accounting paper

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Accounting 3596 Spring 2019

Term Paper Instructions

Students should prepare a term paper on the topic of Data Analytics in Auditing. The growing reliance on analytics within both external and internal audit processes has resulted in high demand for individuals with relevant skillsets. You should view this project as an important step in developing your knowledge on the topic. To familiarize yourself with the area, you can review the following sites. You should then identify the specific aspects of this area upon which you would like to focus your paper. Some potential topics are (1) Benefits of data analytics for external audit, (2) Overcoming the barriers to adoption of data analytics in external audits, (3) Successfully leveraging data analytics for internal audits, and (4) Benefits of continuous auditing and monitoring using data analytics. https://www.cpajournal.com/2017/02/16/introduction-to-data-analysis-for-auditors-and- accountants/ https://www.picpa.org/keep-informed/by-topic/audit-data-analytics https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/frc/assuranceadvisoryservices/auditanalytics.html https://www.icaew.com/-/media/corporate/files/technical/iaa/tecpln14726-iaae-data-analytics--- web-version.ashx Many other sources for brainstorming ideas can be found with a simple Google search for “Data Analytics for Auditing” or like phrases.

Your term paper should be based on research from journal articles and other available materials such as auditing standards. Recent journal articles are preferred over older ones; at least 50% of your articles must be from 2010-2019 issues of journals like the ones listed below.

Some Important Journals (Research Sources): • The Journal of Accountancy • The CPA Journal • Current Issues in Auditing • Accounting Horizons • Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory • Journal of Accounting, Auditing, and Finance • Journal of Accounting and Public Policy • Journal of Accounting Information Systems • The Pennsylvania CPA Journal, published by the PICPA • The Internal Auditor, published by the Institute of Internal Auditors

The full text issues of some accounting journals are available on-line through the Temple University Library system. In many cases the organizations publishing the journals have back issues available on-line (e.g., Journal of Accountancy, and the CPA Journal).

Auditing Standards are available at the AICPA and PCAOB websites.

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The project involves multiple iterations. You will submit a term paper outline, followed by a first version of the full paper, and then the revised version of the paper.

Term Paper Outline Due: January 29, 2019 When you have selected a topic, you will prepare an outline (one page, single spaced). Submit a hard copy in class on January 29 AND upload the file on canvas in the term paper outline folder. Use your last name with the extension “Term Paper Outline” to name your file (i.e.,“yourlastname.Term Paper Outline”). The file should be in the folder before the beginning of the class session in which the assignment is due. A well-thought-out outline will provide an excellent road map to writing your term paper. In past years, final term paper quality has been highly correlated with the level of effort put forth in developing the outline. Despite the one-page length limit, you should aim to thoroughly develop your thesis statement and main supporting points in this planning document. A thoroughly developed outline will allow for more constructive feedback to be given early in the writing process. Below are some sources you can consult for preparing the outline: http://www.writeexpress.com/writing-outline.html http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/PlanResearchPaper.html Another challenge many students face is defining a clear and concise thesis statement to serve as the primary argument to be defended within the term paper. When formulating your statement, please refer to the site below for assistance: http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/ Your outline (and drafts of the full paper) should include references cited in parentheses throughout the document, as well as cited fully on a References page at the end of your outline/paper. For all stages of this assignment, please use citation formatting recommended in the Chicago Manual of Style, which is available below. Points will be deducted for failing to follow these guidelines. https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-2.html Term Paper, First Version Due: February 26, 2019 The report should not exceed six pages (12 font Times New Roman, double-spaced with 1-inch margins), excluding the cover page. Pages should be numbered, and the hardcopy version of the paper should be stapled together. Include a cover page with your name on it. Please do not put your name on any other page. Submit a hard copy of your writing assignment AND upload the word file (which should also include the cover page) on canvas (in the term paper folder). Use your last name with the extension “Term Paper” to name your file (e.g., “yourlastname.Term Paper”) for the file submitted on February 26, 2019). The file should be in the folder before the beginning of the class session in which the assignment is due.

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Below are some links that provide general guidelines for writing a term paper: http://tippie.uiowa.edu/accounting/writing/begin.cfm http://www.ai.uga.edu/mc/howtowrite/howtowrite.pdf Revised Paper This will be due two weeks after you receive feedback for the draft submission above. Submit a hard copy of your writing assignment AND upload the word file on canvas (in the term paper folder). Use your last name with the extension “Revised Term Paper” to name your file (e.g., “yourlastname.Revised Term Paper”). The file should be in the folder before the beginning of the class session in which the assignment is due. Grading The term paper is worth 15% of the course grade. Your grade will be based on content, presentation, and general quality of writing. Please take advantage of the assistance offered by Temple’s writing center (http://www.temple.edu/writingctr/) before submitting each phase of the assignment. See the grading rubric (separate pdf file available on Canvas) that will be used to grade this assignment. Points will be taken off for the following: 1. Spelling mistakes (-2.5% for each spelling mistake). A spell-check will take care of many

problems but remember that Word will not differentiate (for example) between “its” and “it’s”. 2. Single-spacing (-20%). 3. Insufficient margins (-2.5% for each margin that is less than 1"). 4. Different printers used to print the report (-10%). 5. Page limit exceeded (-1% per line exceeding the page limit). 6. Late submission without valid, documented excuse (-10% if late by one hour, -20% if late by

six hours, and -30% if late by a day). Papers are due at the beginning of class. 7. Small font size (-10%). For example, the font size used for this sentence is not acceptable. Please use Times

New Roman 12-point font. 8. Pages not numbered (-5%). 9. Pages not stapled (-1%). 10. File not named according to instructions (-5%).