ACCT 624: GovCon Business Systems and Control Master Syllabus
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Course Website: Canvas
Course Description
This course will provide students with an understanding of various regulatory mandated business systems and controls for US Government contracts. The course will provide an overview of the primary US Government business systems requirements; implementing statutes and regulations; the applicability, administration and audit of these requirements; as well as an in depth understanding of critical business systems controls. In addition, as it relates to select business system controls, this course will provide students an understanding of a common web-based software and technology solutions used by businesses to manage project-based contracts. Students will learn how to navigate a common cloud based platforms for government contract billing, project accounting and revenue management.
Approach to Learning
The course primarily centers on 8 live, virtual lectures conducted during class, supplemented by readings. Attendance and active participation are expected. Students are expected to complete reading assignments and review powerpoint slides in advance of class.
Prior GovCon Knowledge
This course builds upon ACCT 621 and assumes students have a fundamental understanding of the Federal Government Contracting environment. Students who have working knowledge of the GovCon environment from work experience or prior coursework will find the material to be a good supplement to their current understanding.
Course Materials
Federal Acquisition Regulation and supplements
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 16, 44 and 45)
- DoD FAR Supplement (Parts 242, 244, 215, 245, 234 and implementing Clauses at Part 252)
- FAR 53.301-1408 (Pre-award Survey)
Select Readings and Cases
- Section 893 - 2011 National Defense Authorization Act
- Commission on Wartime Contracting reports and hearings
- DCAA Audit Programs
- DCMA Review Programs
- Relevant GAO and OIG Reports
Curriculum/Topics
- Background on Government contract internal controls and business system requirements
- FAR Business Systems Requirements
- DFARS Business System Requirements
- Accounting System
- Estimating System
- Government Property System
- Purchasing System
- Earned Value Management
- Material Management Systems
- Role of a Government Contract Project Accounting System vs Financial Accounting ERP
- UNANET Example
- DCMA Examinations and Reviews
- DCAA Audits 2
Course Objectives
- To provide students with an understanding of US Government contract required business systems, and internal controls, the implementing statutes/regulations, and the administration / audit of contractor business system requirements
- To provide students a hands-on experience to typical project management systems and solution to address billing, project revenue control requirements
- To enable students, improve their skills on managing business system requirements including - accounting systems for US government contracts
Grading Standards
Grades will be determined from exams, in-class exercises, case write-ups and homework assignments, as well as class participation.
| Item | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments (5) | 25 | |
| Self-directed Learning | 15 | |
| Mid-Term Exam | 20 | |
| Final Exam | 20 | |
| Attendance/Participation | 8 class sessions | 20 |
| Total Points | 100 |
The final grade will be based on the following scale:
| A+ | 98.00 - 100% |
| A | 93.00 – 97.99% |
| A- | 90.00 – 92.99% |
| B+ | 87.00 – 89.99% |
| B | 83.00 – 86.99% |
| B- | 80.00 – 82.99% |
| C+ | 77.00 – 79.99% |
| C | 70.00 – 76.99% |
| D | 60.00 – 69.99% |
| F | 0 – 59.99% |
Course Schedule
- Week 1 – Introduction to Government Contracting Controls
- Week 2 – Government Contractor Accounting System – Part 1
- Week 3 – Government Contractor Accounting System – Part 2
- Week 4 – Government Contractor Estimating System
- Mid term Exam
- Week 5 – Government Property System
- Week 6 – Government Contractor Purchasing System
- Week 7 – Materials Management Accounting System
- Week 8 – Earned Value Management System
- Final Exam
Self-directed Learning – Unanet
Unanet is a leading provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions purpose-built for the Architecture/Engineering, Construction, and Government Contracting industries. Students in ACCT 624 will complete a self-directed exercise to gain a hands-on experience working with Unanet’s project management and billing systems module.
Canvas Grading
Canvas is a communication tool for grades. Canvas is a means to quickly communicate to students their raw unweighted scores on a variety of assessments.
Mid-term and Final Exam
Students must complete a mid-term and a final exam, each worth 20 points out of 100 for this course. The mid-term will cover Modules 1 through 4. The final, which is not comprehensive, covers Modules 5 through 8. Exams are taken remotely and are not proctored. Although you are able to reference class materials and notes to complete the exams, you may have limited time to do so. Therefore it is critical that you have studied and are familiar with topics we cover during class.
Other Graded Resources and Assignments
All assignments are due times in Eastern Standard Time Washington DC time zone. Assignments generally require written demonstration that students understand concepts covered in class. Assignments will typically be graded within 2 to 3 days after the due date. Use of AI in exams and assignments is not allowed.
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