue cycle, expenditure cycle, human resources management/payroll cycle;
2. Accounting packages, including development of effective accounting systems and the use of MYOB;
3. Sourcing and accessing accounting information;
4. Computer fraud and security;
5. Accounting controls in an electronic environment;
6. Spreadsheets and the use of Excel;
7. Databases and the use of Access.
The concepts, processes and controls covered in this unit are common to Computerised Accounting Systems found in Australia and overseas.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit will encourage you to conceptually link the theoretical aspects of the unit with the practical aspects enabling you to apply your knowledge to a wide variety of accounting situations. Lectures will provide an introduction to the theoretical concepts and your learning of these areas will be supported by an active tutorial. There are two types of tutorial both of which require active participation by students. During the software tutorial sessions, you will have the opportunity to use computing packages to reinforce your learning. During the discussion question tutorial, students will be required to participate in discussions aimed at reinforcing both discipline knowledge and graduate capabilities. Student participation will also be required in lectures. A database package, accounting package, spreadsheet package and virtual work experience internet site will be used to help you make this link.
Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment name:
Online Quizzes
Description:
Two online multiple choice quizzes will be held. The first will test students' knowledge on Week 1-3 theory and Access while the second will test students' knowledge on spreadsheet design and Excel. Each quiz will be worth 10%.
Length: 20 mins working time for first quiz and 30 mins for second quiz.
Formative or Summative: Both
Relates to objectives:
Objectives 1, 4 and AoL: KS (1.1, 1.2), CTA (2.1)
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Weeks 6 and 12
Assessment name:
Project
Description:
MYOB Assignment
You are asked to use the MYOB accounting software to set up the accounting records of a business, input typical transactions and prepare appropriate reports.
Length: Reports printed from MYOB
Formative or Summative: Both
Relates to objectives:
Objectives 3, 4 and AoL: KS (1.1, 1.2), CTA (2.1)
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 10
Assessment name:
End of Semester Examination
Description:
The final exam will cover the lectures in Weeks 4-13 and CASworkX. The exam will consist of short answer questions and short essay questions. A limited number of pages will be able to be brought into the exam room. More information regarding this exam will be listed on the Blackboard site.
Length: 2 hours working plus 10 minutes perusal
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives:
Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, and AoL: KS (1.1, 1.2), CTA (2.1)
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Central Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Prescribed Texts/Software
Romney, M.B. and P.J. Steinbart, (2011) Accounting Information Systems (Global Edition 12th Edition) Prentice Hall (ISBN 9780273754374)
Vallely, M., (2010) MYOB: A Hands-On Approach, AccountRight Enterprise V19 (5th Edition) Pearson Australia
Software/Downloaded Files
Lecture Notes - required for each lecture and available from the Blackboard website
Access Workbook
MYOB Workbook
Excel Workbook
Available from the Blackboard website
Access
Access downloadable files
Use software in B and Z block.
Available from Blackboard site.
MYOB
Use software in B and Z block. A student version on a CD ROM for use at home is available with the Vallely text.
Virtual CAS (Computerised Accounting Systems) Work Experience available on CASworkX website.
Excel
Excel downloadable files
Use software in B and Z block.
Available from Blackboard site.
References
Bagranoff, N., Simkin, M., Strand, C. (2009) Core Concepts of Accounting Information Systems, John Wiley
Considine, B., Parkes, A., Olesen, K., Speer, D., Lee, M. (2010) Accounting Information Systems: Understanding Business Processes, Wiley
Gilinas, U., Dull, R. (2010) Accounting Information Systems, South Western
Hall, J. (2010) Accounting Information Systems, South Western
Jones, F. and Rama, D. (2006) Accounting Information Systems: A Business Process Approach, South-Western
Other Resources
Additional references can also be found at the AYB221 Blackboard site.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the >Emergency video.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 06-Feb-2013
