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The six required courses (18 credits) of the core program accommodate students entering the assurance practice of public accounting firms and those desiring to customize their program of study.






MACC 401. Professional Issues in Accounting (3 Credits)
This course consists of three modules designed to provide students with an overview of professional accounting topics. The first module introduces business case analysis. Cases will be dissected, analyzed and discussed. A range of business topics will be used to demonstrate the case method. The second module examines the behavioral foundations of the negotiation process. Topics include planning, tactics, power, integrative and distributive bargaining, behavioral styles and individual and team negotiations. The third module examines ethical issues as they relate to business. Through debate and case studies, students will be challenged to determine what are acceptable and ethical business practices, primarily in an international environment, and how these practices relate to the highly diverse elements that comprise today’s complex, global enterprises. Open only to MSAIA students.

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MACC 412. Information Systems Auditing (3 Credits)
This course deals with a number of issues related to modern information technology auditing. Computer control issues and their impact on both operational efficiency and the auditor's attest responsibility under Sarbanes-Oxley legislation and other authoritative pronouncements are dealt with in depth. The course focuses on identifying key threats and describes the audit tests and procedures in the following areas: Operating Systems (mainframes and PCs), Data Management, Systems Development, Electronic Commerce (including networks, EDI and Internet risks), Organizational Structure, Computer Center Operations, ERP systems, and Computer Applications (Revenue and Expenditure cycle). Emerging issues in fraud prevention and detection are examined. A key learning objective in this course is to develop proficiency in the use of data extraction software for auditing. Towards this end, the course integrates ACL into relevant auditing problems, projects and cases. Prerequisites: Accounting 311, Accounting 320, and MACC 401 or permission of the instructor.

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MACC 413. The Corporate Financial Reporting Environment (3 Credits)
Uses theory and research results to study financial reporting’s role in providing decision-useful information to capital market participants. Examines the financial reporting revolution, efficient markets theory and research, economic consequences, positive accounting theory, owner/manager conflict, executive compensation, earnings management, international concerns, standard-setting, the FASB’s conceptual framework, and current issues. Prerequisites: Accounting 316 and MACC 401.

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MACC 420. Consulting Process and Practice in Professional Accounting (3 Credits)
This course provides an overview of the consulting and advisory process as it relates to accounting firms and internal consultation in industry. The course focuses on various aspects of the consulting process life cycle such as gaining and retaining clients, developing proposals and engagement letters, defining client needs and diagnosing problems, utilizing effective data collection and analysis methodologies, documenting information gathered, developing solutions, presenting recommendations, and managing project requirements. Several types of consulting services and related issues are addressed through the use of case studies and outside speakers. Students gain experience in basic consulting skills by completing a real life consulting project and presenting their findings orally and in writing. Prerequisite: MACC 401.

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MACC 424. Corporate Governance and Business Risk (3 Credits)
Focuses on assurance and risk management services offered by public accounting firms. Integrating topics from accounting, auditing, ethics, economics, risk management, internal control, and business strategy, the course develops an in-depth understanding of how corporate governance and business risk issues relate to assurance practice in today’s post-Sarbanes-Oxley environment. Students complete an assurance and risk management engagement for a “real-life” small-to-medium size client. Prerequisites: MACC 401 and MACC 412 or concurrent.

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MACC 427. Analyzing Accounting Information for Management and Business Solutions (3 Credits)
Focuses on accounting information as an enabler of business solutions. This course exposes students to the interaction of accounting information, business models, financial analysis, and information technology to bring about the resolution of complex business problems. Topics include using control systems as guides to business strategies, creating performance measurement systems, evaluating strategic profit performance, linking internal operations to external markets, and balancing the dynamics of profit, growth, management attention, and control. Issues relating to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) are addressed. Prerequisite: MACC Core or concurrent. (To be taken during the last semester of the program.)

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MS ACCOUNTING & INFORMATION ANALYSIS

 

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