Accounting

The accounting concentration provides an integrated core of essential skills for the evaluation and application of financial data. If you pursue an accounting concentration, you will develop a solid understanding of the links between the operation and the performance of an organization. You will practice the accounting techniques required to measure this performance and establish a solid knowledge base of how information can be applied in credit and valuation decisions. Since competency in accounting requires a thorough understanding of an organization, you are encouraged to choose their electives beyond the core courses and accounting concentration. Typical positions for MBA graduates with accounting concentrations include assistant comptroller, financial analyst, and internal auditor.

Required courses: 06A:235, 06A:240, and 06A:245 plus one of 06A:201, 06A:220, 06A:221, 06A:230 or 06A:231.

06A:201 Directed Readings in Accounting

Independent study of a specialized topic in accounting.
(3 credits)

06A:220 Design and Use of Cost Management Systems

Development of cost accumulation and reporting systems that complement a firm’s strategy and structure; how activity based cost management systems increase competitiveness by helping a firm manage its costs, processes, and people. Prerequisite: 06A:235.
(3 credits)

06A:221 Financial Reporting: Theory and Practice

Corporate accounting choices in framework of traditional accounting theory, economic consequences, and firm valuation, Pre-requisites: 06A:131 and 06A:132
(3 credits)

06A:230 Advanced Auditing

Advanced issues such as ethics, independence, regulation and litigation, audit evidence, and models of audit testing. Graduate standing in business required. Pre-requisites: 6A:144 or equivalent
(3 credits)

06A:231 Taxes and Business Strategy

Effect of taxes on business decisions, including investment strategies, compensation planning, capital structure, global expansion, and mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Emphasis on tax planning and evaluating tax consequences of business decisions. Prerequisite: 06N:215 and permission of instructor
(3 credits)

06A:235 Strategic Cost Analysis

This introductory course develops a framework to identify, measure, and manage the costs and benefits of decision alternatives. Planning decisions include both short-term capacity utilization, and longer-term product-planning and cost management decisions. Decisions in control examine the tradeoffs involved in divisional and managerial performance evaluation. Prerequisite: 06N:215
(3 credits)

06A:240 Financial Accounting Standards and Analysis

Focus is on understanding the basic accrual accounting model and the alternative measurement and recognition rules for assets, liabilities, and related issues of income determination. Emphasis is placed on economic substance of transactions, evaluation and interpretation of financial statements and related footnotes, and ways of detecting earnings management. Prerequisite: 06N:215
(3 credits)

06A:245 Financial Information and Capital Markets

Use of corporate financial statements for investment and lending decisions. Emphasis on financial analysis techniques, valuation, business analysis, cash flow projections, credit scoring, related research evidence. Prerequisite: 06A:240
(3 credits)