Data Analytics in Contemporary Accounting

The course provides an overview of the importance and use of data analytics in accounting. It focuses on how data analytics impact financial and management accounting, auditing and tax; and introduces a series of techniques and tools for analysing large amounts of data available to answer fundamental accounting questions and for business to create value. It is designed to give students the opportunity to develop an analytical mindset. Specifically, students will be able to identify relevant accounting and business questions, scrub and prepare data, understand the effects that the quality of the underlying data has on its ability to address business questions. Students will also be able to perform enhanced financial analysis through manipulation of accounting data and prepare data visualization reports to summarise the outputs in an accessible way for each varied decision maker and their specific needs. These skills are highly desirable for the accountant looking toward the future where the business environment is increasingly data driven.