North Carolina State University
ACC 551 – Advanced Auditing
Spring 2009

Instructor: D. Scott Showalter, CPA
Office: 3170 Nelson Hall
Office Phone: 513-0526
E-mail: scott_showalter@ncsu.edu
Class Hours: Tues and Thurs: 1:30-2:45pm (Section 1) and 3:00-4:15pm (Section 2)
Classroom: Nelson 1140
Office Hours: Tues and Thurs: 9:00-10:00am and 12:00-1:00pm
Also available by appointment. (I am generally around MWF, call ahead to confirm) 1. Course Objectives

This course is an advanced course in auditing. The course materials consist primarily of professional standards (both from the AICPA and PCAOB), empirical research, and case studies on selected topics in auditing. Subject matters include the demand for auditing, the effects of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, risk assessment, fraud, and audit testing. Students are expected to gain the following:

a. An understanding of the economic nature of auditing and the demand for audit and assurance services, including the effects of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act. b. Knowledge of the various tools available to assist auditors in the performance of the audit. c. Factors that affect risk assessment and audit testing. d. An in-depth knowledge of the audit process. e. The ability to communicate concepts orally and in writing. f. The ability to work in teams.

2. Required Texts and Materials

Auditing Cases: An Interactive Learning Approach, Beasley, Buckless, Glover, Prawitt, Prentice Hall, 4th Ed., (approx. $45.00) AICPA Professional Standards, Available online in the MAC lab. Hardcopies may be purchased at: aicpa.org The 21st Century Public Company Audit, Conceptual Elements of KPMG’s Global Audit Methodology, Bell, Peecher, Solomon, KPMG (copy of monograph provided by professor)

Published Research Papers: Available for free download at the NCSU library webpage: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/journals

PCAOB Standards available at: PCAOB.org

The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 available at: http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/gwbush/sarbanesoxley072302.pdf

Optional Materials

Auditing and Assurance Services: An Integrated Approach, Arens, Elder and Beasley, Prentice-Hall Inc. (or other auditing text). 3. Course Routine

Because this course is a seminar, attendance and participation by all members in class is expected and required. The course has been divided into several auditing topics. Although the format will vary by the topic covered, a topic will be typically covered as follows:

 Introduction to topic by professor  Group presentation and discussion of research paper(s) by the class  Group presentation and discussion of case study by the class  Topic wrap-up by professor

The professor will provide an introduction into each segment. This will include a discussion of authoritative guidance on the given topic (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards) and specific issues / concepts associated with the topic. For these discussions, my course notes will serve as our basis for discussion. Related research studies will then be presented by a class group and discussed by the class. Cases for each topic will also be presented by a class group and discussed by the class. After each presentation, one or two other assigned class groups will submit either research reports or case solutions. It is important to note that while one group is responsible for presenting each research paper / case study, it is the responsibility of ALL class members to actively participate in the presentation by asking questions, responding to questions, etc. Students are expected to offer at least one comment/question every other class.

4. Grade Determination

Total points in the class are tentatively planned as follows: Points Exams: Exam I 90 Exam II 90 Group Assignments (presentations, reports, and case solutions): 30 points each X 9 assignments 270