University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bryan School of Business and Economics
Department of Accounting and Finance
ACC 561: Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
Graduate Syllabus for SPRING 2015, T / R 11:00 - 12:15PM in Bryan 204
Instructor
Office Location
Office Hours*
Office Phone
Email
Last updated
Dr. Jenna Meints
Bryan 339
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30AM – 10:30AM, or by appointment
336-334-5647
jmmeints@uncg.edu
November 29, 2014
*Exceptions: (1) No office hours on Tuesday, February 17. Rescheduled to 10:45AM – 11:45AM on
Wednesday, February 18. (2) No office hours on Tuesday, March 17. Rescheduled to 10:45AM –
11:45AM on Wednesday, March 18.
Course Description:
Introduce students to accounting and financial reporting for nonprofit organizations and
governmental entities.
Course Prerequisite:
ACC 319, Intermediate Accounting II, or equivalent, with a grade of C or better
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs):
1. Compare and contrast the unique financial reporting environments facing nonprofit
organizations and governmental entities versus those facing for profit entities.
2. Account for governmental revenues and expenditures.
3. Account for nonprofit revenues and expenditures.
4. Utilize fund accounting.
5. Account for the operations of nonprofit and governmental entities with technical
accounting guidance from the FASB, the AICPA, the GASB, the OMB, the GAO, and
other relevant regulatory bodies.
6. Analyze and evaluate the key financial statements of nonprofit and governmental
organizations.
7. Analyze and evaluate the budgeting process within nonprofit and governmental
organizations.
8. Account for typical transactions of a not- for- profit health care organization.
9. Account for typical transactions of a higher education institution.
Expanded Description: This course will introduce students to the accounting and financial
reporting environments for nonprofit organizations and for governmental entities. Course topics
include fund accounting, the budgeting process, technical accounting guidance for nonprofit
organizations, technical accounting guidance for governmental organizations, and techniques for
evaluating and assessing the financial strength of not-for-profit institutions and governmental
entities. Students will become familiar with CAFRs for governmental entities and with financial
ACC 561, Spring 2015, Graduate Syllabus, page 1
statements for nonprofit organizations. The course will help students learn how to apply financial
management tools ranging from broad budgeting processes and fund accounting principles to
regulatory bodies’ financial reporting technical guidance for nonprofit and governmental
organizations.
Required Text and Materials:
Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting: Concepts and Practices, Sixth Edition.
Michael H. Granof and Saleha B. Khumawala. Publication Date: January 22, 2013. ISBN-10:
1118155971. ISBN-13: 978-1118155974.
INTERACTIVE CLASSROOM TOOL: i>clicker2: ISBN: 1429280476. Available online at
multiple outlets, including here: http://www.amazon.com/I-Clicker-2-I-Clicker/dp/1429280476 .
Also available in the bookstore. i>clicker1 will work for this class as well.
CAFR and financial statement examples, class cases, and other relevant materials not in the
required text will be made available via Blackboard or Canvas as .pdfs or web links.
Teaching Methods:
Class time will be a mix of informative lectures, interactive presentations, discussion of assigned
readings, practical skills-building exercises that relate to graded assignments, and occasional
short videos.
Class Assignments:
GRADUATE students will be evaluated based on the following:
Assignment
Homework
CAFR Analysis Assignment
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Quiz 3
Class Attendance and Participation
Team Work
Points
40
25
10
10
5
10
XC
GNP, CAFR presentations
XC
Total Available
100
Date Due
As assigned
Friday, April 17 by 2PM
Tuesday, March 31
Thursday, April 23
Thursday, April 23
Ongoing, including intro
February 17 and March 17.
Up to 2% added to final course grade
As scheduled by student.
Up to 3% added to final course grade
105% with maximum XC
Class attendance and Participation (10 pts)
The full number of points will be awarded when students miss no more than two classes (and
complete make-up work for the classes that they missed, if necessary) and make active and
thoughtful contributions to several class discussions and other learning activities. These
contributions should demonstrate that the student is critically engaged with course content, class
material, and/or the current environment facing nonprofit organizations and governmental
entities. Fewer points will be awarded when absences and contributions do not meet these
criteria, at the discretion of the instructor. Being on time for class is important and is a sign of
ACC 561, Spring 2015, Graduate Syllabus, page 2
respect for the learning environment. Being late and/or leaving early may result in the loss of
class participation points.
Homework (40 pts) – SLOs 1 - 7.
There will be several problems, exercises, and short projects assigned throughout the semester.
Specifically, there will be one homework assignment for each of chapters 1 through 11 (11
assignments). There will be three assignments for chapter 12 and two assignments for chapter 16
(5 assignments). There are 16 possible assignments. Homework will be graded for accuracy.
Students may drop their two lowest homework scores. Students must work independently.
Cheating will result in an F for the course and an Honor Code violation. Homework is due by the
beginning of the class period in which it is listed as due in the day-to-day schedule located later
in this syllabus. Homework will not be accepted via e-mail. No late assignments accepted.
Details will be posted to Canvas or BB.
Governmental CAFR analysis (25 pts) – SLOs 1 - 7. Due by 2PM on April 17, 2015
Students will analyze aspects of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for a
governmental entity. Details will be posted to Canvas or BB.
Quiz 1 – Tuesday, March 31; Quiz 2 – Thursday, April 23 (12.5 pts each) – SLOs 1 - 7.
Students will complete a take home quiz that includes any mix of multiple choice, short answer,
and/or essay questions covering concepts, principles, and techniques that were covered in
readings, discussions, class sessions, presentations, and any other relevant materials distributed
and/or available to the class. Details will be posted to Canvas or BB.
Graduate Grading System:
100-93%
A
92-90%
A89-88
B+
87-83%
B
82-80%
B79-70%
C
Below 70%
F
Extra credit:
Extra Credit Possibility #1: Identify a governmental entity that interests you. Find that
entity’s CAFR. Highlight aspects of the government’s CAFR that have or have not been covered
in class. Present to the class (in approximately 3 minutes) the background of the organization,
why you chose it, and at least three accounting/financial reporting aspects that stood out to you
and/or that related to class material in the entity’s CAFR. You must show the class images of the
CAFR when you explain. Be open to questions from and interaction with the class.
Extra Credit Possibility #2: Identify a nonprofit entity (NPO) that interests you. Find that
entity’s IRS Form 990, and if applicable, its audited financial statements, IRS Form 990T, and
annual financial report. Highlight aspects of the NPO’s reporting that have or have not been
covered in class. Present to the class in approximately 3 minutes the background of the
organization, why you chose it, and at least three accounting/financial reporting aspects that
ACC 561, Spring 2015, Graduate Syllabus, page 3
stood out to you and/or that related to class material in the entity’s reports. You must show the
class images of the IRS Form 990, IRS Form 990T, Annual Report, and/or audited financial
statements when you explain. Be open to questions from and interaction with the class.
Each extra credit possibility is worth up to 1.5% to be added directly to your overall
course grade. Your actual percentage earned will depend on the number/quality of issues that
you identify, the research that you conduct, the planning and organization that you put into your
class presentation, and your understanding of relevant accounting and financial reporting issues
that have, at least, been covered in class.
Each student may complete none, one, or both extra credit assignments. The maximum
extra credit to be earned, therefore, is 3% of your final course grade. This is an amount sufficient
enough to move a student up one step of a grade. For example, a regular grade of 90% (A-) could
move up to 93% (A) with the maximum points earned on both extra credit possibilities. A
regular grade of 75% (C) could move up to a 78% (C+) with the maximum points earned on both
extra credit possibilities.
Each student is encouraged to meet with me at any time about their interests – in person,
via e-mail, via phone, or via whatever channel is best for you (and that I can figure out!). I love
this interaction! There are so many great and fascinating organizations out there that could be
covered! That said, each student is required to only let me know (via e-mail is fine) of exactly
what each student plans to present to the class at least two class periods before the actual in-class
presentation. (First come, first serve.) Be creative! Have fun! Chat with me any time!
Policy on Incompletes and Late Assignments:
No late assignments accepted. No incompletes allowed.
Use of laptops or other electronic devices:
Laptops and electronic devices are fine to use for learning purposes. Personal use (e.g. Facebook,
checking email) is prohibited.
Cell Phone Policy:
Cell phones are a disruption to the learning process. Students are expected to turn off their cell
phones during class. Any cell phone making noise during a class session will result in student
ejection from the classroom and a marked absence from class for participation purposes.
E-mail Policy:
Please allow at least 24 hours for me to respond to any e-mail(s) that you send to me. I try
my best to respond as soon as possible, but this does not always happen as quickly as I wish it
could. I apologize in advance for any delayed responses. Please note that I rarely have the chance
to read or respond to e-mails on Mondays. If you send me an e-mail after 5PM on a Sunday and
before 2PM on a Tuesday when I finish teaching at UNCG, then I most likely will respond, at the
earliest, Tuesday evening or Wednesday.
Because of the volume of e-mails that I receive throughout the semester, I highly suggest
that you send me just one message with multiple questions/issues at a time, if possible, rather
than a sending me a series of e-mails with one issue each in rapid succession.
Expectations for written assignments/Formatting:
Students are expected to use good academic English; grades will be lowered for poor grammar,
syntax, or spelling. Those who have difficulty writing can make an appointment with the campus
ACC 561, Spring 2015, Graduate Syllabus, page 4
Writing Center to receive guidance. Graduate students are expected to follow APA or MLA
format for in-text citations and references.
Policy on Academic Dishonesty:
It is the responsibility of every student to obey and to support the enforcement of the Honor
Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, or stealing in actions involving the academic processes of
this class. Students will properly attribute sources used in preparing written work. In keeping
with the UNCG Honor Code, if reason exists to believe that academic dishonesty has occurred, a
referral will be made to the appropriate University disciplinary division for investigation and
further action as required. You and I are expected to abide by the UNCG Academic Integrity
Policy as well as by the UNCG Codes of Conduct. These can be accessed at:
http://bae.uncg.edu/assets/faculty_student_guidelines.pdf . Specifically, UNCG’s Student
Conduct Code is available at http://studentconduct.uncg.edu/policy/code/ and its Academic
Integrity Policy is available at http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu/violation/ .
Policy on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
To request and receive accommodations at UNCG you must be registered with the Office of
Disability Services (ODS). If you have any specific questions or concerns call ODS at (336)3345440 or visit their website: http://ods.dept.uncg.edu/services/. Students with disabilities that
affect their participation in the course and who wish to have special accommodations should
contact ODS and provide documentation of their disability. ODS will notify the instructor that
the student has a documented disability and may require accommodations. Students should
discuss the specific accommodations they require (e.g. changes in instructional format,
assignment format) directly with the instructor as well. Please visit
http://ods.dept.uncg.edu/services/ for further information.
Students in Distress:
UNCG cares about your success as a student. We recognize that students often balance many
challenging personal issues and demands. Please take advantage of the University resources
designed to help. For assistance accessing these resources, contact the Dean of Students Office at
334-5514 or Student Academic Services at 334-5730. The Counseling and Testing Center is
available for mental health assistance, 334-5874.
Blackboard, Canvas, and Technology:
For those who are not familiar to Blackboard, please consult the following resources:
- Watch "Blackboard Video Tutorials" (http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm)
- Go to "Blackboard Help for Students" (http://help.blackboard.com/student/index.htm)
- UNCG Canvas Resources (http://its.uncg.edu/services/service/canvas-learningmanagement-system)
- Contact 6-TECH: (336) 256-TECH (8324); 6tech@uncg.edu
Class time and environment
I will respect you and your time. In return, I expect you to do the same for me and for your
fellow classmates. I expect you to read the relevant materials before class. I will cold call during
classes. If you are not prepared to contribute to a class session, then I suggest that you do not
attend at all. Lateness and leaving/re-entering the classroom is disruptive to everyone and should
be avoided.
ACC 561, Spring 2015, Graduate Syllabus, page 5
SCHEDULE OF CLASS TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
(subject to change at instructor’s discretion)
DATE
TOPIC
CHAPTER
ASSIGNMENT DUE
Tues Jan 13
Introduction to Class
Thurs Jan 15
GNP Environment
Tues Jan 20
Not-for-Profit Organizations
12
READ Chapter 12
HW CH 1 DUE
Thurs Jan 22
Not-for-Profit Organizations
12
HW CH 12 A DUE
Tues Jan 27
Not-for-Profit Organizations
12
HW CH 12 B DUE
Thurs Jan 29
Not-for-Profit Organizations
12
HW CH 12 C DUE
Tues Feb 3
Fund Accounting
2
READ Chapter 2
Thurs Feb 5
Fund Accounting
2
HW CH 2 DUE
Tues Feb 10
Issues of Budgeting and Control
3
READ Chapter 3
Thurs Feb 12
Issues of Budgeting and Control
3
HW CH 3 DUE
Tues Feb 17
Team work as assigned, no formal class
Thurs Feb 19
Recognizing Revenues in
Governmental Funds
Team work review
4
READ Chapter 4
Tues Feb 24
Recognizing Revenues in
Governmental Funds
4
HW CH 4 DUE
Thurs Feb 26
Recognizing Expenditures in
Governmental Funds
5
READ Chapter 5
Tues Mar 3
Recognizing Expenditures in
Governmental Funds
5
HW CH 5 DUE
Thurs Mar 5
Accounting for Capital Projects
and Debt Service
6
READ Chapter 6
NA
READ Syllabus
1
E-mail intro DUE*
*E-mail me something unique about yourself with a
picture
ACC 561, Spring 2015, Graduate Syllabus, page 6
Tues Mar 10 and Thurs Mar 12 – no class – spring break
DATE
TOPIC
CHAPTER
Tues Mar 17
Team work as assigned, no formal class
Thurs Mar 19
Accounting for Capital Projects
and Debt Service
Team work review
6
HW CH 6 DUE
Tues Mar 24
Capital Assets… in Marketable Securities
7
READ Chapter 7
Thurs Mar 26
Capital Assets… in Marketable Securities
7
HW CH 7 DUE
Tues Mar 31
Quiz 1 Closure
Thurs Apr 2
Long-Term Obligations
8
READ Chapter 8
Tues Apr 7
Business-Type Activities
9
READ Chapter 9
HW CH 8 DUE
Thurs Apr 9
Fiduciary Funds and Permanent Funds
10
READ Chapter 10
Tues Apr 14
Auditing GNP Organizations
16
READ Chapter 16
HWs for CH 9 and 10 DUE
Thurs Apr 16
Federal Government Accounting
17
READ Chapter 17
HWs CH 16 - A and B DUE
Friday, April 17
by 2:00PM – CAFR Assignment DUE*
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
ASSIGNMENT DUE
Quiz 1 DUE
*Submit the physical assignment by sliding a signed, sealed manila
envelope with the assignment in it under the door of Bryan 339. Electronic
files are due via e-mail by this time as well. You must submit both the
physical and electronic assignments on time to
receive any credit.
Tues Apr 21
Thurs Apr 23
Optional class for undergraduates
Colleges and Universities
Health Care Providers
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Quiz 2 Closure
CAFR Assignment Closure
Quiz 2 DUE
Quiz 3 DUE
8, 9, 10, 16, and 17
ACC 561, Spring 2015, Graduate Syllabus, page 7