Accounting (ACTG)

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.