Graduation Ready Portfolio Presentation
Information Learning
Reflecting on my educational career with Bryant & Stratton College, my information literacy
skills has transitioned from what I believe to be my own strong and thorough knowledge, on a
particular subject matter, backed by my experience whether it derives from life’s lesson or on the
job training, I thought that others would respect it enough to ‘take my word for it’. Now that I
am at the end of my educational journey, I have acquired the knowledge and skills of
incorporating scholarly and credible referenced resources using academic journals, periodicals,
and/or peer reviews located in the library or via the internet. When the element of referenced
resources is added to my experience on the subject matter, it attests to my knowledge and
understanding of the learned information, while quietly highlighting my research skills.
The portfolio project from ACCT120 (Accounting Principles II), the Cogg Hill Camping
Equipment Company Project challenged my knowledge on a previous accounting course and
build upon that knowledge with taking it a step forward. This project required me to transfer
textbook and experience knowledge of recording debit and credit transactions into general
ledgers and general journals. However, this project expanded upon that knowledge and I have
obtained the skills of incorporating the use of special journals (sales journal, purchase journal,
cash receipt journal, and cash disbursement journal) from the course materials, discussion forum,
and secondary resources to fully complete the accounting cycle of a manufacturing firm. The
project elicits accounting recording transactions that a manufacturing company would experience
during the regular course of business in any given calendar month. This included but not limited
to: recording transactions into subsidiary journals and completing general journal transactions
and posting to general ledger accounts, completing a scheduled of accounts receivable/accounts
payable (making sure it is in agreement with the general ledger balances), complete bank
reconciliation, create trial balance and adjusted trial balance worksheet, preparing the financial
statements to include a statement of retain earnings and post-closing trial balance.
The ACCT120 portfolio project demonstrated the use of technology through creating spreadsheet
using Excel program. Furthermore, the ACCT210 (Accounting System), portfolio project
through its integrated accounting program showcase my knowledge of accounting software
systems. Through the use of comprehensive audit questions, test my understanding of the use of
accounting system programs as well as my ability to extract data using this system.
The research papers from ENGL101 course on Juvenile Offenders and PHIL250 on Same Sex
Marriages really showcases my research skills and the ability to use these referenced resources to
fully argue my viewpoint which adds credibility to my writing.
Rational Learning
Before entering into my degree program of accounting and obtaining formal training, I have
always completed my own personal income tax returns as well as a few family members and
friends’ individual income tax returns using the program software of ‘TurboTax’. Using the
taxing program allows for any inexperienced accountant to complete federal and state income tax
return (accurately) because the program is completing all calculations, researching tax laws to
obtain full credits and deductions, and completing the proper government tax forms.
The portfolio project from ACCT130 (Tax Accounting), with its Comprehensive Case Study
allowed me to complete personal complex income tax returns for an individual and couple filing
jointly as well as a business income tax returns using the forms taken directly from the
government website. Completing the forms using the website reinforced my learning from the
course materials as it related to the taxing laws.
Completing the tax forms and its calculations required the use of basic mathematical skills and
use of a calculator. Furthermore, I was able to complete the forms and calculations requirements,
including all schedules without the use of the taxing program. Completing the portfolio project
allowed me to build on my own tax preparation knowledge as well as challenging my research
ability in acquiring information directly from the taxing agency. Completing this course and the
project has built up my confidence and skill level in completing business tax returns and this
taxing season was my first time completing my partnership business tax returns.
Community and Career
The discipline of an accounting degree not only demands the individual to be competent in carry
out the duties of an accountant; however, it also requires me to be a corporate citizen and steward
in completing all accounting transactions and record the same in accordance with the Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
My future career and educational goals of becoming a Forensic Accountant with the specialize
certification of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), requires continual lifelong learning through
course studies as well as holding and maintaining organization memberships such as the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
The portfolio project completed in my ACCT110 course (Accounting Principles I) introduced me
to my corporate and ethical responsibility in reporting and preparing the financial statements of a
firm. The Brawn Demolition Company Project acclimated me to the standards of my
responsibility as an accountant to prepare, analyze, and report the financial health and statements
of a firm. I prepared the financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and statement of
owner’s equity) in accordance with the accounting standards and equation of Assets = Liabilities
+ Owner’s Equity.
In addition, the ACCT220 (Analyzing Financial Statements) expanded on that knowledge and
responsibility. In analyzing the data, it demonstrates my ability to accurately report my findings
that can assist the decision makers in making the best decision for the firm; in this case, to
introduce and produce a new clothing line. The information was reported unbiased and ethically
in accordance with GAAP standards of reporting.
Metacognition
Throughout my degree program I have been consistently challenged to use my metacognitive
skills and rise to the next level in learning. Each time I obtain new knowledge, regarding a
particular subject matter, I begin to transfer this information to previously learned knowledge or
experiences that lends to my ability to relate and retain the information. Each week, when
completing the week’s readings, assignments, and discussions, I am given the opportunity to
reflect on my learning as well as how the learning relates to my life and/or career.
The portfolio project in SOSC101 course (Principles of Sociology) allowed me to demonstrate
my metacognitive skills through my research paper on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I have
chosen this assignment because Maslow’s theory acts as a measurement of my learning in that it
suggests that the way that I begin does not necessarily means this is the way that I will end up
especially when my ultimate motivating factor is self-actualization. Using the acquired skills of
metacognition, as it is refined, displays the constant improvement of my written communication
skills.
In addition, using metacognitive skills allowed me the opportunity of displaying my ability to
think abstractly in problem-solving. I had also come to the conclusion that although I reported on
Maslow’s theory of Hierarchy of Needs I realized that Maslow’s theory can be successfully
challenged. The theory does not take into consideration the human factor and the need not only
to satisfy my own needs but the needs of others.
Communication Skills
Before enrolling into my current degree program, my work experience afforded me the
opportunity to continue to improve upon both my oral and written communication skills. As an
Assistant Vice President/Fraud investigation Manager this occupation placed me in situation
where I had to disseminate information to groups of individuals whether they were internal or
external customer regarding matters of fraud and fraud prevention. When investigating a case
and communicating my findings, of which could be used as testimony in a court of law, I will
have to organize my investigation report that read chronologically, logically, and persuasive in
order to be effective.
The portfolio project from COMM201 course (Public Speaking) delivering a Persuasive Speech
demonstrated learned skills and techniques of engaging my audience from the onset with a strong
introduction, remembering the non-verbal communication skills of body language with the use of
eye-contact and voice inflection, credibility with the use of cited referenced resources
incorporated into my speech, knowing my audience and delivering the material appropriate to
my audience, the effect use of visual aid and properly informing my audience that my
communication is coming to its conclusion. The portfolio project from PHIL250 (Practices
Reasoning and Thinking) research paper on Same-Sex Marriages helped me to demonstrate my
ability to take a controversial subject and effectively use the skills of inductive and deductive
reasoning to competently argue my position; making sure to avoid fallacies in my writing to
further enhance the credibility of my argument and writing skills.
The skills of oral and written communication are valued and needed in my career goal of a
Forensic Accountant. The use of oral communication skills will be needed when testifying in a
court of law as to my investigation findings on a financial fraud case. The same holds true for
written communication as I must be able to write my investigation report that chronologically
outline the fraud investigation case that is logical and well organized.
Quantitative Skills
The quantitative skills of math proficiency are prevalent throughout my degree program of
accounting. I say this because all mathematical computations located on the Excel spreadsheets
are completed using learned math skills of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division, with some use of a calculator. The portfolio project of ACCT110, ACCT120,
ACCT130 (income tax return preparation), demonstrates this ability.
As I have progressed into my accounting career, I have learned to use more complex algebraic
equations to complete budget forecasting as learned in Financial Analysis (ACCT220) and my
portfolio project on Financial Statements Analysis and Pro Forma Income Statement. The
mathematical computations required the knowledge of ratios and the use of present and future
value calculations to determine business profitability.
The math skills that I have learned, completing these courses have allowed me to transfer them
into my personal and professional environment. For instance, utilizing the time value of money
allows me to choose the options of installment payments as opposed to lump sum payment when
playing the mega million lotteries. This same learned skill can be used in a workforce setting
when completing the numbers to determine the cost effectiveness and feasibility to take on a new
investment or project.
Reflection
When I reflect back on my degree program, I am especially proud of my ACCT110, ACCT120
and ACCT220 portfolio projects. Completing these projects afforded me the opportunity to
record, analyze, and interpret the data in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP). Upon preparing the financial statements, it allowed me to interpret the data
and report the financial health of the firm. After interpreting the data and creating the report it
can then be used to make the best financial decision for the firm.
The ACCT120 portfolio project allowed me to really showcase my knowledge and basic
accounting skills of which was taken to another level. It shows my ability to work with
subsidiary accounts, schedules, general ledgers and such. It demonstrates my ability to handle a
more complex accounting system of a manufacturing firm. On the other hand, my ACCT230
portfolio project gave me a different perspective on a manufacturing accounting system with it
use of T-Accounts. The T-Accounts helped with a better understanding of the process flow.
Furthermore, its use allowed for the ease of preparing and analyzing the data needed to prepare
job costing sheets, the material ledger, and the material summary report. The data information
was then used to prepare the financial statements of Cost of Goods Manufactured which helped
prepared the Income Statement and Balance Sheet.
Portfolio Project Evidence
The accounting courses and portfolio projects of ACCT110 (Accounting Principle I), ACCT220
(Financial Analysis) and ACCT230 (Cost Accounting), all are evidence of my knowledge and
understanding of preparing accounting reports for internal and external users.
The ACCT110 project accounting report shows my ability to interpret the data to report on the
firm’s overall strengths and weaknesses with recommendations for short-term and long-term
goals. The ACCT220 project accounting report shows my ability to interpret the data that is
used by the company’s decision makers to decision the implementation of a new clothing line
using sales projections. Although the ACCT230 project does not have a formal accounting
report; however, the workbooks can be used to give an accurate reporting of the materials used to
complete a job, what job is still in process, materials on hand, etc.
Evidence of Analyzing and Interpreting Financial Statements
I am able to evidence that I have gained the ability to analyze and interpret financial reports to
assists users in the management decision-making process through the portfolio projects of
ACCT110 and ACCT220.
The ACCT110 evidence this ability with reporting on the firm’s overall financial position.
Through this report I was able to point out the firms strengths that showed their ability to meet
any short-term obligations with its cash assets. The report also pointed out the company’s future
growth potential. To the contrary it also recognized the company’s weaknesses and provided
recommendations on where the company can do better go forward.
The ACCT220 project evidences this ability through the report of project sales figures to
decision the implementation of a new clothing line. The preparation of the analysis report
pointed out the company’s poor sales performance that resulted in a decline in the inventory and
accounts receivable turnover. The report also pointed out the potential risk of taking on a new
product line that will increase overall expenses and the profits that it can potentially yield may
not be adequate to finance the asset growth. This may result in creating a credit obligation to
suppliers, credit lender (bank), or the stockholders (through retained earnings).
Information Technology to complete Accounting functions
I am able to evidence that I have gained the ability to analyze and interpret financial reports to
assists users in the management decision-making process through the portfolio projects of
ACCT110 and ACCT220.
The ACCT110 evidence this ability with reporting on the firm’s overall financial position.
Through this report I was able to point out the firms strengths that showed their ability to meet
any short-term obligations with its cash assets. The report also pointed out the company’s future
growth potential. To the contrary it also recognized the company’s weaknesses and provided
recommendations on where the company can do better go forward.
The ACCT220 project evidences this ability through the report of project sales figures to
decision the implementation of a new clothing line. The preparation of the analysis report
pointed out the company’s poor sales performance that resulted in a decline in the inventory and
accounts receivable turnover. The report also pointed out the potential risk of taking on a new
product line that will increase overall expenses and the profits that it can potentially yield may
not be adequate to finance the asset growth. This may result in creating a credit obligation to
suppliers, credit lender (bank), or the stockholders (through retained earnings).