Financial Accounting Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

General Description of Subject

Financial Accounting is the language of business. The primary objective of this course is to help students become fluent in accounting so they can effectively communicate and understand the financial aspects of business. The course covers the basics of accounting, including how to record, analyze, and interpret financial transactions and statements. It is a core business course with universal application to all business disciplines.

• Definition: Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, and reporting financial transactions to provide useful information for decision-making.

• Application: Used by managers, investors, creditors, and other stakeholders to assess the financial health of an organization.

• Example: Preparing a balance sheet to show a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time.

Course Structure and Prerequisites

Course Content

This course deals with the use of accounting information by persons external to the firm, the analysis of financial statements, and the accounting for operating data, income, and cash flow. It also covers the nature of assets and liabilities and the reporting process.

• Prerequisites: ECON 1100 (may be taken concurrently), MATH 1100 or higher (MATH 1180 preferred), ACCT 2010 as a prerequisite for ACCT 2020. Students may not be enrolled in both courses at the same time.

• Course Load: This course may not be taken more than twice at UNT.

Course Learning Outcomes

Expected Competencies

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

1. Identify the elements of financial statements and financial transactions or events.

2. Analyze the impact of a transaction or event on the organization's financial statements.

3. Prepare external financial statements.

4. Interpret financial statements.

Required Materials

Textbook and Online Resources

• Textbook: Financial Accounting by Thomas, Tietz, et al., 14th edition, Pearson. ISBN: 9780135518153. Includes eBook and My Accounting Lab (MAL) access.

• My Accounting Lab (MAL): Online homework, quizzes, and assignments platform. Access code required.

• Canvas: Learning management system for course materials, announcements, and assignments.

Performance Evaluation

Grading Components

Your course grade will be weighted as follows:

Component	Points
Engagement (must score 60% or higher)	85
Student Quizzes (best 10 out of 11)	72
Homework (best 9 out of 10)	135
Regular Exams (3)	300
Comprehensive Final Exam (Mandatory)	200
Other Points (each – best 3 scores out of 4)	108
Total	900

Grading Scale:

Grade	Percentage
A	90% - 100%
B	80% - 89.99%
C	70% - 79.99%
D	60% - 69.99%
F	Below 60%

Course Policies

Attendance, Assignments, and Exams

• Attendance: All course requirements, except the final exam, will be done in Canvas and My Accounting Lab.

• Assignments: Due dates are strictly enforced. Late work is not accepted except for documented emergencies.

• Exams: Exams will be closed book, no notes, and administered using Pearson Lockdown Browser. The final exam is mandatory.

• Quizzes: Quizzes are taken online via MAL and are timed. Respondus Monitor software is used for proctoring.

Communication and Support

Instructor Contact and Technical Support

• Instructor: Kevin A. Kleiner, CPA. Email: [e-mail]. Responds to emails within 24 hours Monday-Friday.

• Office Hours: By appointment.

• Technical Support: UNT Helpdesk ([e-mail], 940-565-2324).

Academic Integrity

Standards and Consequences

• Policy: All work must be original and completed individually unless otherwise specified.

• Consequences: Violations may result in a failing grade and referral to the Office of Academic Integrity.

Additional Information

Course Management Systems

• Canvas: Used for assignments, announcements, and grades.

• Pearson MAL: Used for quizzes, homework, and exams.

Special Policies

• Lookforward Provision: This course serves as a prerequisite for all higher-level accounting courses.

• Sexual Assault Prevention: University policies and resources are available for support.

• Class Recordings & Student Likeness: Recordings may be used for educational purposes.