Financial and Managerial Accounting (ASAE)

This course tackles the question: Is it ethical to “manage” the earnings number – that is, to use legitimate discretion in the preparation of the financial statements to manage the numbers in a way that serves the interests of the manager independent of whether it serves the interest of the firm’s owners? We begin by creating an ethical framework based on the professional code of ethics. We then cover the what, why, how and when of earnings management behavior, describing and illustrating the variety of ways in which managers use their discretion in operating, investing, financing, and reporting decisions to influence the financial reports. In the vast majority of these cases, we rely on real-world examples, taken from publicly-available financial statements that received unqualified audit opinions. For the various categories of earnings management, we consider how they can be evaluated within the ethical framework we established in the beginning of the course. The result is an informed and thoughtful approach to assessing whether a given earnings management practice is consistent with professional ethics, a valuable tool whether you are an external auditor reviewing a set of statements, a preparer of the statements, or an outsider attempting to determine the usefulness of the statements. Worth 3 Technical CPE Credits (CPA/NASBA)

UPDATED 2024: In Vetting Foreign Markets, you will explore the social contexts of various countries and begin to understand how this facet of culture dramatically impacts international business operations. Alongside the employees of Central Products, you will conduct research and discover the importance of foreign cultures when considering business ventures abroad. Course Type: Business Simulation. Worth 2 PDCs (SHRM).

UPDATED 2024: Alongside Central Products’ International Business team, you will begin training in the basics of international finance, primarily exploring the different financial systems around the world to learn how the global economy is affected by currencies and exchange rates. Course Type: Business Simulation. Worth 2 PDCs (SHRM).

UPDATED 2024: Some jobs are dangerous, and that fact is inescapable. However, every business has an obligation to its employees to create as safe a workplace as it can. In this narrative, story-based option, you will explore legal issues relating to safety, common types of workplace injuries, and corporate obligations when employees do get hurt. Course Type: Business Simulation. Worth 2.5 RCHs (APA).