Introductory description

This is an elective module available for WBS and non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

This 10-week undergraduate module will focus on the practical application of cloud accounting using suitable cloud-based software e.g. Xero, building key practical employability and professional skills within a broader critical frame. The course will blend technical expertise with the development of critical thinking, analysis, and reflection. By the end of the module, students will have gained hands-on experience of cloud-based software and created a portfolio of crically reflective work showcasing understanding of cloud-based accounting and its implications and limitations for the accounting profession and the broader business/societal space.

Students are asked to note that alongside the formal pre-requisites for this module, students may benefit from some additional knowledge (or experience) of financial accounting as covered in IB233 - Financial Reporting 1.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Indicative Outline Syllabus - although the order of some topics are interchangeable

1: Introduction to Cloud-Based Accounting Technology

Practical: Overview of cloud-based accounting technology; key features, benefits, and real-world application; set-up and basic navigation of cloud-accounting interface;
Critical: The role of cloud-based accounting in the profession - implications and limitations for the profession and for business.

2: Cloud-based Accounting Fundamentals - Chart of Accounts & Setting up a Business

Practical: Thee Chart of Accounts; setting up and configuring business accounts using cloud-based software and provided business case-study.
Critical: Limitations of the scope of capture of information within accounting technology and decision-making around which suppliers/customers to contract with.

3: Sales, Purchases, and Invoicing in cloud-based accounting

Practical: Recording and managing invoices, bills and purchases using provided business case-study data.
Critical: Reflecting on the types of report and information produced by accounting technology used to manage the business.

4: Tracking Information

Practical: Using tracking and dashboard information within cloud-based accounting technology and producing reports.
Critical: Exploring accounting through a critical lens - Theme 1 (e.g. sound). Introduction of key strands of critical accounting literature relevant to the selected theme and reflection of the impact of this on cloud-based accounting principles and practice.

5: Bank Reconciliation and Automation in cloud-based accounting

Practical: Completing bank reconciliations and understanding their purpose, process, and significance. Set-up and use of automation tools and understanding their benefits.
Critical: Reflecting on internal controls over banking and the ethical threats to and limitations of these systems.

6: Use of manual journals within cloud based accounting software

Practical: Introduction to manual journal function in cloud-based software.
Critical: Exploring accounting through a critical lens - Theme 2 (e.g. art/poetry). Introduction of key strands of critical accounting literature relevant to the selected theme and reflection of the impact of this on cloud-based accounting principles and practice.

7: Cloud-based Inventory Management

Practical: Adding inventory items and cloud-based management of stock levels.
Critical: Evaluating the use of technology and perpetual inventory systems.

8: Advanced Features of Cloud-Based Reporting

Practical: Generating, analysing and interpreting key accounting and other financial reports produced from cloud-based accounting technology.
Critical: Reflecting on issues and developing solutions using provided case-study data.

9: Data Security, Compliance, and Ethics in Cloud Accounting

Practical: Understanding data security and the challenges within cloud-accounting platforms; Use case-study data to explore real-world ethical issues and risks in cloud accounting;
Critical: Exploring accounting through a critical lens - Theme 3 (e.g. ethics). Introduction of key strands of critical literature within the chosen theme and reflection of the impact of this on cloud-based accounting principles and practice.

10: Problem-solving, Communication and Collaboration in Cloud-based Accounting

Practical: Use of cloud-based solftware and case-study data to efffectively communicate insights into business performance, identify problems and develop solutions.
Critical: Reflections on the nature ,scope, practice and limitations of accounting knowledge and its relationship to issues such as truth, authenticity, authority and legitimacy.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate practical mastery of cloud-based accounting software, by effectively managing financial data, automating transactions, generating reports, and applying key functionalities.
• Utilise and assess data analysis and financial reporting features within cloud-based accounting software to assess business performance, identify trends, and make informed strategic decisions, recognizing the increasing importance of data in professional judgment and client advisory services.
• Critically evaluate how technological innovation/advancements, especially cloud accounting, are transforming the accounting profession, altering traditional processes, and reshaping the role and skill set of modern accountants.
• Assess the ethical, security, and compliance challenges posed by cloud technologies in accounting. Through key strands of the critical accounting literature, engage in critical reflection on the use, influence and limitations of cloud-based accounting technology within accounting and business practice.
• Use a range of thematic perspectives (such as understanding accounting through sound, art etc.) to critically explore the nature, scope, practice and limits of accounting knowledge and its relationship to notions of truth, authority and legitimacy.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Develop technical proficiency in a leading cloud accounting software.
Discuss the role and importance of cloud-based accounting in the modern business environment and how technology adds data-based decision making and analysis.
Use case-study data and key strands of the literature, build problem-solving, communication and critical thinking.
Reflect on the use of technology in accounting and its broader professional implications.

Transferable skills

Demonstrate robust communication and interpersonal skills and the appropriate use of innovative and creative abilities.
Develop employability skills by integrating technical proficiency in a leading cloud-based accounting technology with broader digital literacy, and understanding of business actions around responsibility and integrity.
Build problem-solving capabilities, in preparation of the demands of a technology-driven accounting landscape.
Secure recognised and certified proficiency with a leading cloud accounting software.