This section of ACNT 1335, Accounting Ethics, will be offered in a traditional online environment (asynchronous) for Fall 2024.

Before enrolling in Fall 2024 courses, students will need to make sure that they have the technology and equipment necessary for an online class and online testing. 

TESTING: 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 allowed for testing purposes. 

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 2024 semester.

This course meets the 3 semester credit hour Accounting Ethics requirement and has been approved for CPA candidates by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. In order to enroll in this course, you must first meet the educational prerequisites (See Course Prerequisite). 

Course enrollment and registration is handled through the office of Larry Stephens, 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. Prior to August 2017, this course was known as ACNT 1370, Accounting Ethics.

NOTE FROM THE INSTRUCTOR:

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 8 - 10 hours per week on course activities (reading the text, researching case studies, completing quizzes, studying for exams, and completing weekly 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 established 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.

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 and a hard copy will be distributed during the first week of the semester.

Before enrolling in ACNT 1335, you must have completed ACNT 2331 Internal Control and Auditing or an equivalent course in Auditing.  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 business environment.  Access to computers is available at the college. 

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  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, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

Plagiarism is taken very seriously in this class. Plagiarism is considered to be the copying of another’s work including another student’s work, internet sources, or other research source. Any phrase, sentence, paragraph, etc. that is take from another’s work must be cited appropriately.  This means any cutting and pasting from any source, without appropriate citation, is considered plagiarism and is unacceptable. All written assignments submitted in this course are run through a comprehensive plagiarism checker. The first instance of plagiarism will result in a required student/faculty meeting and a grade of zero on that assignment.  Refer to the above paragraph for further information on penalties.

TEXTBOOK: Ethical Obligations and Decision-Making in Accounting, 6th Edition

Steven Mintz and Bill Miller

With ACC “First Day Access”, a digital version of the text will be purchased as part of your registration fees for the course. This fee will also include access to CONNECT.  You will use CONNECT for a variety of assignments including tests, homework and labs. CONNECT is an integrated, online learning system that provides you 24/7 access to your study tools and assignments. Working at your own pace, or within a pre-set schedule, you will be able to take practice exams and generate a personalized study plan based on your exact needs, do homework, view tutorials, take quizzes and exams, and track your grades in an easy-to-use personalized online environment that you manage to best suit your needs.

If you acquire the eBook as part of your registration, you will have the option to buy a loose-leaf paper version of the book for $26 through the local Austin bookstores.

If you do not wish to participate in the program, you may "Opt Out". If you "Opt Out" of receiving and paying for your materials via this program, you will be responsible for obtaining those class materials on your own. Instructions for “opting out” will be available on my Blackboard site.

To recap, there are three options:

1.      All Digital Access at the time of registration: E-book and CONNECT.

2.      Digital Access with a Physical Textbook: Students who participate in the program will be eligible to purchase a low cost print upgrade in the ACC bookstore for approximately $26, plus tax.

3.      Independent purchase of textbook with CONNECT: If you have purchased a used textbook or have "Opted Out" of the program, you must still purchase an access code for CONNECT.

You must “bring” your eBook to class via a computer, tablet or smartphone or the paper copy if purchased.

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Ethical Leadership Certification Program (ELCP)

The Ethical Leadership Certification Program is an online tool that helps college students identify ethical issues, learn how to respond to ethical dilemmas and enhance their ethical decision-making abilities. This program also helps students build their resumes and communicate their values to future employers.

Why Get Certified in Ethical Leadership?

Research published in the Harvard Business Review suggests that young professionals are unprepared to handle the ethical dilemmas they will face in their careers, because of the prevalence and impact of ethical dilemmas for young professionals, the justification of unethical acts, a lack of “deep” mentoring, and the effect of market forces.

Research also indicates that young professionals often know the right thing to do, but choose to engage in misconduct, because they believe their careers will be negatively impacted if they do not comply with unethical requests from their supervisors.

What Topics Are Covered in this Certification Program?

The certification program has six modules, which cover the following topics:

• Overview of Ethical Leadership
• Ethical Decision Making
• Organizational Support of Ethical Leadership
• Role of Leadership in Managing and Preventing Conflicts and Ethical Risks
• Role of Communication in Ethical Leadership
• Implementing Ethical Leadership
• What Are the Requirements to Complete the Certification?

Each module contains four or five sections, which last approximately 15 minutes each. Students are required to complete all six modules, and pass an exam at the conclusion of each section, by answering at least 80% of the questions correctly.

There is a separate access charge for this activity that is not included as part of your First Day Access.

Your grade will be determined by an assessment of your success in engaging the subject matter as evidenced by the total points accumulated during the course.  The following point scale is used to determine the student’s final course grade:

Module 0: Course Orientation

Module 1: Ethical Reasoning: Implications for Accounting

Module 2: Cognitive Processes and Ethical Decision Making in Accounting

Module 3: Organizational Ethics and Corporate Governance

Module 4: AICPA Code of Professional Conduct

Module 5: Fraud in Financial Statements and Auditor Responsibilities

Module 6: Motivation for Fraudulent Financial Reporting

Module 7: Consequences of Earnings Management: The Need for Ethical Leadership in Accounting

Module 8: Auditors' Legal Liabilities and Defenses

Module 9: Professional Standards Quizzes

Module 10: Capstone Project 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Examine ethical issues that impact the accounting and audit professions in order to explore the appropriate role of accounting professionals in business and society.

• Investigate the legitimate use of governmental oversight, regulation, and standard-setting to monitor the behavior of accountants and other business professionals.

• Assess the impact and implications of present and proposed solutions to the moral dilemma associated with economic decision making.

• Investigate the timely issues related to accounting ethics, including earnings management and fraud, internal control and corporate governance, and the development of an ethical framework for use in setting appropriate standards of conduct for stakeholders in the accounting process.

• Familiarize students with various ethical theories and frameworks for ethical decision making while integrating this knowledge into an individualized personal ethics tool for making ethical decisions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

CHAPTER 1 -

1. Explain how integrity enables a CPA to withstand pressures and avoid subordination of judgment
2. Discuss the relationship between one's values, ethics, and legal obligations.
3. Describe how the pillars of character support ethical decision making.
4. Differentiate between moral philosophies and their effect on ethical reasoning in accounting.
5. Explain the concept of the public interest in accounting.
6. Discuss the Principles section of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. 
7. Apply the IMA Statement of Ethical and Professional Practice to a case study.

CHAPTER 2 - 

1. Describe Kohlberg's stages of moral development.
2. Explain the components of Rest's model and how it influences ethical decision making.
3. Describe the link between moral intensity and ethical decision making.
4. Explain how moral reasoning and virtue influence ethical decision making.
5. Apply the steps in the Integrated Ethical Decision Making Model to a case study.
6. Analyze the thought process involved in making decisions and taking ethical action.
7. Describe the "Giving Voice to Values" technique and apply it to a case study.

CHAPTER 3 - 

1. Describe the link between organizational climate and ethical leadership.
2. Explain the link between organizational ethics, individual ethics, and corporate culture.
3. Analyze why and how organizational culture is formed. 
4. Discuss the views of employees about ethics in their organizations.
5. Describe the causes of fraud, detection methods, and preventative controls.
6. Explain the components of corporate governance and their relationship to corporate culture.
7. Analyze the moral basis for whistleblowing and accountants' obligations to whistleblow.

CHAPTER 4 - 

1. Explain how professional judgment and skepticism influences ethical decision making. 
2. Discuss how the public interest may be affected by commercial activities of CPA's.
3. Explain the threats and safeguards approach to independence.
4. Discuss how nonattest services can impair audit independence.
5. Describe the process to resolve ethical conflicts that affect integrity and objectivity.
6. Explain the rules of conduct in the AICPA Code.
7. Discuss ethics in tax practice.

CHAPTER 5 - 

1. Distinguish between audit requirements for errors, fraud, and illegal acts. 
2. Explain the components of the Fraud Triangle.
3. Describe fraud risk assessment procedures.
4. Explain the standards for audit reports.
5. Discuss the characteristics of professional skepticism.
6. Explain PCAOB auditing standards.
7. Describe the PCAOB inspection process.

CHAPTER 6 - 

1. Distinguish between common-law rulings and auditors' legal liability.
2. Explain the basis for auditors' statutory legal liability.
3. Discuss auditors' legal liabilities under SOX.
4. Explain the major provisions of the FCPA.
5. Describe the cultural and professional constraints on adopting IFRS.
6. Distinguish between legal compliance and management by values.
7. Discuss the factors that promote global ethics, and prevent global fraud and bribery.

CHAPTER 7 - 

1. Describe the motivation for earnings management.
2. Explain what earnings management seeks to accomplish.
3. Discuss how earnings management judgments are made.
4. Describe the various devices used to manage earnings.
5. Explain the workings of financial shenanigans.
6. Explain the causes and effects of financial restatements.

CHAPTER 8 - 

1. Explain the characteristics of ethical leaders.
2. Distinguish between types of leaders.
3. Discuss how moral intensity and organizational culture influences leadership in accounting.
4. Explain the implications of ethical leadership failure on whistleblowing.
5. Describe the role of GVV on ethical leadership.
6. Describe the characteristics of competent leaders.

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.

COLLEGE POLICIES

LINK: Master Syllabus – College Policies | Institutional Effectiveness and Grant Development | Austin Community College District (austincc.edu)

Clinical 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 an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

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)