Information Systems
BaylorBusiness

Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Track

Overview

Technology provides the infrastructure to collect, analyze, compile, and disseminate accounting information. The emergence of new technologies, real-time data, and the creation of international electronic standards for transmitting financial information electronically (i.e. XBRL) requires a new type of professional that can integrate accounting and information systems functions.  With Sarbanes-Oxley’s strict reporting requirements this professional skill mix is in demand and growing.   It will experience increased growth as federal legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act imposes strict requirements on accounting and financial data.  AIS track graduates will be able to help bridge the gap existing in organizations between the IT function and the accounting function.  AIS graduates develop the following technical and business skills.

Technical Skill Development:

  • Ability to assess and evaluate an organization’s data and processing requirements
  • Ability to apply technology to meet business needs (e.g., Visual Basic.Net, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Oracle, and Peachtree)
  • Ability to maintain, assess, and control the information systems infrastructure
  • Understand the general and application control requirements, identify control weaknesses, and develop adequate controls throughout an organization’s financial systems

Business Skill Development:

  • Understanding of the accounting cycles
  • Ability to create, manage, and store financial information
  • Ability to evaluate internal controls
  • Ability to analyze and document business processes

Careers

Students with an AIS background have many career options including:

  • Accounting information system consultant
  • Computer assurance services consultant
  • Computer/Information systems security specialist
  • Information technologyT auditor
  • Internal auditor
  • Financial information systems developer
  • Chief information officer

Certification

The AIS track helps graduates start preparation for the CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) examination. An AIS graduate would typically follow a consultant-track career and would not require a CPA license.

Courses

Students who select the AIS track are required to take seven classes (21 hours) of both MIS and Accounting classes.

Required for all tracks within the Information Systems major 

  • MIS 3301         Introduction to Business Programming Logic
  • MIS 3320         System Analysis and Design 

Required for AIS track 

  • ACC 3301       Financial Accounting and Reporting I
  • ACC 3303       Accounting Information Systems
  • ACC 3306       Intermediate Accounting II
  • MIS 4340        Foundations of Database Systems Development
  • MIS 3332        Control and Audit of Information Systems

For more information:

Dr. Timothy Kayworth, Phone:  (254) 710-6199
Dr. Terry Fox, Phone: (254-710-4061

 

 

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