Outline

Overview

Accountants are extensive users of business information systems (BIS). They also play a critical advisory and managerial role in relation to the design, adoption, evaluation and assurance of BIS to ensure that information and systems are properly governed to manage and mitigate risk, are used ethically and contribute to business value. This unit provides an introduction to current and emerging information technologies (IT) that support and enable business processes, information management, decision-making, data analysis and reporting of critical business information in accounting. In addition, associated governance, risk and compliance challenges are explored. Relationships between business processes and accounting information systems are examined to develop an understanding of the complex and changing business information environment from the perspective of different stakeholders. Students use a variety of tools, frameworks and models that assist in identifying opportunities for business value creation to ensure that strategies meet business needs.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Accounting, Governance and Regulation
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ravi Seethamraju, ravi.seethamraju@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Abdul Razeed, abdul.razeed@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ravi Seethamraju, ravi.seethamraju@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Written exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Skills assessment (technology tools) Demonstration of skills using technology tools such as SAP, SQL & BPMN software	15%	Week 10	90 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Group Assignment: Report Group assignment (case study project) report	20%	Week 11 Due date: 25 Oct 2025 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Assignment: Presentation Group assignment (case study project) presentation	5%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2025 at 23:59	–	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Weekly In-class Work In-class work & personal reflections	20%	Weekly	1500 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Individual assessment: This consists of three assessment tasks held in a live class that provide feedback and scaffolded learning to students as they progress in the unit. It involves online quizzes and/or demonstration of the completion of the task in class using appropriate technology. Further details will be provided in Canvas.
Group assignment: Students as a group of 4 to 5 are required to research and examine key facts and important issues related to the selected topic and/or case study applying concepts, techniques and models, and by evaluating the ethical, social and cultural issues in the adoption and assurance of accounting information systems. A written report on the case study/topic (worth 20%) and an oral presentation (worth 5%) are required by the group. Further details will be provided in Canvas.
Skills assessment: Students are required to demonstrate their specialist software/technology skills in the mapping, designing & execution of accounting information system parameters for a given business scenario in a supervised environment. Further details will be provided in Canvas.
Final exam: This is a closed-book examination in a supervised environment and covers all the content covered throughout the semester including all the associated readings and unit materials. Further details will be provided in Canvas. The final exam is listed as a HURDLE TASK, which means you must undertake the assessment and achieve a mark above a minimum standard. Students who fail to achieve this minimum standard in this assessment, even when their aggregate mark for the entire unit is above 50%, will be given a Fail grade for the unit. As a result, the student's academic transcript will show a fail grade and the actual mark achieved if between 0-49 and a fail grade and a capped moderated mark of 49 for all other marks. The hurdle mark for this assessment is 45%

Replacement exams : Replacement exams will be offered as per the University Assessment Procedures.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas .

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For all the late submissions after the due date not covered by an 'approved special consideration' or submitted after the extension granted under a special consideration, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied for every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the unit: Accounting Information Systems (AIS) overview, impact of current & emerging technologies on AIS	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Overview of transaction processing and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems; Adoption of ERP systems and Cloud ERP systems	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Database concepts - 1: Systems documentation techniques and databases	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Data base concepts - 2: Relational databases, database queries	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Business processes - concepts, significance, mapping/modelling, data flows and controls	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Enterprise systems and transaction cycles - Revenue cycle	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Enterprise systems and transaction cycles - Expenditure cycle and General Ledger & Reporting cycle	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Enterprise systems - A/P and A/R processes and reporting process	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Business intelligence/Analytics and Visualization	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Emerging technologies and AIS - Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Blockchain	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Enterprise risk management and ethics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Group assignment presentations and discussion	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Group presentations, review of the unit and exam preparation	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Each student must attend one three hour workshop per week for 13 weeks as per their timetable.
Lecture recordings: Only one workshop stream will be recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use after the class. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every workshop will be recorded. Recordings are not a replacement for attending and participating in workshops. Students should attend and participate in all workshops to achieve learning outcomes.
No group presentation recording: Additionally group presentation recordings will not be made available. You are not permitted to record any group presentation with any device.
Weeks 12 is for group presentations and require compulsory attendance for all students. An approved special consideration is required if a student is unable to attend.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Prescribed Text Book:

Romney, M.B., Steinbart, P.J.., Summers, S.L. and Wood, D.A. (2025)) Accounting Information Systems , Global edition, 16th edition, Pearson Education.

Information about all the other materials and materials will be provided in the Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify and explain the impact of information technology in an accounting and business context, on the organisation's business model and critical business activities
LO2. Examine and summarise concepts of enterprise risk management, organisational governance and internal control, and the importance of these for accountants in relation to identifying, reporting and managing risk within the organisation
LO3. Analyse different roles of stakeholders and evaluate key social, ethical and cultural issues involved in the design, implementation and assurance of accounting information systems
LO4. Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and tools for designing, documenting, and analysing business processes and internal controls using BPMN notation, basic data models, and two software packages. Practice an approach through class activities and other assigned tasks
LO5. Develop and support arguments through reading and library research
LO6. Communicate persuasively and collaborate effectively with different personalities, individually and in group settings, to achieve professional outcomes

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Introduced on-going individual assessment tasks to provide feedback and scaffolded learning to students

Additional information

Study commitment: Typically there is a minimum expectation of 1.5 to 2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates roughtly 120 to 150 hours of student effort in total in a semester.

Consultation and discussion forum: Consultation times will be posted in Canvas. Students are encouraged to use Canvas discussion forums for clarification about the unit including the content, workshops, assessments and others.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

INFS5000: Accounting Information Systems

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links