Auditing, Government Accounting & Exam Strategy

This unit develops intermediate technical skills in auditing, accounting for government entities, and core transaction adjustments while integrating CPA exam preparation strategies. Students will apply audit procedures and technology, work government and nongovernment accounting scenarios (including depreciation, accrued interest, error correction, and accounting changes), and build personalized study plans that address test structure, accommodations, and simulation practice to prepare for subsequent advanced review and practice units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze audit procedures, sampling methods, and audit technology to determine appropriate evidence collection, identify control weaknesses (including segregation of duties), and interpret audit report language
• Apply fund and governmental accounting principles, prepare adjustments for accounting changes, and record common accounting transactions for state and local government entities
• Demonstrate calculations and journal entries for accrued interest, depreciation (including double-declining balance), error corrections, and key financial ratios, and evaluate their effects on financial statements
• Evaluate CPA exam requirements and logistics, create a targeted study plan addressing test weighting, task-based simulations, special accommodations, scheduling, and post-exam follow-up, and compare the CPA credential to related qualifications