Hi fellow WGU night owls!! Welcome to our latest article on the module “Accounting Information Systems WGU D217”. This module is widely known among WGU students as one of the hardest modules to pass as the course material is very dense and overwhelming. In order to pass the OA, you will need to prove your knowledge of the course material and your deep understanding of the key concepts. If overcoming this challenge feels overwhelming, do not worry… We will guide you through the course content step by step and make sure you are equipped with all the necessary skills and knowledge you require to ace the module without any hesitation. In this article we will walk you through;
- What to expect from module D217
- Study guide for aceing the OA
- External resources to study
- Key Topics you should focus on
So put your trust in us, we will guarantee your success in this module if you follow our advice and go through our study guide step by step. Without further ado, let us begin.
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What to Expect from Module D217 📖
The Accounting Information Systems (AIS) module is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of how accounting and information technology intersect to support business operations and financial reporting. Building on the knowledge acquired in Intermediate Accounting I and II, this course covers essential topics such as transaction cycles, IT controls, data management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), e-commerce systems, and IT auditing. Throughout the module, you will learn to analyze system components, understand transaction processes, and appreciate the critical role of accountants in the development and management of these systems.
In this course, you will develop several key skills. You will learn to analyze system components and transaction processes within an AIS framework, ensuring you understand how different elements interact to support business operations.
Additionally, you will explore the processes and controls associated with revenue, expenditure, and general ledger transaction cycles, giving you insights into the safeguards that ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. The module also covers the roles of database management, ERP, and e-commerce systems, emphasizing their importance in business planning and activities.
In this module, you will go through the below units.
UNIT 1: Introduction
UNIT 2: (Competency Weight 20%) – Overview of Accounting Information Systems
UNIT 3: (Competency Weight 20%) – Transaction cycles and business processes
UNIT 4: (Competency Weight 20%) – Technologies in accounting information
UNIT 5: (Competency Weight 20%) – Systems development activities
UNIT 6: (Competency Weight 20%) – Computer controls and IT auditing
Furthermore, the course highlights the crucial role accountants play in systems and software development activities, and you will gain knowledge on computer controls and IT auditing procedures. These skills are essential for ensuring the integrity of information and financial reporting, preparing you for real-world challenges in your accounting career. As you prepare for the final exam, focus on understanding these concepts and their practical applications, as they form the core of what you will be assessed on.
Study Guide for Acing the OA📝
This study guide we have put together will be your one-stop resource for ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW on successfully completing this module. We have browsed through all the available resources and hand-picked the best and most efficient for you to utilize in your journey. We have spoken to former WGU students and noted down their advice and the tips and tricks they used to pass this module, so we can share them with you to ease your burden. With our comprehensive study guide, we offer you only the best of the best material and advice we can find. So put your trust in us, as you begin your journey towards success.
Step 1 – Read the study guide
Before we begin our studies, there is an important document that you need to download that you will utilize in future steps. This document is provided by WGU and it is named “Study Guide for D217”. Utilizing this document will not only help you understand the course content of each unit but it will also keep track of your progress during your studies. So going through this document is a must when you start studying the course content. Follow the below steps to download this document.
- Log on to the homepage of the WGU website with your student credentials
- Navigate to the “Degree Plan” section from the Homepage
- Click on the “Accounting Information Systems WGU D217 ” link to go to the module page
- Go to the course search section
- Open the link “Study Guide for D217”
- Find the link to download the document and go through it
Step 2 – Read through the Textbook
Now that we understand what to expect from each unit in the Textbook, let us go through it to gain the knowledge required to pass the OA. Navigate as mentioned below to find the Textbook.
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module “Accounting Information Systems D217″ > Click on “Course Search” > Click on “Go to Course material”
D217 is known to be a very hefty module that contains a lot of information to go through. So take your time and pace yourself through the Textbook as you feel fit. Go through each Unit and try to understand the material instead of memorizing the content. Utilize the knowledge checks, unit quizzes, and module tests to get a better understanding of the key concepts. Also, go through the embedded videos whenever you come across them to gain additional information on significant sections. It is important to note that unit 3 and unit 6 hold a significant amount of weight when it comes to the OA, so focus more on these units to get a better advantage on the final assessment.
We highly recommend taking short notes throughout your studies in the Textbook to help you revise the material in later stages of the study guide. Feel free to use whatever study techniques you prefer to help you retain the knowledge as you will be going through a significant amount of course content.
Step 3 – Read the Updated Study Guide document
One of the most important resources to utilize in this module comes from a student who has taken this module and aced it. The document we are about to go through is his own notes he has taken in his studies and posted for other students to utilize. To find this document navigate to the location mentioned below.
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module “Accounting Information Systems D217″ > Click on “Course chatter” > Find the Group Files and click on “UPDATED NOTE VERSION- D217 Study Guide .docx”
This is a document with almost 45 pages so it will take some time to go through it completely. But it will be worth it as the document will go through all that you need to know to pass the OA and revise your knowledge of the entire Textbook. This document is highly regarded among the WGU students as the best study resource to prepare yourself for the final OA. So complete it before going to the next step.
Step 4 – Go through the flashcards and recorded cohorts (Optional)
This step is optional and we recommend that you go through this only if you need additional assistance with the course content of D217. As we have already covered the course content twice, you might be competent enough to practice for the OA. If so, you can skip this step and directly go to step 5. If not take your time to go through the tasks listed below to strengthen your knowledge.
- Watch the recorded cohorts by visiting the location mentioned below
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module “Accounting Information Systems D217″ > Click on “Course Search” > Find the link “D217 Live Events”
- Go through the flashcards
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module “Accounting Information Systems D217″ > Click on “Course chatter” > Find the Group Files and download the flashcard documents
Step 5 – Attempt the practice quizzes
Now that you are comfortable with the knowledge of this module, let us go through some practice questions to evaluate our knowledge and find our weak points. Go through your short notes once to refresh your memory and attempt the practice quizzes in the location mentioned below.
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module “Accounting Information Systems D217″ > Click on “Course chatter” > Find the Group Files and download the quiz documents for each chapter
Step 6 – Attempt the Pre-A
Even though the practice quizzes help you test your knowledge of course content, they will not be able to prepare you properly for the final challenge. So in this step, we will face the Pre-A to get an accurate estimation of your knowledge of each unit and evaluate your exam readiness. So we advise you to treat the Pre-A as a real assessment and sit for the test as you would sit for the real OA. Do your best to answer each question accurately and pass the Pre-A with at least a score of 85%.
After you have completed the Pre-A, you will receive a coaching guide that accurately depicts your understanding of each topic in the module. This will allow you to find your weak points and give you a chance to work on them before attempting the OA. So revisit the TextBook and the study guide document to fill the gaps in your knowledge.
If you have failed the Pre-A on your first attempt, revisit the Pre-A until you get the above-mentioned passing score. You may only proceed to the next step once you pass the Pre-A.
Step 7 – Face the OA
Now you are ready for the final challenge of “Accounting Information Systems WGU D217”. The last hurdle you need to face before completing the module is the OA. If you have taken our advice and followed each step of our guide, you are now more than prepared to face the OA. So without hesitation, schedule the OA and do your best to score above the passing score.
To take the OA, you should:
- Schedule the OA at a convenient time and date for you
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone.
- Use the same strategies and skills that you used for the Pre-A
- Relax and be confident in your abilities.
Good Luck!!
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Key Topics to You Should Focus On🔑
External auditing, internal auditing, and advisory services
External Auditing: External auditing involves an independent review of an organization’s financial statements and related information systems by an outside auditor. The primary goal is to provide an objective opinion on whether the financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In relation to accounting information systems (AIS), external auditors assess the effectiveness of the IT controls and processes that ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting. They verify that the AIS accurately captures and reports financial data, identifies any weaknesses or risks in the system, and provides recommendations to enhance system integrity.
Internal Auditing: Internal auditing is conducted by an organization’s own auditing staff or an internal audit department. The purpose is to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. In the context of AIS, internal auditors review the systems and processes to ensure they comply with internal policies and external regulations. They focus on identifying inefficiencies, potential fraud, and areas where controls can be strengthened. Internal auditors also play a key role in assessing whether the AIS aligns with the organization’s strategic objectives and supports its operational needs.
Advisory Services: Advisory services in AIS encompass a range of consulting activities aimed at improving an organization’s information systems and related processes. Professionals providing these services offer expert advice on the design, implementation, and optimization of AIS. They help organizations select the right software, integrate various systems, and enhance data management practices. Advisory services also include guiding companies through the adoption of new technologies such as ERP systems and e-commerce platforms, ensuring that these systems are effectively integrated into the existing AIS. These services are forward-looking, focusing on leveraging technology to drive business performance and strategic decision-making.
Difference between batch processing and real-time processing
| Aspect | Batch Processing | Real-Time Processing |
|---|---|---|
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Definition
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Processes transactions in groups or batches at scheduled intervals.
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Processes transactions individually as they occur.
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Processing Time
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Transactions are accumulated over a period and processed later.
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Transactions are processed immediately upon entry.
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Use Case Examples
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Payroll processing, end-of-day banking transactions.
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Online banking, point-of-sale systems. |
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System Requirements
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Generally requires less immediate processing power.
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Requires high processing power and low latency.
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Data Timeliness
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Data is not up-to-date until the batch is processed.
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Data is always current and up-to-date.
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Error Handling
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Errors are detected and corrected in bulk post-processing.
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Errors can be detected and corrected immediately. |
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Cost Efficiency
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Can be more cost-effective for large volumes of transactions.
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Can be more costly due to the need for continuous operation and immediate processing.
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Complexity
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Less complex to implement and manage.
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More complex due to the need for constant availability and immediate processing.
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Effect on Transaction Processing
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Delayed transaction recording; not suitable for time-sensitive operations.
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Immediate transaction recording; suitable for time-sensitive operations.
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Impact on Decision-Making
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Decisions based on batch-processed data might lag behind current operations.
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Enables real-time decision-making with the most current data available. |
Key requirements for management and auditors under Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
- Section 302: Corporate Responsibility for Financial Reports
Management Requirements:
1. Certification of Financial Reports: The CEO and CFO must personally certify that the financial reports are accurate and complete. This certification includes affirming that:
- The financial statements and other financial information fairly present the company’s financial condition and results of operations.
- The reports do not contain any untrue statements of material facts or omit any material information.
2.Internal Controls: Management must establish, maintain, and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). Specifically:
- They must disclose their responsibility for establishing and maintaining ICFR.
- They must evaluate and report on the effectiveness of these controls within 90 days prior to the report.
3. Disclosure to Auditors and Audit Committee: Management must disclose to the auditors and the audit committee:
- All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of ICFR could adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data.
- Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s ICFR.
4. Changes in Internal Controls: Management must report any changes in ICFR that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
- Section 404: Management Assessment of Internal Controls
Management Requirements:
1. Annual Internal Control Report: Management must include in the annual report an internal control report that:
- States the responsibility of management for establishing and maintaining an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting.
- Contains an assessment of the effectiveness of the internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting as of the end of the most recent fiscal year.
2. Assessment of Effectiveness: Management must conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the company’s ICFR, documenting and testing key controls to provide a basis for its assessment.
Auditors’ Requirements:
1. Independent Audit of Internal Controls: External auditors must attest to, and report on, the assessment made by management regarding the effectiveness of ICFR. This includes:
- Providing an independent opinion on whether management’s assessment of the effectiveness of ICFR is fairly stated in all material respects.
- Evaluating both the design and operational effectiveness of ICFR.
2. Integrated Audit: The auditors’ attestation must be included as part of the overall audit of the company’s financial statements. This means:
- The audit of the financial statements and the audit of ICFR are conducted as an integrated audit process.
- Auditors assess the internal controls as part of their audit procedures and provide a report on the internal controls in conjunction with their report on the financial statements.
The requirements under Sections 302 and 404 of SOX ensure that management is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of financial reports and the effectiveness of internal controls, while also mandating that auditors provide independent verification of these controls, enhancing the overall reliability and integrity of financial reporting.
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Conclusion 📄
In conclusion, the “Accounting Information Systems WGU D217” module offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential intersection of accounting and information technology. As you prepare for the final exam, we encourage you to take the advice provided in this article to enhance your study approach. Make full use of the study guide we have offered to streamline your learning and to navigate the course material effectively. By focusing on the key topics highlighted—such as transaction cycles, IT controls, data management, ERP, e-commerce systems, and IT auditing—you can ensure a solid understanding of the course content.
Remember, the skills you gain in this module are critical for your future career in accounting and finance. Stay diligent, utilize the resources provided, and you will be well-equipped to succeed in the objective assessment. Best of luck in your studies and on your exam!
