Accounting Information Systems (AIS) form an integral part of modern organisations since they support managers in planning and controlling business operations, improving decision-making in organisations, and supporting financial accounting and reporting. This course examines the way AIS are structured and used in organisations and provides a close look into how these systems work and impact on enterprises. It is suitable for both students with accounting backgrounds and with IT backgrounds.

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the role of Accounting Information Systems (AIS) in modern organizations and how AIS have altered the role of accounting and the job of the accountant.
2. Evaluate and describe approaches to changing business processes, process re-engineering, and the application of AIS to business processes.
3. Read, interpret, and develop different forms of systems documentation such as data-flow-diagrams and flowcharts.
4. Describe the accounting processes in ERP systems and understand how basic accounting processes are implemented in SAP.
5. Use SAP and learn how ERP software applications impact on a firm’s accounting processes.
6. Understand the importance of IT governance and appreciate control mechanisms related to AIS.
7. Describe the key objectives and strategic implications of the accounting cycles and identify common technologies underpinning these activities.
8. Describe alternative approaches to AIS systems development.
9. Understand the process of auditing AIS.
10. Consider ethical issues related to the organizational use of AIS

• Assignment 15%
• Mid-Term Exam 15%
• Examination 70%

Students taking this course are expected to commit at least 10 hours a week to completling the work. This will include 3 hours per week in class and at least 7 hours a week on average (including non-teaching weeks) on course reading, research, writing and assignment work.

At least an average of 65% (or equivalent) in the final two years of an Australian undergraduate degree

Students should have an understanding of information systems equivalent to that of students successfully completing INF1001 Foundations of Electronic Commerce and  Information Systems. Students who would like to take this subject and feel that they have sufficient academic or practical experience in accounting and information systems may want to discuss this possibility with the Course Coordinator.

For further information please see Course Website