Course Overview

Introduction to Financial Accounting

This course provides a foundational understanding of financial accounting, focusing on the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of key financial statements. It is designed for students pursuing business majors and prepares them for advanced accounting and business topics.

• Key Financial Statements: Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Retained Earnings/Equity

• Purpose: To enable managers, investors, lenders, stakeholders, and regulators to make informed decisions based on standardized financial information.

• Prerequisite: Placement into MATH 153

Course Learning Outcomes

Skills and Knowledge Developed

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Communicate accounting information in writing

• Demonstrate the use of accrual accounting

• Understand inventory reporting implications

• Comprehend internal control concepts

• Report and analyze receivables, long-term assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity

• Analyze companies using financial ratios

• Research the accounting profession (jobs, pay, preparation)

Course Structure and Assessment

Grading Components

Grades are determined by a combination of written and online work, exams, and participation. Exams are heavily weighted and are a primary measure of accounting competency.

• Pearson MyLab Videos & Homework: 5%

• Pearson MyLab Quizzes: 5%

• Writing Assignment: 10%

• Discussion Boards & Syllabus Quiz: 5%

• Exams (3, equally weighted): 75%

Minimum Exam Requirement: Students must earn at least 70% on at least one exam to pass the course.

Final Grade Calculation

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Weekly Agenda

The course follows a structured weekly schedule, covering key chapters and topics in financial accounting. Major exams are scheduled after completion of specific chapters.

• Weeks 1-4: Introduction, Chapters 1-4 (Exam #1)

• Weeks 5-7: Chapters 5-7 & 9 (Exam #2)

• Weeks 8-10: Chapters 12-14 (Exam #3)

Each week includes videos, homework, and quizzes via Pearson MyLab. Additional study materials such as PowerPoint slides and practice tests are available for each chapter.

Key Financial Accounting Topics (as per syllabus)

Core Chapters and Concepts

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Accounting

• Chapter 2: Transaction Analysis

• Chapter 3: Accrual Accounting Concepts

• Chapter 4: Merchandising Operations

• Chapter 5: Inventory

• Chapter 6: Internal Controls and Reporting Cash

• Chapter 7: Receivables and Investments

• Chapter 9: Current Liabilities

• Chapter 12: Stockholders' Equity

• Chapter 13: Statement of Cash Flows

• Chapter 14: Financial Statement Analysis

Additional info: The syllabus aligns with standard financial accounting topics, including GAAP vs IFRS, though not explicitly listed in the weekly schedule.

Instructional Materials

Required Textbook

• Title: Horngren's Financial & Managerial Accounting, 9th edition (Miller/Poindexter)

• ISBN: 9780135424018

• Access: Included in course fees; inquire at bookstore for other options

Course Expectations and Policies

Attendance and Engagement

• Weekly Assignments: Required for attendance verification

• Average Weekly Workload: ~7.5 hours (reading, homework, participation)

• Late Work: Not accepted unless prior arrangement with instructor

Exams

• Location: In-person at testing center

• Note Card: One handwritten 3 x 5 note card allowed per exam

• Make-up Policy: Must notify instructor before exam window closes; 7 days to make up if approved

• Retakes: Not allowed

Homework, Videos, and Quizzes

• Platform: Pearson MyLab & Mastering

• Deadlines: Strict; late work not accepted

Writing Assignment

• Requirement: Interview a professional in the accounting field

• Review: Must be reviewed by Writing Center before submission

• AI Policy: Use of AI for any part of the assignment results in automatic zero

Discussion Board

• Purpose: Attendance verification and student engagement

• Requirement: Introduction post and three replies in week one

Academic Integrity and Conduct

Integrity Policy

• Values: Honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, courage

• Violations: Cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, AI-generated work

• Consequences: Failing grade, course failure, disciplinary action

AI Policy

• Strict Prohibition: Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL-E) are not allowed for any assignments

• Sanctions: Same as other academic integrity violations

Student Support Services

Available Resources

• One Stop Service Centers: Admissions, advising, registration, financial aid

• Student Disability Services: Accommodations and support

• Counseling Services: Short-term counseling

• Library & Research Support: Study skills, textbook reserves

• Tutoring Center: Free tutoring

• Writing Center: Writing improvement strategies

• Testing Services: Proctoring and exam support

• Student Affairs: Engagement opportunities, veteran support, CARE Services

Summary Table: Course Topics and Alignment

Additional info:

• The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and policies, aligning closely with the standard topics in a college-level Financial Accounting course.

• For exam preparation, students should focus on understanding the structure and purpose of each financial statement, the principles of accrual accounting, inventory management, internal controls, and the analysis of financial ratios.