Accounting (ACTG)

For non-business majors only. This course introduces basic business and accounting topics such as revenue, investments, expenditures, liabilities, credit, cash management, and taxation. Heavy emphasis is placed on the measurement of operating performance, and interpretation and use of accounting data for organizational decision-making.

This class relies heavily on discussions with practicing accountants in public accounting, industry and government. Topics include career preparation and the role of accountants in business and capital markets. Written assignments are used to enhance communication skills.

This course provides students the opportunity to learn and become proficient with spreadsheet and analytics skills expected by today's employers utilizing Microsoft Excel and Power BI analytics software. (May be taken with or after COB 242.)

This course is an introduction to data analytics and the use of data analytics in various accounting settings. Topics include the data analytics mindset, data preparation, data quality, statistical analysis, and data visualization and reporting.

This course covers the use of accounting systems for the collection, organization, analysis and reporting of accounting data. Topics include: internal controls, documentation of accounting systems, transaction processing cycles, auditing information technology, computer and information systems security, and integration of business functions in the accounting process.

This course provides a theoretical framework to explain and critically evaluate financial reporting by businesses. In addition to studying the authoritative standards for preparing financial statements, students develop the ability to read, use, analyze and interpret financial statements. Students gain an understanding that managers can shape the financial information communicated to investors and creditors.

This course continues the development of a theoretical framework to read, use, analyze, interpret, explain and critically evaluate financial reporting by businesses. Selected topics include financial instruments, corporate obligations, stockholders' equity and other corporate reporting issues.

This course is designed to introduce students to the federal income tax system, including individual and business entity taxation. Topics include income, exclusions, deductions and property transactions. The course also facilitates development of research skills.

This course provides a study of techniques available for gathering, summarizing, analyzing and interpreting the data presented in financial statements and procedures used in verifying the fairness of the information. The course will also emphasize ethical and legal aspects and considerations.

This course will examine application of knowledge of internal controls over financial reporting to the operational area of cybersecurity. Topics include understanding best practices around IT governance and controls, applying knowledge of internal controls toward preventing cyberattacks of corporate information within ERP systems, evaluating the role of third-party service organizations and their control reports (SOC), and analyzing accounting disclosure strategies surrounding information protection controls and cybersecurity incidents.

This course involves the study of cost accounting concepts and information used by business organizations to make strategic, organizational and operational decisions. Topics include the role of planning and control in attaining organizational goals and objectives; the relationship among cost structure, cost behavior and operating income; traditional and activity-based costing approaches to product and service costing; differential analysis in decision making; and ethical issues for accountants. Students will also engage in activities designed to enhance technological and communication skills.

Designed to give capable students in accounting an opportunity to do independent study under faculty supervision. Admission only by recommendation of the instructor and permission of the director.

This course focuses on advanced data analytics and skills focusing on data wrangling, advanced analysis and advanced visualizations. In addition, this course focuses on emerging technologies used in accounting and the business world as well as the impact of biases on decision making.

Through the Accounting Internship Program, students engage in a supervised work experience in public accounting, industry, not-for-profit organizations or government. During this time, students gain insight into the real world that will enhance their understanding in subsequent accounting coursework. It is the expectation that students taking ACTG 594 will have significant accounting classes to complete when they return to JMU from the internship.

Provides the student with a working knowledge of tax research methodology and the technology utilized by tax professionals. Case-based to provide experience in dealing with unstructured situations encountered in professional tax practice. Both problem identification and resolution are emphasized. Because this is a capstone course, a grade of "B" or better is required in this course for successful completion of the M.S.A. program with a tax concentration.

Examines the entity and owner tax consequences of forming, operating, liquidating and distributing profits from sole proprietorships, C Corporations, Partnerships and S Corporations.

This course covers advanced topics in federal income taxation of corporations including mergers and acquisitions, consolidated tax returns, and accounting for income taxes.

Seminar on tax topics of current interest in specialized areas. Topics may include international taxation, deferred compensation, problems of closely-held businesses, estate planning and taxation of trusts, and new developments. May be repeated to a maximum of six credit hours for different topic areas.

Designed to develop a fundamental knowledge of personal finance, including goal setting, cash management, credit, insurance, taxes, housing, investment alternatives, and employee benefits.

The course will provide a conceptual framework for students regarding the steps needed to provide data-driven insights and recommendations in the accounting profession. Students will conduct data analysis using current software tools that may include Excel, SQL, Tableau, IDEA, XBRL and Alteryx.

Study of the current theory and practice of financial reporting as it relates to business combinations and consolidations among commercial enterprises and the financial reporting of private not-for-profit organizations.

Focuses on the underlying psychological characteristics of fraudsters, methods for detecting fraud and the aftermath of frauds on society. Additionally, students will identify data sets, transform data and produce data visualizations in order to answer critical questions.

Study of selected areas in accounting theory, practice, and methodology, requiring integration and synthesis of student's accounting knowledge. Because this is the capstone course, a grade of B or better is required for this course for successful completion of the M.S.A. program.

Students will develop a deeper understanding of auditing and assurance topics and the skills necessary to become leaders in the profession. Professional standards and underlying theory will be reviewed. Students will apply their knowledge to acquire hands-on experiences and perform data analysis.

Study of the current theory and practice of budgeting, financial reporting and auditing of governments, including federal, state and local governments and government-owned entities.

Study of auditing and assurance topics from both a professional and research perspective. Students will have opportunities to develop various ideas and skills necessary to become leaders in the auditing and assurance services arena. Contemporary professional standards will be reviewed as well as the theories behind these standards.

Opportunity for directed research in areas of special interest.

A hybrid course (involving both classroom and on-line instruction) covering the fundamentals of information security. The course addresses the protection of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of accounting data as it is collected, transported, stored, processed, and reported. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between information security and internal control.

The use of computer software to aid in the prevention, deterrence, detection and investigation of fraud and other white-collar crimes. Topics include the use of generalized audit software for data extraction and analysis; the use of spreadsheets and specialized software for fraud detection and analysis; and the use of the internet and other research tools.

This course examines ethical perspectives and values in decision making for accountants from both philosophical and professional perspectives. Students analyze the nature of ethical dilemmas faced by accountants in making decisions and exercising responsibilities to the public. Students learn to apply professional guidance on ethics in accounting.

Emphasizes becoming a fluent and investigative reader of financial reports by examining key areas of financial reporting and disclosure. Students extract, reformulate, adjust and analyze financial statement data from public company filings to evaluate varying dimensions of a company's historical financial performance, as well as forecast the company's future financial statements and estimate its value.

Study of selected areas in accounting theory, practice and methodology.

Involves preparation of federal and state income tax returns and other compliance related issues. The course may involve preparation of individual returns as part of the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program. The program provides tax compliance services primarily for individuals who cannot afford professional tax services. Students who have completed ACTG 492 may not take this course.

Continued preparation in anticipation of the comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as needed.