Department of Accounting

Leadership

Yan Sun, Ph.D.
     Chair

Overview

Accounting is the language of business. As organizations become more complex, accountants constantly improve processing, reporting, and interpreting information about organizational activities. Through Saint Louis University's accounting program at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, students gain an understanding of how information is identified, measured, communicated and used. At SLU, accountants train in information processing and analysis, while heavily interacting with others in decision-making and problem-solving in modern business.

Accounting Scholars Program

SLU's Accounting Scholars program is available only to entering first-year students whose high school scholastic achievement or admission test scores, if submitted, demonstrate superior academic potential. Accounting Scholars who complete the program requirements are guaranteed a seat in the Integrated Accounting Program, receive priority consideration for accounting-only scholarships and one-on-one mentoring from SLU's Young Accounting Professionals Board. Accounting Scholars will not be required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) but must formally submit application material to the Integrated Accounting Program to complete their admission.

Requirements

High school seniors applying for admission are reviewed on an individual basis. The best-qualified students are selected from the application pool with a required minimum high school GPA of 3.60 on a 4.00 scale with a high school math GPA of 3.6 after completing at least three years of coursework. Standardized test scores are now optional but recommended; international applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants should note that students accepted in previous years had an average composite 30+ ACT or an average total 1330+ SAT.

To remain in the program, students must:

  • Maintain a minimum 3.40 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of each year
  • Complete select coursework and other activities as determined by the accounting department

Scott Duellman, Ph.D.
Denise Guithues-Amrhein, Ph.D., C.P.A.
Helen Hurwitz, Ph.D., C.P.A.-China
Neil Jansen, MAcc, C.P.A.
Mindy Kim, Ph.D.
Debbie Pike, MBA, C.P.A.
Yan Sun, Ph.D.
Weimin Wang, Ph.D.
Xu (Frank) Wang, Ph.D.
Lei Zhao, Ph.D

ACCT 2200 - Financial Accounting

3 Credits

An introduction to financial reporting of operations, cash flow and financial position of corporate entities through general purpose financial statements. Emphasis is placed on the real-world environment of business and the use of financial accounting information for management decision making.

Prerequisite(s): (Minimum Earned Credits of 30, BIZ 1000, or BIZ 1001)

Attributes: Business Common Body Knowledge

ACCT 2220 - Accounting for Decision Making

3 Credits

Introduction to the design and use of accounting information within an organization. Emphasis is placed on cost and revenue analysis for planning and control of organizational units and activities.

Prerequisite(s): (ACCT 2200 and BIZ 1002 with a grade of S or higher)

Attributes: Business Common Body Knowledge

ACCT 2930 - Special Topics

3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ACCT 2980 - Independent Study

1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Permission of the department chair.

ACCT 3060 - Accounting and Business Consulting

3 Credits

The goal of this course is to introduce cross-disciplinary advisory and consulting services to students. This course includes various real world case studies using quantitative and analytical techniques. Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to understand the relation between accounting and business consulting and develop critical skills useful for consulting practice.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 2200 with a grade of C or higher and BIZ 1002 with a grade of S or higher

Attributes: Accounting Major Requirement, Consulting and Advisory Conc

ACCT 3110 - Financial Reporting I

3 Credits

This course is the first in a three-course sequence which provides an overview of accounting and external financial reporting. Significant emphasis is given to the analysis and communication of accounting information. As the individual topics are discussed, students will be expected to identify and explain the significance of related accounting concepts and conventions. Particular attention is given to a study of the body of generally accepted accounting principles concerned with the recognition and matching of revenues and expenses to determine accounting net income and the related issues of asset measurement.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 2200 with a grade of C or higher; 0 Course from 1000-5999

Attributes: Accounting Major Requirement, Consulting and Advisory Conc, Public Accounting Conc, Finance Major Fin Analysis Req

ACCT 3160 - International Accounting for Global Organizations

3 Credits

An introduction to understanding and analyzing the managerial and financial accounting function from an international perspective, focusing on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The course content will familiarize you with international accounting regulations and practices as well as expose you to some of the current research on the harmonization of worldwide accounting standards.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 2200; 0 Course from 1000-5999

Attributes: Int Bus Major Breadth Elective

ACCT 3220 - Cost Management

3 Credits

The study of modern techniques for active management of operating costs to achieve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Specific topics include: Cost-Volume-Profit analysis, Just-in-time, identification of cost drivers, life cycle costing and strategic cost management issues.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 2220 with a grade of C or higher; (ITM 2500 or BTM 2500); 0 Course from 1000-5999

Attributes: Accounting Major Requirement, Accounting Minor Elective, Consulting and Advisory Conc, Public Accounting Conc

ACCT 3930 - Special Topics

3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ACCT 3980 - Independent Study

1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Permission of the department chair.

ACCT 4110 - Financial Reporting II

3 Credits

This course is the second in a three-course sequence which provides an overview of accounting and external financial reporting. Particular attention is given to the study of generally accepted accounting principles and authoritative pronouncements concerning measurement and reporting of an entity's liabilities, equity and cash flow.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 3110 with a grade of C or higher

Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Accounting or Finance:Fin Analysis Track.

Attributes: Accounting Major Requirement, Accounting Minor Elective, Consulting and Advisory Conc, Public Accounting Conc, Finance Major Fin Analysis Req

ACCT 4200 - Accounting Data Analytics

3 Credits

The goal of this course is to help students develop an analytical mindset and provide hands-on experience to further develop their analytical skills. The course focuses on diagnosing problems and issues, analyzing relevant information, making responsible and ethical decisions, and reporting decision results and recommendations. It synthesizes theory and application to prepare students for real-world accounting practice.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4110

Attributes: Consulting and Advisory Conc

ACCT 4250 - Accounting Information Systems

3 Credits

Study of the theoretical and practical aspects of designing and utilizing financial information systems. Particular attention is directed to internal financial controls and auditing electronic data procesing systems.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 3110 with a grade of C or higher; (ITM 2000 or BTM 2000)

Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Accounting.

Attributes: Accounting Major Requirement, Accounting Minor Elective, Consulting and Advisory Conc, Public Accounting Conc, BTM Major Standard Elective, BTM Major AES Elective

ACCT 4300 - Federal Income Tax I

3 Credits

This course introduces the student to federal income taxation. It is designed to provide the student with a framework to understand the structure of the Federal Income Tax system, to integrate income tax planning into business decisions, and to evaluate future changes to the income tax system (such changes are ongoing and inevitable). This course is also intended to provide a base for the student's future study of advanced tax topics.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 3110 with a grade of C or higher

Attributes: Accounting Major Requirement, Accounting Minor Elective, Consulting and Advisory Conc, Public Accounting Conc

ACCT 4400 - Auditing

3 Credits

Theory and application of standards and procedures used by independent certified public accountants in verifying business data to render an opinion and report on financial statements of the entity being examined. The duties, responsibilities and ethics of the auditor (CPA) and auditing standards are discussed.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4110* with a grade of C or higher and ACCT 4250* with a grade of C or higher

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Accounting.

Attributes: Accounting Major Requirement, Consulting and Advisory Conc, Public Accounting Conc

ACCT 4910 - Accounting Internship

1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course can be used as elective credit. Participants will have the opportunity to develop new skills through experiential learning under the direction of a skilled practitioner. The arrangements for the working relationship must be established prior to the assignment.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 3110 with a grade of C or higher, BTM 2500 with a grade of C or higher, and BIZ 3000 with a grade of C or higher; BIZ 3000

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Accounting.

Attributes: UUC:Reflection-in-Action

ACCT 4930 - Special Topics

3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ACCT 4980 - Advanced Independent Study in Accounting

1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Permission of the department chair.

ACCT 5010 - Accounting for Managers

3 Credits

This course covers various topics on financial accounting and management accounting. At completion of the course, students are expected to have a thorough understanding of the information contained in a set of financial statements and how to interpret and use this information. Students are also expected to understand the fundamentals of management accounting.

Attributes: MBA Foundation

ACCT 5901 - Masters in Accounting Study Abroad

3 Credits

The course covers selected current topics in accounting. The course is taught as part of the Masters in Accounting Study Abroad program and requires travel.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4110

ACCT 5910 - Masters in Accounting Internship

1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in a Master of Accounting degree.

ACCT 5930 - Special Topics

3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4400

ACCT 5980 - Graduate Independent Study in Accounting

1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ACCT 6030 - Contemporary Financial Reporting

3 Credits

This course is a study of advanced level topics on business analysis and reporting, including fair value accounting, equity-based compensation, leases, post-retirement benefits, financial risk management and derivatives. The course also introduces students to new developments in financial reporting. It is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the structure, features, and limitations of financial reports and learn to use analytical and quantitative tools to process and analyze accounting information.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4110

ACCT 6110 - Financial Reporting III

3 Credits

A study of advanced accounting topics including: accounting for business combinations (mergers and acquisitions), preparation of consolidated financial statements and specific issues related to intercompany investments; accounting for selected international events (e.g., foreign currency transactions, translation of financial statements of foreign affiliates, and the use of forward exchange contracts); significant coverage of accounting for not-for-profit entities; and other selected topics of current interest. Discussion of ethical implications will be included in many of these topics.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4110

ACCT 6160 - International Accounting

3 Credits

Multidimensional examination of worldwide accounting principles and practices. Comparative study of the profession in response to various socioeconomic environments. Theories of national practices and progress toward uniformity of accounting auditing, reporting standards. Problems of multinational corporation, inventory methods, currency translations, consolidated statements, price adjustments, transfer prices, taxes, and treaties.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 5010

ACCT 6190 - Financial Statement Analysis

3 Credits

This course is designed to integrate the conceptual framework of accounting with analytical and critical thinking skills to understand how to use financial statements in business analysis and valuation. This integration focuses on how financial statement users (both internal and external) evaluate profitability and risks, detect frauds and accounting manipulations, make forecasts, and value a business. This course includes various case studies using analytical and quantitative techniques. Students also get exposure to related academic accounting research.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4110

ACCT 6200 - Accounting Data Analytics

3 Credits

The goal of this course is to help students develop an analytical mindset and provide hands-on experience to further develop their analytical skills. The course focuses on diagnosing problems and issues, analyzing relevant information, making responsible and ethical decisions, and reporting decision results and recommendations. It synthesizes theory and application to prepare students for real-world accounting practice.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4110

ACCT 6320 - Fed Income Tax: Flow-Thru Ent

3 Credits

A study of federal Income tax as it applies to entities other than individuals, including partnerships, corporations, decedents, estates, trusts, and retirement plans. Fundamentals of estate and gift taxation are also considered.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4300

ACCT 6340 - Fed Income Tax: Corp

3 Credits

The primary focus of this course is business taxation. It is imperative for students to achieve a conceptual grasp of how businesses are taxed. Without careful planning, businesses shoulder heavier tax burdens than necessary. The objective of this course is to gain a solid understanding of the impact of taxes on corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. Students will also engage in tax planning that will enable them to provide valuable advice for businesses in terms of tax reduction strategies. This course is essential for students wishing to pass the CPA exam.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4300

ACCT 6350 - State and Local Taxation

3 Credits

The objective of this course is to provide an overview of the principles of state and local taxation and a more specific sampling of Missouri (and occasionally) Illinois state tax issues.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4300

ACCT 6380 - Wealth Preservation

3 Credits

Methods utilized by estate owner in planning family security and benefits from the estate. Examines impact of Subtitle B of the Internal Revenue Code and sections of the code relating to transfer of property for charitable purposes. Minimizing current and future taxes and preserving estate values is a primary consideration.

Prerequisite(s): (ACCT 4300 and ACCT 6310)

ACCT 6390 - International Taxation

3 Credits

Covers interaction of the U.S. tax system with foreign tax systems. Comparative analysis of alternative tax systems is also covered. Special emphasis is given to topics in foreign tax credit planning and Subpart F.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 6340

ACCT 6440 - Advanced Audit

3 Credits

The objective of this course is to allow students an opportunity to build upon the knowledge and principles of auditing to engage in a simulated audit. This will help students: (i) enhance understanding and align auditing concepts with the practice of an audit; (ii) allign assertions and specific audit procedures to be performed; (iii) practice audit risk assessment, both at the macro level in regards to client acceptance and at a more detail level in using the audit risk model to assess sufficient, appropriate audit evidence; (iv) apply audit sampling concepts to conduct audit testing of controls,transactions, analytical procedures, and details of balances; (v) prepare an audit report and apply professional guidance; (vi) develop project management and presentation skills and work in a team environment.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4400 with a grade of C or higher

ACCT 6450 - Accounting Ethics, Fraud and Forensic Accounting

3 Credits

This course will be a study of the various dimensions of fraud and forensic accounting with an emphasis on situational ethics. Students will be exposed to case studies that will provide a framework for ethical decision-making when faced with compliance with GAAP and other standards of the accounting profession. It is intended to be an overview course that will expose students to the emerging discipline of forensic accounting.

Prerequisite(s): ACCT 4400

ACCT 6850 - Accounting Capstone

3 Credits

This course is designed to prepare students for the CPA exam. The course will use Becker CPA exam review material to assist students in passing the CPA exam. The course has three objectives: (i) to help students apply and synthesize the vast amount of material in the BS in Accounting and MACC curricula; ii) to cover additional exam related material not covered in previous courses, and (iii) to help the student pass the uniform CPA exam on the first attempt. To meet these objectives, the course is delivered in three modules: Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), and Auditing and Attestation (AUD).

ACCT 6930 - Special Topics

1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ACCT 6980 - Graduate Independent Study in Accounting

1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)