General Information
Information technology is an essential accounting tool. Amongst other applications, it is used to automate transactions and business processes, streamline reporting and support business analysis. This subject covers the critical evaluation and design of accounting information systems (AIS) and their use in complex managerial decision-making. It provides both a theoretical and practical understanding of AIS in a broader industry and corporate setting. Emphasis is placed on the integrated nature of AIS and technology, control mechanisms, data analysis and reporting. The applied nature of the subject enables the development of advanced practical skills in using accounting software for transaction processing and decision support.
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Details
Academic unit: Bond Business School Subject code: ACCT71-211 Subject title: Accounting Information Systems Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Computer Lab: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Computer Lab 2
- Computer Lab: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Computer Lab 1
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 72) - Recommended study time & reviewing materials
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Students are expected to notify the instructor of any absences with as much advance notice as possible. +++++ BBS uses a self and peer-evaluation system to support students engaged in group-based assessments. Students are expected to provide this feedback in a timely fashion as part of their assessment. The information gathered is used by the educator as partial evidence of equitable contributions by all group members and helps to determine individual marks for group assessments. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Marshall B. Romney, Paul John Steinbart, Scott L. Summers, David A. Wood (2020). Accounting Information Systems. 15e, Pearson
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Bond Business School |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | ACCT71-211 |
| Subject title: | Accounting Information Systems |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Students are expected to notify the instructor of any absences with as much advance notice as possible. +++++ BBS uses a self and peer-evaluation system to support students engaged in group-based assessments. Students are expected to provide this feedback in a timely fashion as part of their assessment. The information gathered is used by the educator as partial evidence of equitable contributions by all group members and helps to determine individual marks for group assessments. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Evaluate an accounting software package to record common and uncommon business transactions.
- Explain the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on current and emerging accounting practices to support advanced data analysis and complex decision making.
- Explain how ICT supports the identification, reporting, and management of risk in an organization and how it can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization’s systems and processes.
- Critically evaluate the adequacy of ICT processes and controls to identify improvements that could be made to them.
- Design ICT tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting information communication.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Computer-Aided Examination (Open) Comprehensive Final Examination. 50.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3,4,5 Portfolio Application Portfolio - Skills Labs and Cloud Accounting Systems 25.00% Week 6 1,2,5 Project Dashboard Design, Implementation, Presentation 25.00% Week 12 2,5 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Open) | Comprehensive Final Examination. | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Portfolio | Application Portfolio - Skills Labs and Cloud Accounting Systems | 25.00% | Week 6 | 1,2,5 |
| Project | Dashboard Design, Implementation, Presentation | 25.00% | Week 12 | 2,5 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the Lead Educator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
This is a compulsory subject for eligibility requirements for Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA Australia) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). +++++ As part of the requirements for Business School quality accreditation, the Bond Business School employs an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to Accounting Information Systems
This session provides the overview of Information, Systems and Accounting. A key element of the topic is the framework for the subject as this provides the road map for how the various topics integrate. We will cover essential accounting principles from your introductory courses to understand their relevance. These principles are core to the recording function of a firm's accounting information system. In addition to the core recording skills, we touch on the key accounting process of reconciliation of data and records. The final element is to examine the contemporary end-user accounting systems and their key features.
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System Design, Documentation, and Database Mechanics
This topic provides an overview of system design and system documentation techniques. We then move to a key mechanic of most modern accounting information systems, namely databases. We discuss essential database terminology and concepts and explore the fundamentals of relational databases and their role in accounting information systems.
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Revenue Cycle
This topic provides an overview of the Revenue cycle (RC), the related accounting process, Committee of Sponsoring Organisations (COSO) framework and AIS implications, revenue accounting and audit standards, and revenue cycle mechanics. This includes a discussion of key processes in the revenue cycle that include the sales order entry, shipping, billing, and cash collections. We consider the key decisions that must be made in each process, the potential threats that exists, and the controls that can be used to mitigate these threats.
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Expenditure Cycle
This topic provides an overview of the expenditure cycle (EC) of an AIS. We cover the source documents, expenditure activities, threats and internal controls, and transaction journals. This includes a discussion of key processes in the expenditure cycle that include ordering, receiving, approving supplier invoices, and cash disbursements. We consider the key decisions that must be made in each process, the potential threats that exists, and the controls that can be used to mitigate these threats.
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Production/Service & Payroll/HR Cycles
This topic provides an overview of the Production/Service cycle (PC) workflow, product/process costing, payroll/HR business cycle including reporting and compliance requirements. This includes a discussion of key processes in the production cycle that include product design, planning and scheduling, product operations, and cost accounting. We consider the key decisions that must be made in each process, the potential threats that exists, and the controls that can be used to mitigate these threats.
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General Ledger and Financial Reporting
This topic provides an overview of compliance & reporting software, external and internal processing integrity controls, computer reporting language and managerial and operational reports. This includes a discussion of key processes in the general ledger and reporting system that include updating the general ledger, posting adjusting entries, preparing financial statements, and producing various managerial reports. We consider the key decisions that must be made in each process, the potential threats that exists, and the controls that can be used to mitigate these threats.
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Fraud and Computer Fraud
This session provides an overview of fraud concepts, computer fraud, and the implications for AIS. This topic relates back to the accounting cycle topics and related AIS systems. We consider different types of fraud, including computer fraud, and the auditor’s responsibility in fraud detection. We use the fraud triangle to understand the determinants of fraud. We emphasise computer fraud and relevant issues such as abuse attacks, malware, and social engineering.
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Internal Control, Privacy and Audit Implications
This topic examines AIS and internal controls including information security, confidentiality, privacy and processing integrity, and audit and assurance requirements. We discuss the importance of the internal control environment, the four levers of control, and control frameworks including COBIT, COSO, and COSO-ERM. Furthermore, we emphasise the increasingly important issues of data confidentiality and data privacy, and the principles used in protecting these.
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Data Analytics, Visualisation, and Dashboards
This topic provides an overview of the principles of the data analytics framework. We discuss the specific principles of of data preparation (collecting and cleaning), integration, analytics and visualisation, and alerting. As part of this topic, we consider the available tools for designing dashboards. We emphasise the differences between descriptive, prescriptive, and predictive analytics.
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AIS Reporting for Management
This topic highlights the usefulness of tools in the data analytics process, and specifically in relation to management communication. We focus on the application of the data analytics framework using Power BI and consider each step in the process using a large dataset. We emphasise the rising importance of dashboards in industry, and consider the principles underlying effective dashboard design.