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Overview

The design, implementation, analysis and monitoring of accounting systems and business processes focusing on the influence of technology and analytics within the context of accounting, and internal controls.

About this paper

Paper title Accounting Information Systems and Analytics
Subject Accounting
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2026 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,053.30
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One of ACCT 211, ACCT 222 or ACCT 260 and 72 further points at 200-level or above
Restriction
ACCT 406
Recommended Preparation
ACCT 102
Schedule C
Commerce
Contact
dinithi.ranasinghe@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff
Dinithi Ranasinghe
Paper Structure
This paper explores business processes and transaction cycles, related internal controls and the use of computers as tools for the collection, organisation, analysis and reporting of accounting data. It includes practical use of MS Access and computerised accounting software XERO. In this paper students also learn current, basic modelling practices used in database design. This paper also provides an introduction to data analytics.

The paper can be divided mainly into four sections, namely:
  • Business processes and cycles, including developing skills in using cloud-based accounting software (XERO)
  • Internal controls, cybercrime, fraud and threats to accounting systems
  • Modelling and implementing a basic accounting system using MS Access
  • Current developments and trends in accounting systems, with particular attention to big data and data analytics
Teaching Arrangements
Lectures, seminars and computer lab sessions.
Textbooks

Richardson, V. J., Chang, C. J. and Smith, R. (2018). Accounting Information Systems. McGraw-Hill Education.

Course outline
View the course outline for ACCT 306
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this paper, students should be able to:

  1. Explain basic concepts of accounting information systems (AIS)
  2. Explain how AIS are used to record and enable business processes and transaction processing
  3. Develop skills in modelling business processes using resources, events and agents (REA); data flow diagrams (DFD); and flowcharts
  4. Evaluate database design, implementation and design queries
  5. Critically evaluate internal controls, fraud, cybercrime and information system controls in a business
  6. Define basic concepts of big data and data analytics
  7. Develop skills in using a cloud accounting system (XERO)
  8. Develop skills in using MS Access

Overview

The design, implementation, analysis and monitoring of accounting systems and business processes focusing on the influence of technology and analytics within the context of accounting, and internal controls.

About this paper

Paper title Accounting Information Systems and Analytics
Subject Accounting
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2027 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One of ACCT 211, ACCT 222 or ACCT 260 and 72 further points at 200-level or above
Restriction
ACCT 406
Recommended Preparation
ACCT 102
Schedule C
Commerce
Contact

accountancyfinance@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff
Associate Professor Dinithi Ranasinghe
Paper Structure

This paper explores business processes and transaction cycles, related internal controls and the use of computers as tools for the collection, organisation, analysis and reporting of accounting data. It includes practical use of MS Access and computerised accounting software XERO. In this paper students also learn current, basic modelling practices used in database design. This paper also provides an introduction to data analytics.

The paper can be divided mainly into four sections, namely:

  • Business processes and cycles, including developing skills in using cloud-based accounting software (XERO)
  • Internal controls, cybercrime, fraud and threats to accounting systems
  • Modelling and implementing a basic accounting system using MS Access
  • Current developments and trends in accounting systems, with particular attention to big data and data analytics
Teaching Arrangements
Lectures, seminars and computer lab sessions.
Textbooks

Richardson, V. J., Chang, C. J. and Smith, R. (2018). Accounting Information Systems. McGraw-Hill Education.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this paper, students should be able to:

  1. Explain basic concepts of accounting information systems (AIS)
  2. Explain how AIS are used to record and enable business processes and transaction processing
  3. Develop skills in modelling business processes using resources, events and agents (REA); data flow diagrams (DFD); and flowcharts
  4. Evaluate database design, implementation and design queries
  5. Critically evaluate internal controls, fraud, cybercrime and information system controls in a business
  6. Define basic concepts of big data and data analytics
  7. Develop skills in using a cloud accounting system (XERO)
  8. Develop skills in using MS Access
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