Computerized Accounting With
PEACHTREE® 2012
OBJECTIVES AND OVERVIEW
This Instructor’s Guide is for use in conjunction with the textbook Computerized
Accounting with Peachtree® 2012 by Jim Mazza and Gary Chavez. The text is divided
into 12 chapters and an appendix that cover accounting concepts, software usage, and
practical accounting applications. It is designed for a quarter-long or semester-long
computerized accounting course.
Text Pedagogy
Computers and accounting software are tools for improving efficiency. The text focuses
on providing the student with the conceptual knowledge and the process knowledge
necessary to build the problem-solving skills that he or she will need when using
computerized accounting in the workplace. These skills are reinforced throughout the
text; students are expected to demonstrate problem-solving skills using a variety of
company problems that simulate situations one would encounter in doing the accounting
for a small business.
Course Objectives
Computerized Accounting with Peachtree® 2012 is designed for use in a one-semester
beginning accounting and Peachtree course. However, the text can also be used in a
quarter-long course. (See the Sample Syllabi to see how the text would be used in each.)
The following objectives serve as a basis for the structure of the text.
General Objectives
 Provide an overview of accounting terms, concepts, principles, and procedures
generally applicable to a business and apply those principles using an integrated
accounting software package.

Explore the general software capabilities of Peachtree Complete Accounting®
2012.

Provide an understanding of the accounting principles and processes applied in a
service business and a merchandise business.

Clarify and demonstrate the relationship between manual accounting principles
and computerized accounting.

Develop an understanding of adjusting entries and financial statement preparation
as they are treated using first a manual and then a computerized approach.

Provide students with the opportunity to use and evaluate software setup
procedures, data entry and manipulation, information retrieval, and
troubleshooting in an accounting environment.
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
Enhance the students’ group work and communication skills.
Student Objectives
 Identify and apply terms, concepts, principles, and procedures used in accounting
to service and merchandising businesses.

Create a company using Peachtree.

Know the difference between the cash and accrual methods of accounting.

Demonstrate the ability to enter transactions and manipulate data in Peachtree.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of accounts receivable and accounts payable,
including treatment of taxes and discounts.

Demonstrate and apply Peachtree skills for managing of inventory and inventoryrelated accounts.

Demonstrate and apply a working knowledge of the concepts associated with
payroll and their application using Peachtree.

Demonstrate and apply a working knowledge of costing concepts and their
application using Peachtree.

Understand fixed assets and the depreciation of fixed assets.

Know the difference between a partnership and a corporation and know how
Peachtree deals with each.
Teaching Objectives
 Facilitate and model accounting and Peachtree concepts.

Create a relationship that fosters participation and interest while enhancing
individual student self-esteem.

Improve team interaction and reinforce positive work habits, leading to the
development of mature, professional entrants into the business world.
Text Organization
Each chapter begins with the explanation of an accounting concept so that students can
understand its value and usefulness. After the introduction of a concept, students are
provided with an example application to work through. They are guided through this
process using numerous screen captures and a step-by-step approach. Then the students
have the opportunity to reinforce and demonstrate their knowledge of the application by
completing an unguided simulation exercise.
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At the end of each chapter there are two sets of problems that evaluate the students’
achievement of the chapter’s objectives and give them a chance to simulate real-world
business situations. In addition, Cooperative Learning and Writing and Decision Making
exercises help build group work skills and writing skills related to accounting.
Chapter Structure
Each chapter has the following structure:
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Clearly-stated learning objectives
Introduction of accounting concepts with examples
Peachtree procedures explained and explored using screen captures and a step-bystep approach
Quizzes aimed at reinforcing specific concepts following each learning objective
Sample problems at the end of most objectives, many showing solutions
A software command summary at the end of each chapter
Multiple choice and short answer quizzes
Case problems with varying degrees of difficulty
Group and Writing activities
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