Before enrolling in Fall 2020 courses, students will need to make sure that they have the technology and equipment necessary for a virtual online classroom (synchronous) and online testing. 

TESTING: ACC has received approval from the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to use ProctorU, a third party exam proctoring service, to provide online exam proctoring services on a temporary basis until normal classroom operations resume. Please use this LINK to find out more information about the technology and equipment requirements (you will need a webcam and a microphone) for this course and taking online exams. The use of Chromebooks and iPads are not compatible with ProctorU. 

For a more detailed syllabus, please review the syllabus posted in Blackboard. This syllabus is intended to be a brief overview of the course and is subject to change. The final syllabus will be posted in Blackboard at the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester.

Course enrollment and registration is handled through the office of Dr. Reed Peoples, Department Chair, Department of Accounting at ACC. Please contact his administrative assistant at 512-223-4800 for specific details on registration requirements, course approval and deadlines. The instructor does not control the registration for this course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of the process of evaluating financial statements and reporting. In addition to analytic techniques, topics include prospective analysis of the enterprise, business valuation, current reporting trends and issues, SEC reporting, segment reporting and full disclosure.

• Credit Hours: 3
• Virtual Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 2

NOTE FROM THE INSTRUCTOR:

This is a 3 credit hour course over the course of a 16 week semester; the lab portion of the course is dedicated to facilitate the group work requirements of this course.  Prospective students should be aware that this course is offered in a format similar to that of a graduate-level course. As such, students are expected to spend approximately 9 - 12 hours per week on course activities (reading the text, researching case studies, completing quizzes, studying for exams, and completing group assignments). Time management will be essential for students. Some students may need to spend more or less time than this based on personal circumstances.

Assignment deadlines are establiished on the first day of class and are strictly enforced unless there are extenuating circumstances as determined by the instructor. Extenuating circumstances are those involving the entire class.

Before enrolling in ACNT 2336, you must have completed ACNT 2304 Intermediate Accounting II or an equivalent course with a “C” or better grade.  Students who have not completed the prerequisite courses or who cannot document completion will be withdrawn from the class.

Basic computer skills utilizing internet, word processing, spreadsheet (Excel), and presentation (Power Point) software are recommended for all accounting courses. Generally, all assignments are to be prepared on the computer and presented in a format that would be acceptable in a professional, business environment.  Access to computers is available at the college. Wi-Fi access is available in the parking lots at selected campuses.

Financial Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis, and Valuation: A Strategic Perspective, 9 edition; James Wahlen, Stephen Baginski, and Mark Bradshaw. Cengage Publishing. Digital version including MindTap.

This course is part of an inclusive access model called First Day™. You can easily access the required materials for this course at a discounted price, and benefit from single sign-on access with no codes required in Blackboard.  Austin Community College will include the discounted price as a part of a course charge for this course.

It is NOT recommended that you Opt-Out, as these materials are required to complete the course. You can choose to Opt-Out on the first day of class, but you will be responsible for purchasing your course materials at the full retail price and access to your materials may be suspended.

For more information and FAQs go to customercare.bncollege.com.

The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to the class schedule as necessary in order to enhance achievement of Student Learning Outcomes.

Course Requirements:

• Active, meaningful participation in class discussion and activities.

• Completing assigned homework assignments.

• Successfully completing exams and quizzes.

• Completing a comprehensive financial analysis for a publicly traded company.

Academic Calendar/Due Dates

First day of classes                                                     Mon, Aug 24

Labor Day                                                                    Mon, Sept 7

Day of Record                                                             Wed, Sept 9

Election Day                                                                Tue, Nov 3

Last day to drop with a ‘W’                                          Thur, Nov 19

Thanksgiving Holidays                                                 Thur, Nov 26 – Sun, Nov 29

Last day of classes                                                      Sun, Dec 13

            Grades Due                                                                  Wed, Dec 16

The final course grade, based on points accumulated throughout the course, will be determined by a combination of individual activities (75%) and group activities (25%). Students are required to participate in group activities. The following table describes the major performance activities for this course and expected weightings for each activity:

Your grade will be determined by an assessment of your success in engaging the subject matter.  The following point scale is used to determine the course grade:

Grade Change Policies: Click on this link to view the policy. See Student Handbook: www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies2.htm

ABSOLUTELY NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

UNIT A: ACCOUNTING QUALITY, FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FORECASTING

Chapter 6 - Accounting Quality

Chapter 7 - Financing Activities

Chapter 8 - Investing Activities

Chapter 9 - Operating Activities

Chapter 10 - Forecasting Financial Statements

UNIT B: FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK, PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS, RISK ANALYSIS

Chapter 1 - Overview of Financial Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis, and Valuation

Chapter 2 - Asset and Liablity Valuation and Income Recognition

Chapter 3 - Income Flows versus Cash Flows: Understanding the Statement of Cash Flows

Chapter 4 - Profitability Analysis

Chapter 5 - Risk Analysis

UNIT C: VALUATION

Brief Discussion of various valuation techniques.

Instructional Methodology:

The objectives of this course will be met by incorporating a variety of instructional methods.  These may include exams and quizzes, group activities, student presentations, written analysis, and research.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to analyze and interpret the financial statements and related footnotes for publicly traded companies through:

1. The evaluation of the quality of the financial information.

2. Vertical and horizontal analysis.

3. Ratio analysis of liquidity, solvency, risk and profitability.

4. Strategic analysis.

1. Prospective analysis.

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

If you would like additional information regarding the ACC concealed handgun policy, please see the complete policy online at Campus Carry.

Austin Community College has received the designation of Qualifying Educational Credit for the Uniform CPA Examination by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board).  This course meets the requirement for an Accounting Ethics course as required by the Board.  Please review the information on our website. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with the requirements of the Board.

To become a CPA in Texas, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree that includes 150 hours of college credit, including 36 hours of accounting, an approved 3 credit hour accounting ethics course and 24 credit hours of business courses.  Passage of the Uniform CPA Exam and appropriate supervision by a CPA are also required.

H.B. 1508 Disclosure:  To become a CPA in Texas, the Board has a statutory obligation (The Public Accountancy Act, Chapter 901 of the Occupations Code, Section 901.253) to determine that any person awarded a Texas CPA certificate is of good moral character.  Good moral character is demonstrated by the lack of a history of dishonest or felonious acts. The Board considers several areas in evaluating an applicant's moral character. These include

·         Responses to questions on the application relating to arrests, charges, convictions, probations and/or deferred adjudications of a felony or misdemeanor other than misdemeanor driving offenses such as moving violations (NOTE: DWIs are not considered misdemeanor driving offenses).

·         The Board will access the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division files using an established fingerprint process for each person who submits an Application of Intent. The fingerprint process allows the Board to receive information on all arrests, charges, convictions, probations and deferred adjudications of misdemeanor and felony offenses that occur in any U.S. state or territory. Records of these activities are reported to the Board for further investigation. If an applicant was 17 years of age or older at the time of the arrest, it should be reported to the Board. You are not required to report criminal records that have been expunged or sealed by an order of the court. You are required to report criminal records subject to a non-disclosure order.  Any subsequent arrest will automatically be reported to the Board for further investigation.

For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the criminal background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas.  If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.

With the dramatic change in how instruction and student affairs function during
the pandemic, the following is a (temporary) revision to the standard college
policies. Note that there have been significant changes to incomplete,
withdrawal, and other policies that would be under the course-specific section of
the syllabus and are not included here.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Campus Operations
To limit the spread of COVID-19, ACC campuses remain closed to all but faculty,
essential staff, and students who are enrolled in certain Career and Technical
Education courses.   Face-to-face classes and services are limited.

Statement on Academic Integrity
Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.
Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process,
present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the
academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent
credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond
campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic
achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of
their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or
designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement
assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic
dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication,
collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s
information technology resources.  Further information is available at
https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process
 
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of
the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly,
petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right
to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the
same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment.
Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the
values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws.
www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the
Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-
rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements
Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are
required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment,
sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC
student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require
reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual
misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot
keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with
them.
 
If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District
Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any
ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:
 https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .
While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the
Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX
Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .
 
If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact
the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.
 
Student Complaints
A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college
employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college
personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible,
students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with
those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal
resolution cannot be achieved.
 
Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding
classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or
perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.
 
Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to
submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-
rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures
 
Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality
of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the
phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.
 
Class grades should be posted in Blackboard, and this could be mentioned here.
 
Recording Policy
To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally
prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification
of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for
approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
 
Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to
facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard
Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent
for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings
are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement
Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and
field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC
environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety
policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted
in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.
All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be
immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety
procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be
found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency
 
Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and
courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health
or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s
activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary
action.
 
In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency
situation or a continuing illness outbreak, the format for this course may be
modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be
provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original
version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures
compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known
as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a
safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1,
2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus
premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or
the college’s concealed handgun policy.
   
It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.
Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police
Department by dialing 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun
policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry
 
Discrimination Prohibited
The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of
discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or
harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender,
sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
 
Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual
misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based
discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed
clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential
resources for students.
 
Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found
in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view
 
Use of ACC email
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s
ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in
a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of
any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only
expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.
Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with
instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including
instructions for accessing it, are available at:
http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers
 
Use of the Testing Center

All testing is currently online.  While campuses are closed, exams for courses will
be online tests that students can take from home.  For more information about
online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page:
https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing.
The instructor should provide additional information about how they will conduct
examinations and other assessments here.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support
services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community
engagement and personal growth.
 

Student Support
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad
variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and
resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive
array of student support services is available online at:
https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support

Student Accessibility Services
Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other
accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility
Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are
encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at
least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of
accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for
accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the
document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before
accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided
retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can
only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations”
from the student.
 
Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at
https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-
technology

Academic Support
ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services,
which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction,
are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects
ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services
on both a drop-in and referral basis.
An online tutor request can be made here:
https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/
Additional tutoring information can be found here:
austincc.edu/onlinetutoring
 

Library Services
ACC Library Services is operating online while campuses are closed during the
current pandemic. Libraries continue to support ACC courses and programs and
provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty
librarians. ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services
online 24/7 via the ACC Library website, and students must use their ACCeID
logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library
databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries provide the “Ask a Librarian”
service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat or
complete an online form for in-depth questions.  Faculty librarians are available
via email and virtually to meet with you by appointment seven days a week.
Students can also contact the Library for questions about their library account,
registration holds, and technology/device distribution options.
 
 Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
 Library Information & Services during COVID-19:
https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19
 Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form:
https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
 Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
 Email: library@austincc.edu
 
 
Student Organizations
ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural,
academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet
with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning,
participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career
goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and
additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support
Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more,
ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and
services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:
 
 Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be
found here:
https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now
 Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support
Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
 The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that
may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes:
http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.

 Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the
Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
A full listing of services for student parents is available at:
https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care
 The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses
related to COVID-19:
https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   
 
Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student
Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns:
http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .
 
If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the
following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid
that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.
 
Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:
 Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP
(4357)
 The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
 Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
 Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
 Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
o Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI
(6264)
 
Some faculty may consider adding a student sign-off page at the end of the
syllabus to be removed and handed back to the instructor providing evidence that
the student received a copy of the syllabus and had an opportunity to ask
questions, but such a page is optional.

Illness
Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus
should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self
reporting form:
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124