Course Information

Course No:  690519

Course Name:  CPA Guide to Computers and Information Technology

Field of Study:    Computer Software & Applications

Course Description:  

The course covers what every accountant should know about computers and information systems and technology. The practical and efficient use of computer technology is highlighted. Popular accounting, compliance, taxes, audit, software packages are discussed, along with trends in the computer market. The importance of information system and data protection, data bases, client/server computing, and cloud computing are discussed, with an emphasis on security issues. The course also teaches you how to make lease-rent-purchase decisions and analyze and evaluate information technology (IT) investments.

Learning objectives: After completing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify components of an accounting information system.
  • Recognize characteristics of accounting, tax, and audit software.
  • Recognize the purpose of extensible business reporting language (XBRL).
  • Recognize the function of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) systems.
  • Identify the value of managerial software and cash management software.
  • Identify the steps in managing computer security.
  • Recognize failure points for a computer system.
  • Recognize appropriate protective steps for software modification.
  • Recognize technical advantages of cloud computing.
  • Identify business benefits from cloud computing.
  • Identify protective steps for network environments.
  • Identify responsibilities for accountants on a database management system.
  • Recognize database types and terminology.
  • Recognize methods to evaluate technical investments.
  • Recognize the effect of taxes and Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery Systems (MACRS) on capital budgeting decisions.

Course Material: Online Material

Program level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Advance preparation: None

Type of delivery method: QAS Self-study

Recommended CPE credits:   6.0

Final examination expiration date:   The program participant will have one year from the date of purchase to complete the course and final examination.