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There are 4 modules in this course
By the end of this course, you will be able to navigate the complex ethical frameworks and professional standards that govern the modern auditing profession. You will learn how to confidently apply the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct to maintain integrity, objectivity, and independence when facing real-world conflicts of interest. Furthermore, learners will benefit from a deep dive into the specific rules that shape different types of professional engagements. You will understand the crucial differences between auditing private entities under Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS) and auditing publicly traded companies under strict PCAOB regulations.
What makes this course uniquely valuable is its holistic approach; it not only covers domestic attestation and quality management standards, but also prepares you for global and internal roles by unpacking the IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework and the IAASB’s International Standards on Auditing. Whether you are verifying financial statements for a local startup or managing risks for a multinational corporation, you will gain the foundational knowledge necessary to protect the public interest and maintain the highest levels of audit credibility.
In this module, you’ll explore the foundations of microeconomics. You’ll examine concepts such as the market economy, along with demand and supply. By the end of the module, you’ll be prepared to recognize key microeconomic factors and identify how supply and demand work together to inform businesses how to remain competitive in the marketplace.
What's included
5 videos3 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 32 minutes
Instructor Introduction and Course Overview•4 minutes
Understanding the Market Economy•6 minutes
Demand•7 minutes
Supply•8 minutes
Supply and Demand Relationships•7 minutes
3 readings•Total 40 minutes
Course Outline •5 minutes
The Market Economy•20 minutes
Supply & Demand•15 minutes
2 assignments•Total 30 minutes
Practice Assessment: Market Economy•10 minutes
Graded Assessment: Module 1•20 minutes
Macroeconomic Concepts
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll explore the foundations of macroeconomics. You’ll examine concepts such as general types of markets, along with the roles of governments in economics. By the end of the module, you’ll be prepared to recognize key macroeconomic features such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and competition in economics.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 31 minutes
Introduction to Markets•8 minutes
Government's Role in Economics•8 minutes
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)•6 minutes
Competition •9 minutes
2 readings•Total 35 minutes
Macroeconomic Markets•20 minutes
Competition in Economics•15 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Practice Assessment: Module 2•20 minutes
Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting Concepts
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll explore the foundations of governmental accounting concepts and not-for-profit accounting concepts. You’ll examine concepts such as how government entities are organized and how not-for-profit organizations are organized. By the end of the module, you’ll be prepared to recognize key accounting differences between governments, not-for-profits, and for-profit entities.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 28 minutes
Organizational Structure for Governments and Non-Profits•8 minutes
General Requirements for Governments and Not-for-Profits•7 minutes
Financial Reporting for Governments •7 minutes
Financial Reporting for Not-for-Profits•6 minutes
2 readings•Total 35 minutes
Organizational Structure for Governments and Non-Profits•15 minutes
Financial Reporting for Governments and Non-Profits•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Practice Assessment: Module 3 V2•20 minutes
Applying Economics, Government, and Nonprofits Knowledge
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
This final module brings everything together. You’ll review key concepts from the course and apply what you’ve learned to real-world business situations. By stepping back and looking across key concepts tied to economics and governmental/NFP entities, you’ll strengthen your ability to analyze how economic concepts impact businesses—skills that are essential for accountants and business professionals alike.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 3 minutes
Course Wrap-Up•3 minutes
2 readings•Total 6 minutes
Review: Course Concepts•5 minutes
Congratulations and What’s Next•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 40 minutes
Graded Assessment: Course•40 minutes
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The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading public research university known for academic excellence, interdisciplinary scholarship, and innovation. As part of the University of California system, UCSB advances teaching, research, and public service to address local and global challenges.
This course is part of a CPA Licensure Preparation series and is designed to support learning and exam readiness. Completing this course does not by itself qualify you for CPA licensure or guarantee eligibility to sit for the CPA Exam. CPA licensure requirements vary by state and are determined by individual state boards of accountancy. Learners should consult their state board to confirm education and exam requirements.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.