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Introduction
This Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) programme in Accounting Information Systems (AIS) is a 90 contact-hour programme intended to provide an introduction to the use and management of information systems used within the realm of accounting. This programme addresses the working knowledge of information systems that all persons, regardless of their role in Accounting and Finance, must possess in order to carry out their portfolio successfully. Students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role of accounting information systems in organisations, examine the information technology components of information systems and review the means by which organisations acquire and deploy accounting information systems.
The Accounting Information Systems (AIS) certificate prepares students for careers that bridge accounting and management information systems, such as consulting, internal audit, external audit, or other positions in which more than a basic knowledge of either accounting or AIS is required. At the end of the programme, participants will have a deeper understanding of how AIS adds value to processes, business intelligence and the organization as a whole. Students will be able to apply theoretical aspects of AIS to the real-world accounting decision-making. They will therefore be able to take a more pro-active approach towards the improvement of the functioning of the AIS to ensure that it adds value to the organization. The course will include hands-on usage of accounting information systems and tools germane to the area, including accounting software.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is ideal for persons who have an extensive working knowledge of accounting and finance or certification in this area but lack the necessary experience in Information Technology. These individuals may wish to extend their understanding of methods and tools for leveraging accounting and information systems to enhance their value proposition to the organization.
Programme Structure
The programme consists of three courses. These may be taken together for the completion of the Certificate or participants may be permitted to complete any course for the award of the Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
- (ACCT 041) Understanding and Implementing an A.I.S.
- (ACCT 042) Controls and Risk Management in A.I.S
- (ACCT 043) Use of AIS in Performance Management
When will the programme start?
Contact your nearest Open Campus Country Site on the start date for the programme.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the requirements in either (a), (b) or (c) below:
(a) Holders with CXC/CSEC and CAPE/GCE “A” Level qualifications having:
- An acceptable pass in CXC/CSEC English A or CAPE Communications Studies; AND
- An acceptable pass in CXC/CSEC Mathematics or its equivalent; AND
- One of the following minimum qualifications:
either five subjects (at least two GCE “A” Level or CAPE) and the remainder acceptable passes in CXC/CSEC or GCE “O” Level; OR
four subjects (at least three GCE “A” Level or CAPE) and the fourth an acceptable pass in the CXC/CSEC or GCE “OO Level
Note: Grade requirements for CXC/CSEC subjects are General Proficiency - Grades I or II prior to June 1998 and Grades I, II, or III from June 1998.
(b) Entrants with a Diploma, Certificate or Associate Degree in Accounting from UWI or an approved tertiary level institution.
(c) Mature applicants should be over age 21 based on having demonstrated academic potential, having gained academically relevant knowledge and workplace experience. Applicants will be required to present, where appropriate:
Full details of their career; a document outlining knowledge development and employment record, official academic transcripts, certificate, documents and references. Applicants may be required to submit to test and/or interviews.
Participants should also possess excellent communication and problem solving skills. They should be analytical, adaptable and committed to continuous learning.
Assessment Structure
A model of continuous in-course assessment is proposed for all courses to be offered in this programme. Students will be assessed at different intervals over the duration of each course as an alternative to mid-semesters and final examinations. In-class computer activities include the use of the computer for assessment in the documentation of accounting information systems and using accounting software. Continuous assessment is learner-focused and reduces anxiety with respect to the finality of testing. Students are provided with more than one opportunity to develop mastery and as a result, develop their own pace as they progress through each course. This assessment method, therefore, enhances learning since students will be able to remediate weaknesses before each course ends.
Course of Study
Participants will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role of accounting information systems in organisations, examine the information technology components of information systems and review the means by which organisations acquire and deploy accounting information systems.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role of accounting information systems in organisations, examine the information technology components of information systems and review the means by which organisations acquire and deploy accounting information systems.
Accounting Information Systems is concerned with the way computerized information systems impact how accounting data is captured, processed, and communicated. Participants will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role of accounting information systems in organisations, examine the information technology components of information systems and review the means by which organisations acquire and deploy accounting information systems. This hands-on course is expected to provide students with a greater understanding of how micro-computer-based accounting software is used and to demonstrate the advantages of computerized software over manual processes.
