Accountant's Guide to Computers and Information Technology - 2017 (Text Based)

The course covers what every accountant should know about computers and information systems and technology. The practical and efficient use of computer technology is highlighted. Popular accounting, compliance, taxes, audit, software packages are discussed, along with trends in the computer market.  The importance of information system and data protection, data bases, client/server computing, and cloud computing are discussed, with an emphasis on security issues. The course also teaches you how to make lease-rent-purchase decisions and analyze and evaluate information technology (IT) investments. 

I. Identify components of an accounting information system.

II. Recognize characteristics of accounting, tax, and audit software.

III. Recognize the purpose of extensible business reporting language (XBRL). 

IV. Recognize the function of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) systems.

V. Identify the value of managerial software and cash management software.

VI. Identify the steps in managing computer security.

VII. Recognize failure points for a computer system.

VIII. Recognize appropriate protective steps for software modification.

IX. Recognize technical advantages of cloud computing.

X. Identify business benefits from cloud computing.

XI. Identify protective steps for network environments.

XII. Identify responsibilities for accountants on a database management system.

XIII. Recognize database types and terminology.

XIV. Recognize methods to evaluate technical investments.

XV. Recognize the effect of taxes and Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery Systems (MACRS) on capital budgeting decisions.

Instructional Method: Self-Study

Review Date: 12/19/2017 

Required Components: Written Materials

CPE Final Exam Required Passage Grade: 70%

Please Note: This course must be completed within 1 year of date of receipt of this course for CPE credit. 

Field of Study: Computer Science

Level of Knowledge: Overview

Prerequisite: None

Advanced Preparation: None