About This Course
Information technology is pervasive in almost every business process.
Integration of new technology has introduced new risks and drastically
changed the internal control environment that accountants and auditors
face. Many traditional controls are no longer relevant, and more
importantly, no longer effective. This course will examine risks
associated with information technology and focus on effective means
for controlling that risk. Implications for the audit of new information
technologies will also be examined.
It is no secret that today’s employers
expect employees to possess a high level of understanding of information
technology. The International Federation of Accountants states “all
professional accountants, irrespective of their primary work domain
or role, must acquire both relevant theoretical and practical IT
skills.” The Big 5 public accounting firms indicate that the
fastest growing area of their revenue is in information security
and risk practices. This course will begin your journey of lifelong
learning about such knowledge and skills.
Course Delivery
Method
This course is being delivered in a way
that is different from any other accounting course you have taken.
While we will meet in the classroom, we will be making extensive
use of the Internet as a delivery and learning tool. One advantage
of this method is that to a great degree, you can complete the
preparation whenever and wherever you choose (within reason!).
The course schedule provides a list of
topics we will be exploring this semester. From this schedule
you can access specific daily teaching plans. You should complete
the readings and activities listed in the daily teaching plans.
We will use virtual class discussions
to allow experts from across the country to share their expertise
with us. This will be accomplished through a software package
called Blackboard.
You will note in several daily teaching plans a requirement to
participate in an online chat. These chats will be a part of your
final course grade. You can choose to join us in the lab on those
days or participate from the comfort of your own living room.
Transcripts of the chat sessions
will be made available for later viewing as well.
