Accounting
COURSE NUMBER: 33:010:272
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Financial Accounting
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an introductory financial accounting course designed to develop fundamentals of financial
accounting. This course will help students develop skills in applying financial accounting principles to
record basic economic transactions, summarize and present such transactions in financial statements as
well as to understand and analyze reported accounting information. This course is essential not only for
those students planning to pursue a career in accounting, but also for students planning to pursue a
career in any business discipline.
The course format will include lectures, discussions, and problem solving. Similar to the math courses
you have taken, there will be homework problems assigned related to each chapter that will enable you to
apply and understand the concepts learned in the lecture.
Assignments:
Chapters’ assignments and the dates that they are due can be found on WileyPLUS (see “Homework
Software” below). Please make sure to check their website for this information.
COURSE MATERIALS
Textbook:
Financial Accounting, 9th edition, Weygandt, Kimmel, and Kieso, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (2014)
(ISBN 978-1-118-33432-4)
Hard copy of book available through the University’s Bookstore packaged together with Wiley Plus
Homework Software.
Financial Accounting, 9th edition, Weygandt, Kimmel, and Kieso, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.(2014)
(ISBN 978-1-118-33843-8)
Loose leaf version of the text book available through the University’s Bookstore packaged together with
loose leaf version of the text WileyPlus Homework Software.
I have been told by our Wiley sales representative that the Rutgers Bookstore has the least expensive
price for a new book packaged with the software.
Homework Software:
Each student MUST obtain a WileyPLUS registration code, which is included with the purchase of a
new textbook or can be purchased separately at www.wileyplus.com. Students should ensure when
buying a new textbook that it comes with the WileyPLUS code. There have been instances where a
textbook advertised as being new and supposedly packaged together with Wiley PLUS has been
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delivered without the required WileyPLUS code.
Please note that if you choose to buy a used copy of the textbook, you will still need to purchase the
WileyPlus registration code. As discussed above, the WileyPLUS code purchased alone can be acquired
at www.wileyplus.com. This code is needed to access the online homework system for the course. It will
also give the student access to an electronic version of the book. This is NOT the same as the textbook
and it is not a version that can be saved after the semester. While it may be tempting to try to use the
textbook solely online, those who have tried to do so in the past have often found it frustrating particularly
when doing homework. I encourage everyone to acquire a hard copy (bound or loose leaf) of the book
whether new or used. Everyone in the class, will in any case, have access to the online version of the book
since the purchase of a WileyPLUS registration code, which is needed to submit required homework,
provides access to the online version of the book. .
Homework and WileyPLUS:
The WileyPLUS registration code gives each student access to the online homework system. All
homework for this course will be submitted and graded using the WileyPLUS online homework system.
You can access our section’s WileyPlus site at the link below:
Sec 01: http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/class/cls429580/
Sec 02: http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/class/cls429598/
Note: Students can take advantage of a 14 day grace period with WileyPLUS if they access the
course via wileyplus.com. So if you are unsure if you want to remain in this class, the grace period
gives the student time to decide. All of the work a student completes during this grace period will
be available to them when they do choose to purchase access at the end of the grace period. To
make sure you get the benefit of the full grace period, please do not formally register until January
19, 2015.
The first time you login to the WileyPlus website you will need to enter your registration code for your
class by following the series of questions (i.e. school name, instructor name, section number etc.).
WileyPlus allows students to work on an assignment, save it and then work on it later. The system will
not grade an assignment until the student clicks the “Submit” icon. Immediately following its due
date/time, if you have completed the assignment using all your attempts, the correct answers will be
available for viewing. Late homework submissions will receive reduced credit. As there will be adequate
time to complete homework assignments by the due date, and you will get reduced credit for late
submission, there will be NO extensions to get full credit.
Please register using EXACTLY the same name as it shows on BLACKBOARD.
The following abbreviations are used by the authors in identifying possible homework assignments in
Wiley PLUS:
BE
Brief Exercises
Do-it
Do-it for review
E
Exercises
P
Problem (both Problem set A and Problem Set B at the end of each chapter)
BYP
Broaden Your Perspective
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The homework assignments that appear online in WileyPLUS correlate to those in our textbook. For
example, if I assign Exercise 5-8, this 8th exercise in Chapter 5 will be the same in both our textbook and
in WileyPLUS. While some class members will find it helpful to have their book open to this particular
exercise I also try to make it easy by selecting within WileyPLUS a choice which allows students to print
a blank copy of the assigned homework. Homework will be assigned for each chapter. You are required
to ALL assignments. Homework is a portion of your final grade. You will be given several attempts to
complete each homework problem.
Technical Support: For any technical support issues involving WileyPLUS contact their tech support
which is available at the WileyPLUS website via live chat. Please do NOT contact me for technical issues
related to WileyPlus as I do not have the experience to provide you with the necessary help.
There may also be a WileyPlus Student Partner that may be able to assist you
Clicker Use in Class:
Your participation in the clicker questions is a key way to improve learning in the large lecture hall.
Clickers may be used to gauge understanding of reading material, support class discussions, and provide
understanding of new concepts and to review concepts of previously taught material.
Clickers MUST be brought to each and every class. Each student must register their clicker in
Blackboard.
Clickers are to be registered via blackboard. Once you obtain your clicker, go to the proper class
in Blackboard. Click on Tools on the left hand side of the course page. Then under tools, click on
Turning Technology Registration Tools. Please enter your clicker ID by your course name.
Instructions are also posted in Blackboard
Attendance/Participation Points
Clicker attendance/participation will be tracked and points will be awarded. If you forget your
clicker, you will be marked as absent and will not receive participation points for that class. There
will be several questions throughout each class. You must answer at least 75% of the questions
correctly to receive full participation points for that class. Partial points will be awarded.
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Technical problems
Technical problems: If you come to class and are having a problem with your clicker, let me know
DURING that same class. If your clicker stops working outside of class time, please
contact helpdesk@business.rutgers.edu
•
Clickers and Academic Integrity:
Entering answers from more than one clicker is considered academic misconduct. Using a clicker
for someone else is equivalent to taking an exam for someone else and is cause for serious
discipline. Any individual found with more than one clicker in any lecture will have the clickers
confiscated. The serial numbers will be recorded before the clickers are returned. The students who
have registered those serial numbers will receive a score of 0 for all clicker points for the semester
and be referred to the appropriate academic misconduct process.
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Student Responsibilities
−
−
−
Register your clicker on Blackboard by Friday February 6. 2015
Bring your clicker to each and every class
Submit your answers to all clicker questions during class
Clickers (The clickers must be TURNING POINT clickers) are available in the Rutgers Bookstore—
Students get a rebate of $15 by using the rebate code RrU2
Go to rebates.turningpointtechnologies.com
(offer valid only in 2014-2015 academic year)
Information on how to order a clicker can be found on Blackboard, as well as a rebate form.
Other Required Materials:
You will need a “simple” calculator, # 2 pencil, and eraser for all the exams. Note that you are NOT
permitted to use any programmable calculators capable of storing functions and/or text. If you take an
exam with this type of calculator, you will be given an F for that exam.
- Check Blackboard (blackboard.rutgers.edu) for postings of course documents and announcements.
Make sure your email address posted in Blackboard is the email address that you regularly use and
check this email often
LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The relevant Learning Goals of the Rutgers Business School that this course will address are as follows:
Business Knowledge
By understanding the accounting concepts learned in this class, a student will be able to understand and
analyze financial statements to make key business decisions.
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Quantitative Skills and Critical Thinking Skills Learning Goals
Students who do well in this class will be able to understand, analyze and use quantitative data that will
enable them to make business decisions and, with more advanced accounting and business courses, be
able to report to stakeholders.
Specificallya. Students will be able to identify quantitative characteristics of financial statements and accounts.
b. Students will be able to examine and interpret numerical data.
c. Students will be able to analyze numerical data to derive conclusions.
Information Technology Skills Learning Goal
Students will use software tools (WileyPlus) and excel to solve accounting, financial and quantitative
problems.
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Ethics Learning Goal
During this course, students will be able to understand and evaluate ethical issues and situations related
to certain accounting matters
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
I do NOT tolerate cheating. Students are responsible for understanding the RU Academic Integrity
Policy (http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/files/documents/AI_Policy_2013.pdf). I will strongly
enforce this Policy and pursue all violations. On all examinations and assignments, students must abide
by the RU Honor Pledge, which states, “On my honor, I have neither received nor given any
unauthorized assistance on this examination or assignment.” Don’t let cheating destroy your hardearned opportunity to learn. See business.rutgers.edu/ai for more details
ATTENDANCE AND PREPARATION POLICY
- Expect me to attend all class sessions. I expect the same of you. If I am to be absent, my department
chair or I will send you notice via email and Blackboard as far in advance as possible. If you are to be
absent, report your absence in advance at https://sims.rutgers.edu/ssra/. If your absence is due to
religious observance, a Rutgers-approved activity, illness, or family emergency/death and you seek
makeup work, also send me an email with full details and supporting documentation within 5 days of
your first absence. [Explain other aspects of your absence policy in detail; it will save you trouble later.]
- For weather emergencies, consult the campus home page. If the campus is open, class will be held. If
class is not held—there are videos of the class that can be viewed.
- Expect me to arrive on time for each class session. I expect the same of you. I will be starting class on
time. If you are going to be tardy with a good excuse, let me know in advance. If you are tardy, enter
the lecture hall from the back so you do not disturb the class.
- Expect me to remain for the entirety of each class session. I expect the same of you. If you are going to
leave early, then sit in the back rows during class.
- Expect me to prepare properly for each class session. I expect the same of you. Complete all
background reading and assignments. You cannot learn if you are not prepared. The minimum
expectation is that for each 3-hour class session, you have prepared by studying for at least twice as
many hours.
- Expect me to participate fully in each class session. I expect the same of you. Stay focused and
involved. You cannot learn if you are not paying attention.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT
I expect you to have respect for the instructor as well as your fellow students. Therefore, leave your cell
phones in your backpacks and pay attention throughout the class. If you use your computer to take notes
and follow slides, stay focused. Do not view other websites, email, etc. during class. If you need to use
the restroom, please do so –other than during exams.
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If you have question, please raise your hand. There is a hand microphone that can be passed around so
the rest of the class can hear your questions. If you sit in the front, I will repeat the question to the rest
of the class. Even though the class is large, I encourage you to ask questions.
See above for use of clickers
EXAM DATES AND POLICIES
Exams:
Our first midterm exam will cover Chapters 1 through 4. Our second midterm exam will cover Chapters
5
through 9. Our final exam will be cumulative and will cover Chapters 1 through 13. In contrast to the
two
midterm exams which will be given one hour and twenty minute time (during the regular class time
period), our final exam will be given in a three hour time period during the time specified in the final
exam schedule for Spring 2015 New Brunswick undergraduate classes. This schedule can be found at
https://finalexams.rutgers.edu/ .
During exams, the following rules apply:
If you have a disability that influences testing procedures, provide me an official letter from
The Office of Disability Services at the start of the semester.
No cell phones or other electronics should be visible in the testing room. Store them in your back pack.
You will be required to show a valid Rutgers ID during the exam.
Use the restroom prior to the start of the exam
The honor pledge should be followed and if your exam has a place where you sign the pledge, your
exam will not be accepted unless you sign the Honor Pledge.
Make-up Exam Policy:
Since the exam dates have already been determined (see below), please refrain from making travel plans
on those dates. A make-up exam will depend on my approval of the underlying reason and review of
supporting valid documentation. As for the final exam, approval of make-up exams will also depend on
my approval of the underlying reason and review of supporting valid documentation. If you do not have
a qualifying excuse, you will receive a zero for any missed assignments or exam.
Please note: “I did not have time to study” is NOT a qualifying excuse.
TUTORING AND EMAILS:
Tutoring and Office Hours:
Tutoring administered by the Accounting Department will be provided by Accounting Ph.D. students and
qualified undergraduates to assist you with course material. The location and availability of the tutors will
be made available through a reservation system known as Appointment-Plus.
In order to sign up for the Tutoring (recitation--group) sessions as well as the One-to-One tutoring, or
On-line tutoring please use the Appointment-Plus.com website -- click the following link:
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https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/6yvt8vlv/
Once you reach the website, you can select to sign up for a Tutoring (recitation session) (e.g. TuesdayRecitation 1-FA) or office hours (Tutorial Financial Accounting) or on-line tutoring.
Next select the Tutoring/One-to-One sessions that you plan to attend.
Tutoring schedule (when finalized) will also be posted on Blackboard but appointments must be scheduled
through the Appointment Plus website.
Additional Financial Accounting Tutors:
Tutoring is also available at the Learning Resource Centers on all campuses. For additional information,
refer to the website: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/student-info/group-and-individual-academic-support/peertutoring.
Email Policy:
Every student is responsible for maintaining the current e-mail address in the Rutgers Online Directory.
You can maintain your personal information at:
https://personalinfo.rutgers.edu/pi/
Students who do not have a Rutgers NETID can create one online using this
link: https://netid.rutgers.edu/index.htm
Due to volume, Emails sent directly to my Rutgers email may not be answered. Please use the
COURSE EMAIL above. That is the only way to ensure a timely response to your emails due to the large
number of students. Please also allow 24-36 hours for emails to be received and responded to given the
large number of students.
FINAL GRADE ASSIGMENT
Below is the weighting of the course requirements:
Grades
Midterm Exam I
Midterm Exam II
Homework
Attendance/Participation
Final Exam
Total
17.50%
17.50%
20.00%
5.00%
40.00%
100.00%
Grading Distribution
The departmental general “guideline” for the grade distribution in Introduction to Financial Accounting
is as follows: A (12.5%), B+ (10%), B (20%), C+ (15%), C (27.5%), D (10%), F (5%).
Grade posting: Midterm grades will be posted in Blackboard. Final grades will be posted in REGIS.
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Warning grades will be either be posted in REGIS or by email.
Your final grade is not subject to negotiation. If you feel I have made an error, submit your written
argument to me within one week of receiving your final grade. Clarify the precise error I made and
provide all supporting documentation. If I have made an error, I will gladly correct it. But I will adjust
grades only if I have made an error.
There are NO provisions for receiving extra credit
Accounting (33:010:272)
COURSE SCHEDULE
Section 01—Wed 12:00-1:20 Fri 1:40-3:00
Class #
Chapter
Topic
1
Wednesday January 21
1
Accounting in Action
2
Friday January 23
1
Accounting in Action
3
Wednesday January 28
2
The Recording Process
4
Friday January 30
2
The Recording Process
5
Wednesday February 4
3
Adjusting the Accounts
(Appendix 3B is included, pages 131135)
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Friday February 6
3
Adjusting the Accounts
7
Wednesday February 11
4
Completion of the Accounting Cycle
8
Friday February 13
4
Completion of the Accounting Cycle;
Review Certain Items for First Exam
9
Wednesday February 18
5
Accounting
Operations
5
Accounting for Merchandising
Operations (Appendix 5A is included,
pages 244-245)
10
Friday February 20
11
Wednesday February 25
12
Friday February 27
6
Inventories
13
Wednesday March 4
6
Inventories
for
Merchandising
Exam 1 -- Chapters 1-4
9
14
Friday March 6
7
Fraud, Internal Control & Cash
15
Wednesday March 11
8
Accounting for Receivables
16
Friday March 13
8
Accounting for Receivables
17
Wednesday March 25
9
Plant Assets, Natural Resources and
Intangible Assets
9
Plant Assets, Natural Resources and
Intangible Assets
10
Liabilities
18
Friday March 27
19
Wednesday April 1
10
Liabilities
(Appendix 10C is included, pages
516-519)
20
Friday April 3
10
Liabilities and Review Certain Items
for next Exam
21
Wednesday April 8
22
Friday April 10
23
Exam 2 --Chapters 5 thru 9
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Wednesday April 15
11
Corporations: Organizations, Stock
Transactions,
Dividends,
and
Retained Earnings
Corporations: Organizations, Stock
Transactions,
Dividends,
and
Retained Earnings
(Appendix 11B is included, pages
579-580)
Investments
(Appendix 12A is included, pages
624-628)
24
Friday April 17
12
25
Wednesday April 22
12
Investments
26
Friday April 24
13
Statement of Cash Flow
(Appendix 13B is included, pages
678-684)
27
Wednesday April 29
13
Statement of Cash Flow
28
Friday May 1
13
Statement of Cash Flow
Final Exam Chapters 1 thru 13
Check https://finalexams.rutgers.edu/
for updates.
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Section 02- Mon/Wed 6:40 -8:00
Class #
Date
Chapter
Topic
1
Wednesday January 21
1
Accounting in Action
2
Monday January 26
1
Accounting in Action
3
Wednesday January 28
2
The Recording Process
4
Monday February 2
2
The Recording Process
Adjusting the Accounts
5
Wednesday February 4
3
6
Monday February 9
3
Adjusting the Accounts
7
Wednesday February 11
4
Completion of the Accounting Cycle
8
Monday February 16
4
Completion of the Accounting Cycle;
Review Certain Items for First Exam
9
Wednesday February 18
5
(Appendix 3B is included, pages 131135)
Accounting
Operations
for
Merchandising
(Appendix 5A is included, pages 244245)
10
Monday February 23
11
Wednesday February 25
5
1
Accounting for Merchandising
Operations
Exam 1 -- Chapters 1-4
12
Monday March 2
6
Inventories
13
Wednesday March 4
6
Inventories
14
Monday March 9
7
Fraud, Internal Control & Cash
15
Wednesday March 11
8
Accounting for Receivables
16
Monday March 23
8
Accounting for Receivables
17
Wednesday March 25
9
Plant Assets, Natural Resources and
Intangible Assets
18
Monday March 30
Plant Assets, Natural Resources and
Intangible Assets
9
10
19
Wednesday April 1
10
20
Monday April 6
10
21
Wednesday April 8
22
Monday April 13
23
Liabilities
Liabilities
(Appendix 10C is included, pages
516-519)
Liabilities and Review Certain Items
for next Exam
Exam 2 --Chapters 5 thru 9
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Wednesday April 15
11
24
Monday April 20
12
25
Wednesday April 22
12
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Corporations: Organizations, Stock
Transactions,
Dividends,
and
Retained Earnings
Corporations: Organizations, Stock
Transactions,
Dividends,
and
Retained Earnings
(Appendix 11B is included, pages
579-580)
Investments
(Appendix 12A is included, pages
624-628)
Investments
26
Monday April 27
13
Statement of Cash Flow
(Appendix 13B is included, pages
678-684)
27
Wednesday April 29
13
Statement of Cash Flow
28
Monday May 4
13
Statement of Cash Flow
Final Exam Chapters 1 thru 13
Check https://finalexams.rutgers.edu/
for updates.
Note: Certain items in this syllabus is subject to change during the semester.
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