Computerised Accounting in an ERP System

The aims of this unit of study are to demonstrate the use of integrated information systems in medium to large size organisations and to demonstrate how these systems facilitate the production of accounting information. Professional practice in the area will be developed through building theoretical knowledge of the use of ERP systems, in conjunction with competency in the practical use an ERP system to facilitate financial and management accounting in contemporary settings. In addition, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, general ledger, financial reporting and management reporting in an ERP system; hardware/software acquisition alternatives; control in an ERP information system, and accounting evaluation of an ERP implementation will be reviewed in relation to various organisations.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Analyse the various ERP vendors and ERP products on the market and evaluate the different hardware/software acquisition alternatives for different business contexts;
2. Interrogate the different approaches to organising an information system, such as best-of-breed, ERP, and enterprise application integration;
3. Evaluate and validate, from an accounting perspective, an ERP implementation for large organisations;
4. Elucidate how master data is organised in an ERP system to resolve complex business problems;
5. Debate how multi-national companies handle a variety of currencies, languages and different reporting requirements in accord with standards relevant to an international context; and
6. Recommend various control mechanisms in the ERP system and justify professional judgements to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.