Department of Accountancy

ACCT 100. Foundations of Accounting I. 3 Units.

Accounting is the language of business and this course exposes students to that language. This course introduces students to the basic principles, objectives, terminology and role of financial, managerial, and tax accounting in business. This course is intended for both business and non-business majors. This is the first required accounting course for all business majors. Counts as a Quantitative Reasoning course.

ACCT 106. Spreadsheet Basics for Business and Non-Business Majors. 1 Unit.

This one hour class combines classroom and project work to complete assignments leveraging Microsoft Excel 365. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of data, data extraction, creation of data models and use of spreadsheet technology for solving business information related problems. Prereq: No previous credit for ACCT 207.

ACCT 200. Foundations of Accounting II. 3 Units.

This course teaches future business professionals how to produce and use financial information for business decisions. This course expands upon the basic principles and objectives of financial and managerial accounting providing business students with essential skills for any business career. This course is the second required accounting course for all WSOM business majors. Prereq: ACCT 100.

ACCT 300. Corporate Reporting I. 3 Units.

The Corporate Reporting sequence provides an understanding of the basic financial statements and disclosures, revenue and expense recognition, profitability analysis, and the effect of business transactions on a company's financial statements and footnotes. This is the first course in the Corporate Reporting sequence, with a particular emphasis on key concepts, as well as certain accounts (cash, receivables and inventory). Offered as ACCT 300 and ACCT 400. Prereq: ACCT 200.

ACCT 301. Corporate Reporting II. 3 Units.

The Corporate Reporting pairing provides an understanding of the basic financial statements and disclosures, revenue and expense recognition, profitability analysis, and the effect of business transactions on a company's financial statements and footnotes. This is the second course in the Corporate Reporting pairing, with a particular emphasis on certain accounts (property plant and equipment, investments, and various liabilities, including long-term debt, leases, pensions and other postretirement benefits). International (IFRS) aspects also are considered. Offered as ACCT 301 and ACCT 401. Prereq: ACCT 200.

ACCT 305. Income Tax: Concepts, Skills, Planning. 3 Units.

This course addresses U.S. Federal Income Taxation concepts and applications. The subject matter includes topics applicable to individuals, partnerships and corporations and various other entities required to file income tax returns. In addition the subject matter addressed includes a variety of business, legal and taxation concepts and practices related to effective tax planning. The purpose of the course is to provide the student with the appropriate knowledge and skill levels to "speak the language of U.S. tax." Prereq: Sophomore Standing.

ACCT 306. Accounting Information Systems. 3 Units.

This course introduces the students to the major business cycles as they relate to Accounting Information Systems, including the revenue, procurement and conversion cycles. Additionally, students will be introduced to risks and controls in accounting systems, as well as emerging accounting technology. Credit not given for both ACCT 306 (or equivalent) and ACCT 406. Offered as ACCT 306 and ACCT 406. Prereq: ACCT 200.

ACCT 307. Applied Management Accounting. 3 Units.

This course advances students' ability to use management accounting to evaluate decisions, businesses, and managers. Students will begin with the idea that management accounting is a dialect within the language of accounting, explore varied types of costs and their relationships to pricing, and then use these concepts to assess decisions, organizations, and performance. Case studies will be used to stress application of management accounting concepts to problems faced in the real-world business environment. Students will use advanced spreadsheet functions and data analytics/visualization tools to further develop their proficiency at using management accounting to evaluate decisions, businesses, and managers. Credit not given for both ACCT 307 (or equivalent) and ACCT 407. Offered as ACCT 307 and ACCT 407. Prereq: ACCT 200. Coreq: ACCT 307L.

ACCT 307L. Technology Lab for Management Accounting. 1 Unit.

In this lab, students will learn about the technology tools currently used in the professional environment to further develop their proficiency at using management accounting in evaluating decisions, businesses, and managers. Examples of foundational technology tools include advanced spreadsheet functions and data analytics/visualization tools. The knowledge gained in this lab will be applied in ACCT 307, Applied Management Accounting, taken concurrently with the lab. Prereq: ACCT 106 and no previous credit for ACCT 207. Coreq: ACCT 307.

ACCT 314. Attestation and Assurance Services. 3 Units.

This course covers the role of the auditor, the audit process, the public accounting profession, audit risk and materiality, fraud, audit methods and techniques, audit planning, internal control, the effects of information technology on the audit, auditing revenue, receivables and inventories, professional ethics, legal responsibilities, emerging assurance services, and recent developments in the auditing profession. Prereq: ACCT 300.

ACCT 316. Technology Tools for Financial Management. 1 Unit.

In this class, students will learn about the technology tools currently used in the professional environment to advance their ability to manage, report and analyze financial data. Examples of foundational tools include advanced spreadsheet functions and data collection/download tools. Prereq: ACCT 106 and no previous credit for ACCT 301L.

ACCT 360. Independent Study. 1 - 18 Units.

ACCT 400. Corporate Reporting I. 3 Units.

The Corporate Reporting sequence provides an understanding of the basic financial statements and disclosures, revenue and expense recognition, profitability analysis, and the effect of business transactions on a company's financial statements and footnotes. This is the first course in the Corporate Reporting sequence, with a particular emphasis on key concepts, as well as certain accounts (cash, receivables and inventory). Offered as ACCT 300 and ACCT 400. Prereq: ACCT 200.

ACCT 401. Corporate Reporting II. 3 Units.

The Corporate Reporting pairing provides an understanding of the basic financial statements and disclosures, revenue and expense recognition, profitability analysis, and the effect of business transactions on a company's financial statements and footnotes. This is the second course in the Corporate Reporting pairing, with a particular emphasis on certain accounts (property plant and equipment, investments, and various liabilities, including long-term debt, leases, pensions and other postretirement benefits). International (IFRS) aspects also are considered. Offered as ACCT 301 and ACCT 401. Prereq: ACCT 200.

ACCT 401H. Accounting for Healthcare. 3 Units.

This course exposes MSM-Healthcare students to ways that accounting information helps managers monitor and improve the performance of organizations. After studying the nature and limitations of accounting information, we explore how financial, cost, tax, and regulatory accounting are used by various stakeholders. From this effort, students become comfortable evaluating accounting recognition, valuation, classification, and disclosure issues that arise in an executive's career. Finally, we study how accounting is a feedback loop that enables managers to assess consequences of past decisions and think about what should be done going forward. Feedback loops, in turn, can give rise to observer effects and/or unpredictable outcomes. Course content contributes to achieving the program goal of strengthening a student's ability to promote positive change in healthcare. Prereq: Master of Healthcare Management students only.

ACCT 404. Advanced Financial Reporting. 3 Units.

This course examines some of the more complex areas of U.S. GAAP related to business combinations, consolidations, foreign currency transactions, and hedging foreign currency risk through the use of derivative instruments such as forward contracts and options. An overview of SEC, governmental, and not-for-profit accounting will also be covered. Prereq: ACCT 301.

ACCT 405. Advanced Business Taxation. 1.5 Unit.

The purpose of this course is to provide a working knowledge of business taxation to students who have not had prior coursework in the area. This course is different in focus and ambition than other tax courses aimed at an audience contemplating a career selling tax services to the public. This course, although rigorous and technical, seeks to provide awareness of a major component of corporate life, but not for those aiming at a career in taxation.

ACCT 406. Accounting Information Systems. 3 Units.

This course introduces the students to the major business cycles as they relate to Accounting Information Systems, including the revenue, procurement and conversion cycles. Additionally, students will be introduced to risks and controls in accounting systems, as well as emerging accounting technology. Credit not given for both ACCT 306 (or equivalent) and ACCT 406. Offered as ACCT 306 and ACCT 406. Prereq: ACCT 200.

ACCT 407. Applied Management Accounting. 3 Units.

This course advances students' ability to use management accounting to evaluate decisions, businesses, and managers. Students will begin with the idea that management accounting is a dialect within the language of accounting, explore varied types of costs and their relationships to pricing, and then use these concepts to assess decisions, organizations, and performance. Case studies will be used to stress application of management accounting concepts to problems faced in the real-world business environment. Students will use advanced spreadsheet functions and data analytics/visualization tools to further develop their proficiency at using management accounting to evaluate decisions, businesses, and managers. Credit not given for both ACCT 307 (or equivalent) and ACCT 407. Offered as ACCT 307 and ACCT 407. Prereq or Coreq: SCMG 433 or ACCT 307L.

ACCT 414. Corporate Reporting and Analysis. 3 Units.

This course provides a basis for identification, analysis and interpretation of data from accounting, finance and other business sources for decision-making by various stakeholders, including investors, creditors, advisors and company management. Students will employ basic business concepts and analytical techniques/models that can be used to assess and interpret the financial position of a business, including its health and intrinsic value. The course integrates knowledge from the areas of accounting, economics, business management and finance. Students are expected to be proficient with Canvas, Excel, and Word. Prereq: (ACCT 300 or ACCT 400) and (ACCT 301 or ACCT 401).

ACCT 416. Advanced Technology in Accountancy. 1.5 Unit.

This graduate course explores the rapidly evolving landscape of technology in a digitally transformed business world. The course is designed for students from diverse backgrounds--no prior accounting coursework is required. We will focus on the strategic, managerial, and evaluative aspects of accounting technology, emphasizing advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, finance transformation, ESG reporting, and technology selection. Through real-world cases, hands-on analytics, and strategic projects, students will develop skills in critical thinking, technology evaluation, data storytelling, and digital leadership. The course is structured around seven intensive sessions, each centered on a contemporary theme shaping the future of accounting and finance.

ACCT 418. Forensic Accounting. 1.5 Unit.

Forensic accounting has become a major line of business for public accounting firms. In addition, it constitutes a sizable portion of the work of internal auditors. In part because its emergence is relatively recent, it is not represented in the traditional accounting curriculum. The audit of the financial statements does not include more than nominal attention to fraud; therefore, the two topics are quite distinct. With stories of fraud and various forms of financial misappropriation always in the popular press, students have a high level of interest in the subject matter. The general aspiration of this course is to expose students to a world that most have had no previous awareness of. Although the methods of taking other people's money are very dynamic, students will gain appreciation of the classic methods. The other major component of the class will be an effort to apprise students about the systems in place to detect and punish wrongdoers. This intensive course explores the evolving world of fraud and forensic accounting, focusing on both classic and emerging threats in a digital, globalized economy. Students will develop practical skills in fraud detection, investigation, and prevention, leveraging modern analytical tools, digital forensics, and behavioral insights. The course emphasizes real-world cases, hands-on projects, and critical thinking about ethics, controls, and the impact of technology.

ACCT 427. Accountant Roles in the M&A Process. 1.5 Unit.

Mergers & Acquisitions increasingly involve accounting professionals at all stages of the process from defining objectives, screening targets, evaluating financial statements, valuation, due diligence, recording the transactions in the financial statements, to integrating the acquisition with the parent company. All the large public accounting firms have M&A advisory services, and most company acquisition teams involve accountant(s).

ACCT 431. Client Communication, Ethics, and Professionalism. 3 Units.

This course is designed to help prepare students for the role of being a professional advisor in dynamic and often uncertain technical scenarios while meeting ethical and professional responsibilities to all relevant stakeholders. Class sessions and assignments have an overarching emphasis on professionalism, ethics and client communications. This course utilizes the U.S. Federal tax law as the primary underlying body of knowledge driving discussions and learning.

ACCT 495. Master of Accountancy Capstone. 1.5 Unit.

This course bridges classroom learning with real-world business challenges through a series of client-based, discipline-specific capstone projects. Students in the Master of Accountancy program will apply the knowledge and skills developed in their courses to address live client problems, interacting with local organizations. Discipline-specific knowledge and guidance will be provided by faculty members within each department, ensuring that students apply appropriate theories and frameworks. In parallel, students will receive coaching and project management support through the linked companion course, MGMT 414: Project Execution Skills. Prereq: Enrolled in the Master of Accountancy program.

ACCT 501. Special Problems and Topics. 0 - 18 Units.

This course is offered, with permission, to students undertaking reading in a field of special interest.

ACCT 520. Advanced Accounting Theory. 3 Units.

This course covers how theories provide information about accounting standards, regulations, and financial reporting. A combination of lectures, real-world examples, research, and class discussion is used to develop student knowledge of theories related to accounting and develop skills in applying that knowledge to better understand both the regulatory environment and stakeholder behavior. In addition to textbook materials, the instructor will provide supplemental readings and directions to various information sources as needed.

ACCT 601. Special Problems and Topics. 1 - 18 Units.

This course is offered, with permission, to Ph.D. candidates undertaking reading in a field of special interest.

ACCT 701. Dissertation Ph.D.. 1 - 9 Units.

(Credit as arranged.) Prereq: Predoctoral research consent or advanced to Ph.D. candidacy milestone.

BLAW 331. Legal Environment of Management. 3 Units.

This course will provide an overview of the legal environment in which business transactions take place. Through coverage of a number of topical areas, the student will be given a broad understanding of how the law impacts upon the daily decisions of managers. More specifically, the student will be better able to identify and understand how the legal issues facilitate or hinder the conduct of business. Topics covered will include contracts, property, products' liability, employment law, and corporate law. Special emphasis is placed on those regulatory areas of greatest interest to modern business. Offered as BLAW 331 and BLAW 417.

BLAW 411. Business and Law Colloquium. 3 Units.

This course will bring together law students, business students, mid-level attorneys and senior leaders in the legal field for a one-semester weekly colloquium. Even though women have represented approximately half of law-school graduates for a number of years, women represent only 16% of law firm equity partners and even fewer corporate General Counsels. This course aims to offer an introduction to the business skills that both women and men will need to rise to the highest levels of law practice and organizational leadership. Each week will focus on a different aspect of law and business. The curriculum will include sessions focused in financial management, business development, communication skills, and intercultural business and law practices. Offered as LAWS 5432 and BLAW 411.

BLAW 417. Legal Environment of Management. 3 Units.

This course will provide an overview of the legal environment in which business transactions take place. Through coverage of a number of topical areas, the student will be given a broad understanding of how the law impacts upon the daily decisions of managers. More specifically, the student will be better able to identify and understand how the legal issues facilitate or hinder the conduct of business. Topics covered will include contracts, property, products' liability, employment law, and corporate law. Special emphasis is placed on those regulatory areas of greatest interest to modern business. Offered as BLAW 331 and BLAW 417.