Course Title: Establish and maintain accounting information systems

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: ISYS7599C

Course Title: Establish and maintain accounting information systems

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5424 - Diploma of Accounting

Course Contact: Doug Gourlay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5944

Course Contact Email: doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Mandeep Chahil

mandeep.chahil@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There is no pre-requisite for this unit.

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and record system requirements, evaluate alternative systems and acceptance test systems, prepare system documentation, implement reporting systems and records, monitor systems and review reporting procedures.

It applies to experienced individuals who use specialised technical knowledge, systematic approaches and analytical skills to effectively establish an organisational system.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

FNSACC505 Establish and maintain accounting information systems

Element:

1. Identify and record system requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Prepare comprehensive specifications based on requirements of potential users that include system objectives, document specifications, and security and records requirements 1.2 Review features of any existing system and records to establish their suitability and usability 1.3 Establish recording processes according to accepted practice and in accordance with legislation and codes of practice

Element:

2. Evaluate alternative systems

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Compare and measure features of various systems against user requirements to enable identification of alternative systems and solutions 2.2 Carry out cost–benefit analysis of alternative systems and solutions, and document recommendations

Element:

3. Evaluate acceptance test system

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Test system in operational environment to ensure compliance with user requirements, company policy and guidelines, system specifications and relevant legislation or industry codes of practice 3.2 Obtain formal confirmation from all users on acceptability of new system or system changes against all criteria and system specifications

Element:

4. Prepare system documentation

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Prepare system documentation thoroughly and accurately, using easily understood language and in clear format to support system implementation and training 4.2 Consult users to ensure clarity, accuracy, thoroughness and usability of system documentation 4.3 Make system documentation easily accessible, and constantly review and update to ensure currency and accuracy

Element:

5. Implement reporting systems and records

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Carry out implementation in accordance with specified guidelines and timelines, and establish contingency plans to deal with any potential delays or problems 5.2 Establish effective training schedules and programs to support implementation 5.3 Transfer all data from existing to new or modified system and records without error or loss 5.4 Update systems and records regularly to identify ongoing benefits and threats to organisation 5.5 Maintain files within organisational and statutory requirements, and identify and remedy discrepancies 5.6 Ensure integrity of systems and records complies with organisational and statutory requirements 5.7 Monitor transactions to identify taxation and other liabilities

Element:

6. Monitor reporting systems

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Analyse and account for transactions, and correctly relate to accounting period 6.2 Communicate and promote processes for recording and classifying transactions to support internal verification of records 6.3 Standardise sources of input data and documentation in structured formats to minimise errors 6.4 Maintain back-ups in accessible location to safeguard data in accordance with organisational and audit requirements

Element:

7. Review reporting procedures

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Systematically check sources of input data and documentation records for accuracy and reliability 7.2 Establish reporting requirements and analyse regularly to identify variations and compliance with established processes for recording and classifying transactions 7.3 Maintain written reports, explanatory notes and financial results to support source documentation

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities is planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom-based activities. The classes will be delivered over an 18-week semester.

The self-paced activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and will include your contribution to exercises and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom-based activities will include group discussion, group problem-solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

We expect you to participate and contribute to all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows but please note that it is subject to change.

Weekly outline

Establish and maintain accounting information systems

Weekly Schedule

Week

Topic

Activity

1

General Introduction

Accounting Information System meaning

Chapter 1

Quiz 1

Class Activity

2

Statutory and Ethical responsibilities

Chapter 2

Class Activity

3

Internal Control Meaning

Data Security

Chapter 3

Quiz 2

Data security activity

4

Documentation Meaning

Chapter 4

Class Activity

5

Role Play

Class Activity

Assessment -1 Open

6

The Revenue Cycle

Meaning – coverage

Assessment - 2 open

7

Expenditure cycle

Meaning - coverage

8

Conversion cycle

Meaning – coverage

Assessment - 1 Due

9

Financial cycle

Meaning – coverage

10

System development lifecycle – 1

11

System development lifecycle – II

12

Database Management system - Xero

13

Database Management system - Xero

14

Presentation

Assessment - 2 Presentations

15

Presentations continue

Assessment - 2 Due

16

Feedback/resits/ resubmissions

17

Resubmissions

18

Final resubmissions/grade entry


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Accounting Information Systems

978-1-76073-083-3

References


Other Resources

Notes produced by the coordinator and stored on Canvas

Other sources:

Cybersecurity and Data Integrity

Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) – guidelines on protecting financial data.

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – Privacy Act obligations relating to accounting information systems.

Workplace and Industry Case Studies

Company annual reports and system audits – examples of how organisations maintain compliance through their information systems.

ARITA (Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association) – useful for understanding the role of accurate accounting systems in insolvency and compliance contexts.

RMIT Library and Learning Resources

Texts and eBooks on Accounting Information Systems, including case studies and implementation strategies.

Access to research databases (e.g. ProQuest, IBISWorld) for system design and industry applications.


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • identify and document record and systems requirements
  • evaluate alternative systems and acceptance test systems
  • prepare systems documentation and implement reporting systems and records that comply with:
  • statutory requirements
  • organisational policy and procedures
  • monitor and review reporting systems.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

  • outline the key features of statutory requirements, codes of practice and organisational policy and procedures relating to accounting systems
  • discuss ethical considerations for the handling of financial reconstruction
  • explain the key features of financial legislation relating to taxable transactions and reporting requirements
  • outline a range of considerations for developing accounting system specifications
  • compare and contrast methods of data protection
  • explain the key principles and practices of budgetary control and implications for accounting systems
  • explain the process and procedures for recording and storing financial data.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the accounting field of work and include access to:

  • common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
  • an integrated financial software system and data
  • organisational records, policy and procedures.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.


Assessment Tasks

Overview of Assessment

The assessments for this course have been designed to allow participants to apply their learning to particular simulated work scenarios and demonstrate their competence in various ways.

Assessment Task 1 (Due date: Week 8)

Assessment Task 1 is a knowledge-based. It will be written and submitted online. The main focus will be on the topics covered during Weeks 1 to 7. You will be provided with the information to work with. It is for competency-based tasks.

Assessment Task 2 (Due date: Week 15)

It will be a case study. Students will use the knowledge gained to suggest an accounting system framework for the scenario-based business.

There is an element of research involved in this assignment. There are also some interview skills required.

You must successfully complete all assessment tasks to achieve competency.

The Teacher or Course Coordinator may at any time ask students to demonstrate and/or reproduce assessments to validate their authenticity.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS under Assignments.

All assessments will utilise a competency-based model and will be deemed as either Satisfactory or Not Yet Satisfactory.

Other Information

Submission Requirements

Submit an assessment online via Canvas

Most assessments at RMIT can be submitted online via Canvas using Turnitin software. Submissions via Canvas include an online assessment declaration.

Go to the Canvas webpage for instructions on how to submit your assessments via Canvas.

For further details refer to: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/assessment

Student support

Your first point of contact for any support needs with your assessments should be your teacher and assessor. If you require further support, you should consider contacting the following support services at RMIT.

Assessment adjustments

Students requiring support or adjustments for their formal assessments task or exams should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS)Links to an external site., for more information on the types of adjustments provided, access RMIT adjustments to assessmentLinks to an external site..

Special consideration

If unexpected circumstances affect your ability to complete an assessment you can apply for special consideration. For more information access RMIT special considerationLinks to an external site..

Appeals

As an RMIT student you are entitled to seek a review of decisions that impact on your studies. For more information access RMIT appealsLinks to an external site..

Marking Guide (Competency):

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview