Applied Accounting Research
Master the research process used in the accounting profession.
Credits: 3
Format: Online
Duration: 8 weeks
The auditing and accounting profession evolves daily to meet the needs of a complex business environment in both the U.S. and internationally. Research skills in accounting, auditing, and tax are critical if you want to advance in the profession. In ACC 550 Applied Accounting Research, you’ll develop those skills and learn to apply them to research questions commonly faced by practicing accountants and financial managers.
Course Overview
Throughout this capstone course, you will concentrate on accounting research as well as review factors and skills needed for the CPA exam. You’ll strengthen your critical thinking ability, an asset that helps professional accountants add value to their services. As you come to understand the importance of accounting research, its nature, definition, and its role, you’ll view research from the perspective of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). You’ll learn the expectations of the SEC in research and in drafting client letters, emails, and memos to a file.
You’ll discover how authoritative literature such as that of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is used during the research process. In mastering the five steps of database research strategies, you’ll reveal challenges common to accounting research and see how these obstacles can be overcome.
You’ll learn the contents of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Research System (the Codification) and understand how to use it effectively and efficiently.
Effective Writing Skills
Learn how competent writing and critical thinking skills can help professional accountants add value to their services in ACC 550.
You’ll address the international accounting research environment, reviewing the methods and tools used to adhere to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and its related International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) structure and standard setting process.
Accountants and auditors perform a wide range of functions. Throughout the course, you will gain an understanding of the specific types of assurance and consulting services performed by accounting professionals. You’ll review the authoritative auditing support resources along with the key oversight entities such as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). You’ll also discuss the AICPA’s Standards and Code of conduct and the concepts of professional judgment and skepticism in audit research. Research is also a key component in forensic accounting and fraud research. To that end, you’ll examine the various research tools and technologies used in fraud examinations/investigations.
Sample Assignment
Identify an accounting issue and write a research paper that effectively communicates your findings and contributes to the profession using techniques covered in the course.
Course Topics
Throughout each week of the course, you will focus on a core topic or theme. Sample topics are listed below and are subject to change based on the instructor.
- Introduction to Applied Professional Research
- Critical Thinking and Effective Writing Skills for the Professional Accountant
- The Environment of Accounting Research
- Financial Accounting Research Tools
- The Environment of International Research
- Assurance Services and Auditing Research
- Redefining the Research Process
- Forensic Accounting Research
What You’ll Learn
You will focus on critical thinking and writing skills through a research process in ACC 550.
- Understand applied professional research within the practice of accounting.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and effective writing skills by completing various foundational, research, discussion, and writing assignments.
- Examine current ethical, financial, international, forensic, and assurance/auditing research topics.
- Know the most recognizable practitioner accounting journals and learn to apply research tools and techniques to investigate and report on current accounting topics.
Learn More
Through ACC 550, you’ll improve your research, writing, and presentation skills as they relate to the field of accounting. For more information about this course or other courses in The University of Scranton’s online Master of Accountancy degree, request more information or call us today toll-free at (866) 373-9547.
The content presented on this page is representative information for example purposes and is subject to change as course and student needs change over time.