BUSN2045 Accounting Information Systems

2016

4.5

2 x 50-minute lectures weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly

Admission into BCOMACOS-Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Introductory Information Systems (such as that taught in COMP1301) including basic competency in computer applications.

This topic is part of the requirements for accreditation of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, therefore is core to the BCom (Accounting) Hong Kong program.

Only available to students enrolled in Hong Kong

This topic introduces the concept of an accounting information system and focuses on generating information and implementing systems, which are useful for both decision-making and accountability purposes. Additional focus is on the controls over and within such a system and the difference in objectives between event driven and transaction driven systems. The topic explores in detail, several typical AIS application systems such as the sales/collection, purchasing/disbursements, production and human resource management systems. The purpose of systems is viewed as assisting in the planning and pursuit of an organisation’s objectives, while recognising that changing environments (including technology) require a philosophy of continual learning in an information age. In that sense, technology is seen as an enabler of organisation activities and its objectives, not the focus of study.

This topic aims to introduce the concept of an accounting information system and focus on generating information and implementing systems. Students will explore, in detail, several typical AIS application systems such as the sales/collection, purchasing/disbursements, production and human resource management systems.

On completion of this topic, students will be able to:

• Describe key business activities performed in the major business cycles and the flow of accounting data and information in those systems.
• Describe the key elements of organisations' internal and external environments and their effect on information systems and decision-making.
• Describe the importance, issues and techniques of designing an AIS that provides information needed to support key decisions in major business cycles.
• Describe the key activities and issues involved in the development of an AIS, including the accountant's role(s) in these.
• Identify and describe and internal control objectives and the specific controls used to achieve these objectives in the major business cycles.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of database technology and data modelling, and their effect on AISs.
• Apply the tools of AIS work, such as REA diagrams, data flow diagrams and flowcharting.