Accounting Courses
Acc 512 Theory of Financial Accounting I (3)
General theory and concepts of financial accounting and the generally accepted principles as applied to assets and related income items. Exposure to related official financial accounting pronouncements. Prerequisite: 3 credits of Financial Accounting.
Acc 513 Theory of Financial Accounting II (3)
General theory and concepts of financial accounting and the generally accepted principles as applied to liabilities and related income items. Emphasizes official financial accounting pronouncements. Prerequisite: Acc 512 or equivalent.
Acc 514 Theory of Financial Accounting III (3)
General theory and concepts of financial accounting and the generally accepted principles as applied to entities and in respect to financial reporting disclosures. Emphasizes official accounting pronouncements. Prerequisite: Acc 513 or equivalent.
Acc 518 Accounting for Managers (3)
At its most fundamental level, accounting is a process of data collection, data storage, and data mining in order to provide the necessary information to various decision-makers both internal and external to the organization. External users will receive this information in the form of financial statements and use it to make investment decisions. Internal users will utilize this information to efficiently utilize the resources entrusted to them to achieve the goals of the organization. Course focuses on complex analytical techniques to extract data and convert them into useful information for financial and managerial reporting purposes. Course also utilizes sophisticated data visualization tools, such as Tableau, to present this information to various users. For MBA students only.
Acc 519 Data Analytics for Audit and Control (3)
This course is designed to familiarize students with the concept of audit analytics, the basic audit analytical tools, the trending topics in this field, and the application of different analytical methods in the internal and external audit process. The goal of this course is to enable students to understand and use some of the emerging and important technologies currently used in the audit environment. The emerging technologies explored will include, but are not limited to, Big Data, data analytics, and visualization. There will be a significant hands-on component to familiarize the students with such topics. Prerequisite(s): B ACC 311 or the equivalent, B ACC 381 or the equivalent.
Acc 522 Statistical Methods for Forensic Accounting and Assurance (3)
Exploratory descriptive data analysis using Data Analysis & Mining Software. Basic graphics commands in S-Plus including trellis graphics. Descriptive data exploration and statistical modeling. Data processing for Datamining. Classification: Induction of Decision trees, Association Rules in Large Databases. Multivariate Methods; Clustering and other multivariate statistical methods. Anomaly detection. Prerequisites: Itm 220 or Mat 108 or equivalent.
Acc 531 Introduction to Cost Analysis (3)
Analysis of cost behavior, cost-profit volume analysis, budgeting, standard cost, cost control, and process cost accounting. Not open to students with credit in Acc 331 or equivalent. Prerequisite: Acc 512 or equivalent.
Acc 535 (Pad 535) Law in Financial Market Regulation (3)
This course examines the rationales and main features of regulatory law in financial markets, focusing on banking, securities, futures, options, and other capital markets. It discusses approaches to regulating investor and customer protection, financial institutions, and market structure. It examines relationships among change in financial markets such as financial innovations and regulatory structure and practice. The course discusses the roles of federal and state regulation, self-regulatory organizations and private associations, and firms within the regulatory system. Prerequisites: Prior coursework in study of regulation and/or finance highly recommended.
Acc 536 (Pad 536) Technology in Financial Market Regulation (3)
The development, operation, and regulation of technological systems shape modern financial markets. These systems are developed and overseen by market centers, clearing organizations, and other market infrastructure organizations, as well as sell-side financial firms, institutional investors and other buy-side participants, corporations, technology providers, and public and private regulators. Market controls, technological development, and regulation shape this system individually and interactively. This course examines the central features of technology in financial markets and how market and regulatory controls and social and behavioral conditions produce and interact with them. Prerequisites: Prior coursework in study of regulation and/or finance highly recommended.
Acc 540 Survey of Taxation (3)
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the federal income tax system. It provides a conceptual approach to many tax topics and emphasizes the role that income taxes play in the business decision-making process. The course explores the federal tax law as it relates to individuals and businesses and covers the basic gross income rules, the basic deduction rules, and certain property transaction rules.
Acc 541 Income Tax Accounting I (3)
Concepts of taxation and of taxable income. Interpretation and application of present tax laws as they pertain to taxpayers. Tax savings and planning.
Acc 542 Income Taxation of Corporations, Partnerships and Estates, and Trusts (3)
Various dimensions of corporate taxation, and the theory and practice of taxation as applied to partnerships and fiduciaries. Prerequisite: 3 credits of tax accounting.
Acc 551 Fraud Examination (3)
This course will cover the principles and methodology of fraud detection and deterrence. This includes such topics as skimming, cash larceny, billing schemes, check tampering, payroll and expense reimbursement schemes, register disbursement schemes, non-cash asset misappropriations, corruption, accounting principles and fraud, fraudulent financial statements, and interviewing witnesses. Prerequisite: Acc 461/561 or equivalent to Auditing.
Acc 552 Financial Statement Fraud and Corporate Governance (3)
Study of corporate governance in relation to financial statement fraud. This course will examne recent major financial statement frauds in the United States and elsewhere in order to gain an understanidng of the failure of corporate governance to prevent them. Prerequisite: Acc 512 or equivalent.
Acc 553 Digital Forensics (3)
The objectives of the course are to learn what are incidents, why they occur, who/what causes them, how to detect them, what are the preventive/protective measures that organizations can take, what to do when they do occur, when do they need to be reported and to whom. We will learn the various types of incidents, what to do in case of each to protect the evidence, prevent gaps in chain of their custody. In particular, we will learn how and what kinds of evidence to obtain, how to prevent evidence from getting lost or destroyed, how to ensure that the evidence is admissible. We also will learn what is evidence, what are different types of evidence, basic rules on collecting, handling, and documenting evidence. Prerequisite: Acc 512.
Acc 561 Auditing (3)
The independent auditor's attest function. Topical coverage includes audit objectives and planning, evidence gathering, internal control (achieving and evaluating) and audit procedures, all set against the backdrop of generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards. Problems of independence, ethics, and legal liability are introduced. The application of various audit tools is integrated throughout the course. Prerequisite: Acc 512 or equivalent .
Acc 581 Internal Controls and Financial Information Systems (3)
This course addresses the design and evaluation of computer-based accounting information systems with a focus on the recognition and identification of information technology risks. General and application internal controls for information systems environments are examined across client/server, end-user computing, and service bureau internal control environments. Both computerized auditing techniques as well as techniques for auditing computerized systems are analyzed. Risks of emerging technologies and computer-based business models for planning and control are considered.
Acc 600 Service Learning and Community Engagement in Taxation (3)
Students will participate in a major, semester long community service project in taxation. Examples include, but are not limited to, IRS Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a series of small business taxation seminars to benefit the UAlbany and greater Albany area population and a series of individual income taxation seminars to benefit the UAlbany and greater Albany area population. Student population and contribution will be monitored.
Acc 601 Service Learning and Community Engagement in Forensic Accounting (3)
Students will participate in a major, semester long community service project in forensic accounting. Examples include, but are not limited to, the organization and delivery of a one-day conference on forensic accounting and fraud deterrence and detection on business, a series of seminars in fraud deterrence and detection to benefit the UAlbany and greater Albany area population and assisting small businesses or not for profits in the design and implementation of a fraud deterrence and detection program. Student participation and contribution will be monitored.
Acc 602 Service Learning and Community Engagement in Accountancy (3)
Students will participate in a major, semester long community service project in accounting. Examples include, but are not limited to, the organization and delivery of a one-day conference on financial literacy for individuals and small businesses, a series of seminars in financial literacy to benefit the UAlbany and greater Albany area population and assisting small businesses or not for profits in the design and implementation of an internal control program. Student participation and contribution will be monitored. Prerequisite: Open only to MS Accounting students.
Acc 611 Contemporary Developments in Accounting Thought (3)
Contemporary accounting theory. Structures accounting thought and interrelates the pronouncements of the AICPA and American Accounting Association with authoritative writings in the journals. Prerequisite: Acc 312 or equivalent.
Acc 615 Financial Statement Analysis (3)
Analysis and interpretation of financial statements, including profitability and ratio analysis, statistical analyses of financial statements, cash flow analysis, accounting-based equity valuation, accounting issues related to firm valuation, earnings quality, earnings management, mergers and acquisitions, intangibles, and international accounting.
Acc 620 Accounting for Governmental and Non-for-Profit Entities (3)
Fund accounting as applied to governmental and nonprofit entities; state and federal governments, municipalities, hospitals and universities. Budgets, tax levies, revenues and appropriations, expenditures and encumbrances, various types of funds, and account statements. Prerequisite: Acc 312 or Acc 513.
Acc 630 Advanced Cost Management (3)
This course focuses on the design of modern cost systems and the use of accounting data for managerial planning, control, strategic decision-making, and costing. Topics covered include activity-based costing/management, kaizen, target costing, quality costing, benchmarking, life cycle costing, the balanced scorecard and new performance measures, business strategy and competitive positioning, the value chain and competitor analysis, and throughput accounting.
Acc 631 Principles of Tax Research (3)
A study of the principles of federal tax research emphasizing practical research projects and case studies. Topics include: review of primary and secondary sources of federal tax authority; identification of pertinent tax issues; application of computer research databases to determinate and evaluate proper authority to address such issues; and oral and written presentation of research conclusions. Prerequisite: Three credits of tax accounting.
Acc 633 Corporate Taxation (3)
This course provides an overview of various aspects of corporate taxation, including, but not limited to, the following: formation, operation and liquidation of both C and S corporations, and determination of when S election should be made; tax treatment of dividend distributions and redemptions of corporate stock; and introduction to topics of corporate divisions, reorganizations, consolidated returns, and New York State and multistate taxation. Prerequisite: Three credits of tax accounting.
Acc 642 Taxation of Partnerships (3)
Federal income taxation or partnerships and partners during formation, operation and liquidation. Topics include aggregate versus entity theories of taxation; classification of entities; sharing of partnership liabilities; and partners tax basis, distributive shares of partnership income, gain, loss, deductions, and credits; and distributions. Prerequisite: 3 credits of tax accounting.
Acc 643 Deferred Compensation and Profit Sharing (3)
Tax considerations of compensation planning for executives and employees of corporations are studied along with recent legislation. Topics covered are pension and profit-sharing plans, termination, liability of fiduciaries, reporting requirements, stock option plans, restricted stock, employee stock ownership plans, deferred compensation arrangements, and salary continuation plans. Prerequisite: Acc 633 or concurrent enrollment.
Acc 644 Estate and Gift Taxation (3)
A study of the federal gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer taxes imposed on the gratuitous transmission of wealth during life and/or at death including the application, calculation, and payment of transfer tax, and planning techniques to minimize such transfer taxes. Prerequisite: 3 credits of tax accounting.
Acc 645 Corporate Taxation II: Reorganization (3)
Covers the scope, nature, and purpose of reorganizations in alternative forms. Topics include parties to reorganization, triangular, reverse triangular and divisive reorganizations, failure to qualify for tax free treatment, carryover of tax attributes (operating losses and earnings and profits, accounting methods) and their limitations, taxable mergers, and other special topics.
Acc 646 State and Interstate Taxation (3)
Review of state tax jurisdiction concepts, corporate franchise, personal income, and sales and use tax, with emphasis on interstate tax issues. Nexus, division of tax base and commerce clause limitations, as well as applicable federal legislation is covered. Prerequisite: ACC 633.
Acc 648 Corporate Taxation III: Consolidations (3)
Provides a thorough understanding of the advantages and potential pitfalls of filing consolidated returns. Subjects include reverse acquisitions, consolidated return change of ownership, separate return limitation years (SRLY), deferred intercompany transactions, excess loss accounts, annual investment adjustments, allocation of the consolidated tax liability, and administrative provisions.
Acc 649 International Taxation (3)
Provides a basic understanding of the various facets of international taxation at the individual and corporate levels. The role of treaties is emphasized. Recent tax acts are examined. Topics also include controlled foreign corporations, foreign tax credit rules, and benefits of possession corporations. Prerequisite: Acc 633.
Acc 650 Tax Practice and Procedure (3)
This course provides students with a practical, working knowledge of tax administrative and litigation practice and procedure. It will focus on the duties of the taxpayer, internal processes at the Internal Revenue Service, taxpayer interactions with the IRS leading up to a final determination of taxes owed, the avenues for challenging a final determination and collection practices.
Acc 659 Contemporary Developments in Taxation (1-3)
Various current topics in taxation. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of nine credits. Prerequisite: Acc 631 or consent of instructor.
Acc 661 Auditing of Advanced Accounting Systems (3)
Auditing of modern complex accounting information systems. General & application controls and the design & development of generalized audit software. Auditing of operating systems and database management systems. Privacy & security of data in accounting systems. Audit of on-line systems, management systems. Prerequisite: Acc 512 or equivalent.
Acc 680 Research Seminar in Accounting (3)
This capstone course exposes the student to academic research. The course involves intensive reading of academic articles on topics of current relevance and culminates in student executed research on an approved topic of special interest in the student’s field of concentration; a comprehensive report and an oral presentation are required.
Acc 681 Accounting Information Systems (3)
Transaction cycles and structured analysis & design of accounting information systems. Object-oriented analysis & design of accounting systems with emphasis on internal controls. The course will involve designing & programming of an accounting system using CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) tools. Prerequisites: Acc 512 or equivalent.
Acc 682 Analysis & Design of Accounting Databases (3)
Basics of relational database theory in the accounting contest. Semantic modeling of accounting data including the REA model. Use of CASE tools for the analysis, design & documentation of accounting databases. Languages for retrieval of information from accounting databases. Controls in accounting databases. Prerequisites: Acc 681 and Acc 512 or equivalent. Intended to be taken concurrently with Acc 681.
Acc 683 Advanced Topics in Accounting Information Systems (3)
Topics relating to emerging technologies that affect accounting and auditing practice, including topics such as expert systems in accounting & auditing, groupware systems for auditing, retrieval of audit data. Prerequisites: Acc 681 and Acc 682.
Acc 685 Selected Topics in Accounting (3)
Intensive study of topics in accounting. Topics may include IRS investigations, differences between domestic and international accounting, or ethics in accounting. Repeatable when topic varies for up to 6 credits.
Acc 694 Seminar in Tax and Financial Planning (3)
A study of select current and/or common income taxation topics, planning techniques and strategies for individuals and business entities including deferral of gain on the disposition of property, equity based compensation, business and tax considerations governing choice of entity planning, and sales of business assets or stock. Prerequisites: ACC 631 and ACC 633.
Acc 695 Independent Study in Accounting (1-3)
The student and instructor jointly develop a plan of independent study on an advanced topic in accounting. The student is usually required to prepare a report or paper. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and department chairperson.
