ACT580: CAPSTONE - ACCOUNTING Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 14-20 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTCOMES Course Description: This capstone course focuses on applying and synthesizing accounting concepts related to financial accounting, applications, and financial statements presentations. In this culmination of the students learning throughout the Master of Professional Accounting program, they apply accounting research tools to current accounting issues, integrate accounting theory and practice through research, and demonstrate the ability to make sound financial decisions. Course Overview: This course provides students with the opportunity to apply advanced knowledge of financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, forensic accounting, tax laws, accounting information systems, and business concepts in solving accounting case studies and discussing contemporary accounting issues and problems. Students will apply accounting, tax, and business knowledge and theory to discussion boards, case analyses, and the completion of a final research project. Course Learning Outcomes: 1. Integrate prior accounting knowledge in making sound financial decisions. 2. Analyze case studies using financial and business data to produce reports. 3. Evaluate current and emerging ethical and regulatory issues. 4. Apply problem-solving skills to diverse accounting situations including international settings. PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor. Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible. MATERIAL COURSE
Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal. COURSE SCHEDULE Due Dates The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday. Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points. Critical Thinking: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT. WEEKLY READING AND ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Module 1 Baker, C. R., & Burlaud, A. (2015, August). The historical evolution from accounting theory to conceptual framework in financial standards setting. The CPA Journal, 85(8). Purdue University. (n.d.). Annotated bibliography samples. Retrieved from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/03/ Unegbu, A. O. (2014). Theories of accounting: Evolution & developments, income determination and diversities in use. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 5(19). Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1411/1411.4633.pdf Wolk, H. I., Dodd, J. L., & Rozycki, J. J. (2013). An introduction to accounting theory. In Accounting Theory (8th ed.), 1-30. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/upmdata/49879_ch_1.pdf Critical Thinking (75 points) Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: Olam Corporation: Accounting for Biological Assets (Presentation) Read Accounting for Biological Assets (see link below). Address the following topics/questions in a 10- to 12-slide slide presentation: Describe the accounting for biological assets process per IFRS standards. Compare it to Singaporean FS 41 and to corresponding U.S. GAAP. Describe the issues facing Olam Corporation contextually and financially. Analyze and evaluate the merit of arguments made by Muddy Waters analysts. Analyze and evaluate Olam s rebuttals and financial statement presentations and disclosures. Based on your analysis, which side would have the upper hand, and how has the stock and performance of Olam performed to date? You may use PowerPoint or a slide presentation software of your choice. Include speaker notes of 75-100 words for each slide, which describe your approach to the issues and your solution of the recognition problems described in the case. Your presentation should meet the following requirements:
Module 2 Be 10-12 slides in length Include 75- to 100-word speaker notes per slide Be formatted (both slides and speaker notes) according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Option #2: Olam Corporation: Accounting for Biological Assets (Critical Essay) Read Accounting for Biological Assets (see link in assignment). Address the following topics/questions in a 5- to 6-page critical essay. Review the Case Analysis guidelines (linked in the assignment) for guidance on how to analyze a case. Describe the accounting for biological assets process per IFRS standards and compare it to Singaporean FS 41 and to corresponding U.S. GAAP. Describe the issues facing Olam Corporation contextually and financially. Analyze and evaluate the merit of arguments made by Muddy Waters analysts. Analyze and evaluate Olam s rebuttals and financial statement presentations and disclosures. Based on your analysis, which side do you find has the upper hand, and how has the stock and performance of Olam performed to date? Your critical essay should meet the following requirements: Be 5-6 pages in length, not including the title and references pages Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Carlozo, L. (2016, September). How to keep compliance and ethics on target. CGMA Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.cgma.org/magazine/2016/sep/ethics-and-compliancemanagement-201615217.html Global Reporting Initiative. (2016, February 3). Making the connection: The real effect of ESG on corporate financial performance. Retrieved from https://www.globalreporting.org/information/news-and-press-center/pages/real-effect-of-esgon-corporate-financial-performance.aspx Shimamoto, D. (2017). How accountants can empower better project management. CGMA Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.cgma.org/magazine/issues/2017/may/better-projectmanagement.html White, S. (2017). Stewardship of a $1 billion budget. CGMA Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.cgma.org/magazine/issues/2017/may/unfpa-governance-subhash-gupta.html Critical Thinking (75 points) Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: The Business Case for Integrated Reporting: Insights from Leading Practitioners, Regulators, and Academics (Presentation) Read the case study: The Business Case for Integrated Reporting: Insights from Leading Practitioners, Regulators, and Academics (linked in the assignment).
Module 3 Prepare a 10- to 12-slide presentation that addresses the following topics: All objectives of integrated reporting, as stated by IIRC Internal and external benefits of the Integrated Reporting Model, as observed in the South African context Similarities and differences among the Integrated Reporting Model, the scorecard, and the CSR and sustainability reporting models Include speaker notes describing your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems. Your presentation should meet the following requirements: Be 10-12 slides in length Include 75- to 100-word speaker notes per slide Be formatted (both slides and speaker notes) according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA You may use PowerPoint or a slide presentation software of your choice. Option #2: The Business Case for Integrated Reporting: Insights from Leading Practitioners, Regulators, and Academics (Critical Essay) Read the case study: The Business Case for Integrated Reporting: Insights from Leading Practitioners, Regulators, and Academics (see link in the assignment). Write a 5- to 6-page critical essay that addresses the following topics: All objectives of integrated reporting, as stated by IIRC Internal and external benefits of the Integrated Reporting Model, as observed in the South African context Similarities and differences among the Integrated Reporting Model, the scorecard, and the CSR and sustainability reporting models Include a description of your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the case. Your critical essay should meet the following requirements: Be 5-6 pages in length, not including the title and references pages Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Journal of Accountancy. (2017, June). Memories of the CPA exam: Here is what it s been like to take the exam over the decades. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/jun/cpa-exam-memories.html Vien, C. L. (2017, May). Rethinking retention. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/may/rethinking-retention.html faculty.uml.edu/gjoseph. (2017, Oct. 1). Comparing accounting certifications. Retrieved from o http://faculty.uml.edu/gjoseph/resources/acct_cert_100407.pdf Half, R. (2017, May 23). CPA vs CMA: Which is the best certification for you? Retrieved from https://www.roberthalf.com/finance/blog/cpa-or-cma-which-certification-is-right-for-you
Vollmer, S. (2017, January). How to sponsor diversity in the leadership ranks. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/jan/diversity-in-leadership-ranks.html Critical Thinking (75 points) Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: Controversy Over Executive Remuneration at BP (Presentation) Read the case study: Controversy Over Executive Remuneration at BP (see link in assignment). Prepare a 10- to 12-slide presentation that addresses the following questions: How would you describe BP and its position within the oil and gas industry? Using the assumptions made by the company, is the compensation package justified? Explain your position based on the company s history, position, and market indicators. What arguments do the board members have for and against the compensation package? What flaws, if any, might be inherent in using Bob Dudley s or Royal London s arguments? Would you recommend that Bob Dudley receive compensation, or would you side with the board? Include speaker notes describing your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the case. Your presentation should meet the following requirements: Be 10-12 slides in length Include 75- to 100-word speaker notes per slide Be formatted (both slides and speaker notes) according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA You may use PowerPoint or a slide presentation software of your choice. Option #2: Controversy Over Executive Remuneration at BP (Critical Essay) Read the case study: Controversy Over Executive Remuneration at BP (see link in assignment). Write a 5- to 6-page critical essay that addresses the following questions: How would you describe BP and its position within the oil and gas industry? Using the assumptions made by the company, is the compensation package justified? Explain your position based on the company s history, position, and market indicators. What arguments do the board members have for and against the compensation package? What flaws, if any, might be inherent in using Bob Dudley s or Royal London s arguments? Would you recommend that Bob Dudley receive compensation, or would you side with the board? case. Include a description of your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the
Module 4 Your critical essay should meet the following requirements: Be 5-6 pages in length, not including the title and references pages Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Joint Committee on Taxation. (2017, March 15). Overview of the Federal Tax System as in effect for 2017 (JCX-17-17). Retrieved from https://www.jct.gov/publications.html?func=startdown&id=4989 Jordan, C. E. (2016). FASB's new standard for classifying deferred taxes. CPA Journal, 86(7), 22-23. Pitman, M. K., Campbell, L., & Martin, K. (2017, June). U.S. tax and FASB s new paradigm for revenue recognition. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/jun/revenue-recognition-taximplications.html Reiling, H. B. (2010, August 30). Limited liability companies. Retrieved from https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/product/298097-pdf-eng University of Notre Dame. (n.d.). Capitalizing operating leases. Retrieved from https://www3.nd.edu/~jstiver/investment%20club/capitalizing%20operating%20leases%20(no %20principal%20reduction).doc Wheeler Spencer, A., & Webb, T. Z. (2015). Leases: A review of contemporary academic literature relating to leases. Accounting Horizons, 25(4), 997-1023. doi:10.2308/acch-51239 Critical Thinking (75 points) Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: Sticks and Stones? How Companies Respond to "Tax Shaming" (Presentation) Read the case study: Sticks and Stones? How Companies Respond to "Tax Shaming" (see link in assignment). Prepare a 10- to 12-slide presentation that addresses the following topics: Discuss the tax issues faced by executives at Google, Microsoft, and Apple in various jurisdictions. Analyze these issues based on your knowledge of corporate taxation in the United States and within international contexts. Describe violations and suggest proper tax treatment. Explain the differences between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Explain some reasons why corporate tax planning would be considered an application of Corporate Social Responsibility. Include speaker notes describing your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the case. Your presentation should meet the following requirements: Be 10-12 slides in length
Module 5 Include 75- to 100-word speaker notes per slide Be formatted (both slides and speaker notes) according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA You may use PowerPoint or a slide presentation software of your choice. Option #2: Sticks and Stones? How Companies Respond to "Tax Shaming" (Critical Essay) Read the case study: Sticks and Stones? How Companies Respond to "Tax Shaming" (see link in assignment). Prepare a 5- to 6-page critical essay addressing the tax issues faced by executives at Google, Microsoft, and Apple in various jurisdictions: Analyze these issues based on your knowledge of corporate taxation in the United States and within international contexts. Describe violations and suggest proper tax treatment. Explain the differences between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Explain some reasons why corporate tax planning would be considered an application of Corporate Social Responsibility. Explain and support your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the case. Your critical essay should meet the following requirements: Be 5-6 pages in length, not including the title and references pages Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Andrews, C. P., & LeBlanc, B. P. (2013, July 31). Fraud hotlines: Don t miss that call. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2013/aug/20127043.html Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. (2014). Fraud triangle. Retrieved from http://www.acfe.com/fraud-triangle.aspx Baysden, C. (2013, October 31). Q&A: Top issues in business valuation. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2013/nov/20138199.html McNeal, A. (2013, July 31). What is your fraud IQ? Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2013/aug/20137338.html Critical Thinking (75 points) Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: The Expert Witness Dilemma (Presentation) Read the case study: The Expert Witness Dilemma (see link in assignment). Prepare a 10- to 12-slide presentation that explains: your position and justification as an expert witness in consideration of arguments and realities faced by Dr. Jonathan Strauss, and
your approach to the issues and your solution to the recognized problems described in the case. Include speaker notes describing your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the case. Your presentation should meet the following requirements: Be 10-12 slides in length Include 75- to 100-word speaker notes per slide Be formatted (both slides and speaker notes) according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA You may use PowerPoint or a slide presentation software of your choice. Option #2: The Expert Witness Dilemma (Critical Essay) Read the case study: The Expert Witness Dilemma (see link in assignment). Prepare a 5- to 6-page critical essay that explains: your position and justification as an expert witness in consideration of arguments and realities faced by Dr. Jonathan Strauss, and your approach to the issues and your solution to the recognized problems described in the case Your critical essay should meet the following requirements: Be 5-6 pages in length, not including the title and references pages Be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Portfolio Milestone (50 points) Be sure to review the Portfolio Project description and grading rubric in the Module 8 folder for details. Option #1: Greece s Debt: Sustainable? For the Portfolio Project due in Week 8, read the case study: Greece's Debt: Sustainable? (see link in assignment). This week, begin to consider the solutions you will recommend for the issues described in the case. Specifically, start by researching the country and its debt situation to gain an overview of the competitive structure of Greece s industries and its financial situation. Explore the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), U.S. GAAP, and International Public- Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to understand their classification of debt. Submit a one-page outline to your instructor that includes the following (and which will become the sections of your case solution presentation): Abstract Problem statement outline Preliminary resources and tools to be used Option #2: Johansen's: The New Scorecard System For the Portfolio Project due in Week 8, read the case study: Johansen's: The New Scorecard System (see link in assignment).
Module 6 This week, address the issues within the case. Specifically, incorporate research on the company and its employees performance situation, and provide a thorough analysis of the evaluation of managers in the company. Explore various methods of employee evaluation and compare them to the proposed or adopted method. Submit a one-page outline to your instructor that includes the following (and which will become the sections of your case solution presentation): Abstract Problem statement outline Preliminary resources and tools to be used 107th U.S. Congress. (2002). Public Law 107-204. Retrieved from http://www.sec.gov/about/laws/soa2002.pdf Balia, D. R., & Wodka, A. J. (2014). Delving into COSO's updated framework for internal controls: Are you ready? NACD Directorship, 40(4), 7. Law360. (2010). A second look at FCPA and SOX. Retrieved from http://www.law360.com/articles/158470/a-second-look-at-fcpa-and-sox Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. (2017). Rules of the board. Retrieved from http://pcaobus.org/rules/pages/default.aspx Vasarhelyi, M. A., Warren Jr., J. D., Teeter, R. A., & Titera, W. R. (2014, April). Embracing the automated audit. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2014/apr/automated-audits-20127039.html Critical Thinking (75 points) Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: Case: Colorado & Utah Canyons Tour Company (Presentation) Read the Colorado & Utah Canyons Tour Company case study (see link in assignment). This case addresses the compilation and preparation of a set of financial statements for a first-year company s operations. In addition to the financial statements listed, prepare a cash flows statement and a compilation report addressed to the owner by the accountant per AICPA standards. Prepare a 10- to 12-slide presentation that includes: an income statement, a statement of owner s equity, a balance sheet, and a cash flows statement per U.S. GAAP, and a compilation report addressed to the owner per AICPA standards. Include speaker notes describing both your approach to preparing the financial statements for the accounts and the balances of each account for each statement. Your presentation should meet the following requirements: Be 10-12 slides in length Include 75- to 100-word speaker notes per slide
Be formatted (both slides and speaker notes) according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA You may use PowerPoint or another slide presentation software of your choice. Option #2: Case: Colorado & Utah Canyons Tour Company (Critical Essay) Read the Colorado & Utah Canyons Tour Company case study (see link in assignment). This case addresses the compilation and preparation of a set of financial statements for a first-year company s operations. In addition to the financial statements listed, prepare a cash flows statement and a compilation report addressed to the owner by the accountant per AICPA standards. Prepare a 5- to 6-page critical essay that includes: an income statement, a statement of owner s equity, a balance sheet, and a cash flows statement per U.S. GAAP, and A compilation report addressed to the owner per AICPA standards. Include explanations of both your approach to preparing the financial statements for the accounts and the balances of each account for each statement. Your critical essay should meet the following requirements: Be 5-6 pages in length, not including the title and references pages Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Module 7 Campbell, T. (2016, March). The bilingual CPA: Are you fluent in IFRS and U.S. GAAP? Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2016/mar/financial-reporting-us-gaap-ifrs.html Lager, S. T., & Hurst, A. J. (2017, July). How to manage risks related to multijurisdictional group audits. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/jul/managing-risks-multijurisdictionalgroup-audits.html Vollmer, S. (2017, July). Assessing the global state of the profession. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/jul/olivia-kirtleyifac-global-accounting-profession.html Module 8 Ovaska-Few, S. (2017, May). Looking at cyber security from the top: Directors must take initiative to make sure a company s crown jewels are protected. Retrieved from http://www.cgma.org/magazine/issues/2017/may/looking-at-cyber-security-from-the-top.html Traina, L. (2016, April). 5 steps CPAS can take to fight hackers. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2016/apr/how-to-fightcomputer-hackers.html
Drew, J. (2017, June). The single factor of most concern in the cloud. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/jun/cloud-securityconcerns-single-sign-on.html Bonner, P. (2017, August 1). 2017 tax software survey. Journal of Accountancy Online. Retrieved from https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2017/aug/2017-tax-software-survey.html Portfolio Project (300 points) Choose one of the following two Portfolio Project assignments. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Option #1: Greece's Debt: Sustainable? Read the case study: Greece's Debt: Sustainable? (see link in assignment). Address your solutions to the issues within the case. Specifically, incorporate research on Greece and its debt situation, and provide a thorough analysis of its financial situation. Use the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), U.S. GAAP, and International Public-Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to understand their classifications of debt. Submit a completed critical essay to your instructor that includes the following: Abstract (summarize and briefly discuss the problem, analysis, and findings) Introduction Problem Statement Analysis and Findings Conclusions and Recommendations. Based on your analysis, what are your recommendations for the country s leaders and creditors? Include a description of your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the case. Your project should meet the following requirements: Be 15-20 pages in length, including the supporting tables, as necessary Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Option #2: Johansen's: The New Scorecard System Read the case study: Johansen's: The New Scorecard System (see link in assignment). Address your solutions to the issues within the case. Specifically, incorporate research on the company and its employees performance situation, and provide a thorough analysis of the evaluation of company management. Explore various methods of employee evaluation and compare them to the proposed or adopted method. Submit a completed critical essay to your instructor that includes the following: Abstract (summarize and briefly discuss the problem, analysis, and findings) Introduction Problem Statement Analysis and Findings Conclusions and Recommendations.
Based on your analysis, what are your recommendations for the company s leaders? Include a description of your approach to the issues and your solutions to the problems described in the case. Your project should meet the following requirements: Be 15-20 pages in length, including the supporting tables, as necessary Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA
COURSE POLICIES Grading Scale Course Grading A 95.0 100 A- 90.0 94.9 B+ 86.7 89.9 B 83.3 86.6 B- 80.0 83.2 C+ 75.0 79.9 C 70.0 74.9 D 60.0 69.9 F 59.9 or below 20% Discussion Participation 45% Critical Thinking Assignments 35% Final Portfolio Project
IN-CLASSROOM POLICIES For information on late work and incomplete grade policies, please refer to our In-Classroom Student Policies and Guidelines or the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-Global institutional policies. Academic Integrity Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, reusing /re-purposing your own work (see CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements for percentage of repurposed work that can be used in an assignment), unauthorized possession of academic materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The CSU-Global Library provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use the Library and Internet resources. Citing Sources with APA Style All students are expected to follow the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style Manual, 6th edition) for all assignments. For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources within the CSU-Global Library under the APA Guide & Resources link. A link to this document should also be provided within most assignment descriptions in your course. Disability Services Statement CSU Global is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability requesting academic accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Coordinator at 720-279-0650 and/or email ada@csuglobal.edu for additional information to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Netiquette Respect the diversity of opinions among the instructor and classmates and engage with them in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner. All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? Maintain an environment free of harassment, stalking, threats, abuse, insults or humiliation toward the instructor and classmates. This includes, but is not limited to, demeaning written or oral comments of an ethnic, religious, age, disability, sexist (or sexual orientation), or racist nature; and the unwanted sexual advances or intimidations by email, or on discussion boards and other postings within or connected to the online classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.