Course Description
The Introduction to Accounting Distance course is designed to give the student a basic
understanding of accounting as it is used in business today. To master the skills and concepts
presented in this course is to become equipped with valuable tools that enable one to relate to,
and interact with, the world of business, bookkeeping, and fiscal management. The student will
not only learn how to collect and record accounting information, but also how to use this
information to make effective business decisions. In addition, the method of delivery used in this
distance course will also serve to reinforce valuable Information Technology skills that are
becoming increasingly important as this technology develops and spreads in its business
applications. Naturally, this course serves as excellent preparation for further studies in
business-related subjects, and is a prerequisite for the OAC Accounting Course.
Course Rationale
Accurate financial records are essential to all business, government, and personal economic
activities. A knowledge of accounting principles and an understanding of accounting applications
can help students maintain accurate financial records. This accounting knowledge can lead to a
career in one of the accounting professions or in an accounting related field as well as being of
considerable value to self-employed business people. This introductory advanced level course is
designed to help students understand theoretical principles, practical applications, and
substantive content. The focus for students is on academic preparation and provides
opportunities, not only to know, comprehend, and apply accounting concepts, but also to
analyze, synthesize, and evaluate financial data.
Course Aims
Students will:
Students will: 1. develop an understanding of the accounting terms, principles, and procedures that are encountered in personal and business financial affairs;
2. develop an understanding of the uses and significance associated with accounting information and financial statements/reports;
3. examine and understand the various tasks and objectives within the accounting cycle for both a service and a merchandising firm;
4. develop an understanding of several fundamental accounting-related careers;
5. develop an understanding of potential areas of further study associated with the field of accounting;
6. develop sound and effective work habits, attitudes, and values such as would be expected within a business environment;
7. develop valuable information technology skills, specifically those related to:
8. identify and discuss issues, values and conflicts typically involved within business decisions;
9. develop effective written communication skills through online group discussion and emailed questions and assignments;
10. develop the ability to think critically, arrive at decisions using reason and intuition, and apply problem-solving models to relevant situations;
11. develop effective research and presentation skills through the completion of an independent research report and several case studies;
12. develop the ability to critically evaluate one’s own progress through the completion of a variety of readings, assigned topic problems, and sample tests; and 13. develop self-confidence and self-reliance through the independent completion of the course requirements outside of the highly structured and supervised environment found within a conventional classroom setting.
| Unit | Title | Course % | Hours (Standard) | Hours (Distance) |
| 1 | Accounting cycle for a service business | 42 % | 46 | 37.64 |
| 2 | Accounting cycle for a merchandising business | 15 % | 16 | 13.09 |
| 3 | Subsidiary Ledgers | 8 % | 9 | 7.36 |
| 4 | Columnar Journals | 10 % | 11 | 9 |
| 5 | Cash Control and Banking | 10 % | 11 | 9 |
| 6 | Financial Statement Analysis | 10 % | 11 | 9 |
| 7 | Accounting related Careers | 5 % | 6 | 4.91 |
| ------ | ------ | ------ | ||
| 100 % | 110 | 90 |
Text:
Accounting 1 , 6th Edition,
G.E. Syme and T.W. Ireland
© 2000, Prentice Hall Canada Inc.
Course Web Site:
http://www.newlearner.com
Units and Topics Covered
Section #1:
Establishing a Business
The Accounting Equation
Using Accounts
Bookkeeping
Preparing Financial Statements
Completing the Accounting Cycle
Section #2:
Computer Applications
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Payable
Petty Cash
Merchandising Firms
Section #3:
Banking Applications
Adjusting Entries
Analyzing Financial Statements
Mark Breakdown:
Conventional Course:
Tests = 30%
Case Studies = 10%
Homework Assignments = 20%
Mid Term Exam = 15
Research Project = 5%
Final Exam = 20
Distance Course:
Case Studies = 5%
Homework & Assignments = 20%
Tests and Quizzes = 10%
Mid Term Exam = 30%
Research Project = 5%
Final Exam = 30%
Conventional BSS Summer Academy Policies and Guidelines
Dress Code:
Hours:
Library:
Computers:
General Expectations and Procedures:
Distance Course Policies and Guidelines
Assignments and Projects:
1) All case study assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned day.
2) Late assignments will be penalized 10% per day, up to a maximum of 50%.
3) Extensions on assignment due dates can be granted if the student can present sufficient grounds for an extension at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline.
4) All work must be neat and accurate, word processing of major assignments is required, as these assignments must be emailed. Students must use either MS Works or MS WORD for course assignments.
5) All borrowed information must be properly documented using the stipulated citation procedure. Plagiarism is an offence and will result in an automatic grade of zero for the assignment.
6) Spelling and grammar will be figured into the grade of every written assignment (up to a maximum of 20% of the mark). There is no substitute for a well written paper.
Homework, Tests and Exams:
7) All students are expected to complete homework assignments on the set date. The course instructor will inquire about random figures within the homework assignments in order to determine whether the homework has been completed, and whether it has been completed correctly.
8) All case studies are to be completed and submitted before, or during, the assigned due date.
9) There are no official tests within the distance course, only a mid-term and a final exam. However, the student will write self-supervised open-book tests in order to monitor his/her progress. These tests only count for 10% of the final grade in total, so there is not much point in cheating on them.
10) If the student is found to have cheated on an exam, test, or an exercise, an automatic zero will be
awarded for the test mark.