University of Technology Sydney

22605 Accounting Information Systems

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Accounting
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject introduces the role of information systems in supplying both qualitative and quantitative financial information to management within large organisations. Extensive practical experience on PCs allows students to be fully productive in their subsequent first internship.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of basic accounting information systems concepts
2. present business information effectively in verbal and written forms
3. build quantitative business models using spreadsheet software that support managerial decision-making
4. build and be able to search basic database management systems

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject is designed to prepare Bachelor of Accounting students for their first industry experience internship. The knowledge and understanding gained in this subject enables students to undertake professional accounting work. In particular, this subject develops the ability to prepare, analyse and report business information through the proficient use of computer software used in contemporary organizations. Students also learn how to communicate information in both verbal and written forms.

This subject contributes to developing the following graduate attribute(s):

  • Communication and collaboration
  • Professional and technical competence

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject takes place during the first two months of the Bachelor of Accounting course before the start of Autumn semester. All classes are held in computer labs. Extensive after-class access to computer labs is provided to allow students the time and space to develop their skills and learn from each other.

Intensive mode subject taught prior to the start of Autumn session.

Due to the intensive nature of the subject, the first component of each class involves the lecturer discussing the technology to be used in that session, the real world applications and demonstration of how to use the software or application. Students will then work in small groups or individually to apply what they’ve learned in the class. This includes using software to retrieve, manipulate, model and present information to aid managerial decision-making. Learning is self-paced and assistance is provided by the lecturer to students as required. Students will receive direct verbal feedback on their work during the class.

To extend their knowledge and ability to apply the relevant software, students also receive additional questions and exercises that can be completed at home. Exercises will be provided in-class and on the UTS Learning Management System. Students are able to receive feedback on these questions by self-checking their work against solutions provided on the learning management system.

Content (topics)

  • Introduction to business computing: hardware, software, networks, data processing and information systems.
  • Information gathering and information presentation.
  • Spreadsheet operations: using formulas, spreadsheet structure, spreadsheet presentations, charts and graphs.
  • Spreadsheet applications: date functions, statistical analysis and forecasting, financial functions, logical functions, lookup tables, spreadsheet macros.
  • Database operations: database creation, tables and data entry, data retrieval, creating reports.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Class Assignment*

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1 and 2

Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 10%
Length:

Assignment is provided to groups during class time. Groups have two workshops to complete the assignment.

Criteria:

*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Assessment task 2: Short reports and Presentations*

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1 and 2

Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 25%
Length:

Presentation topics are contained as an appendix to the subject outline and will be allocated to groups’ in-class on a ballot basis in the first class of the session. Length of presentation depends on group size and topic.

Criteria:

*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Assessment task 3: In-class tests*

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

2, 3 and 4

Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 65%
Length:

In class exams are between 1 to 2 hours in length.

Criteria:

*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

Pazmandy, G., Bedford, D., and Govinder, J. (2013). Business Computing, Using Microsoft Office. Tekniks Publications, Vaucluse, Australia.

UTS Guide to Writing Assignments. Available online: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/current-students-information-uts-business-school/study-and-assessment-resources-1

Other resources

Students will be required to bring a USB memory drive to each seminar.