Overview

Course Code: INTA-GB 2340

This course introduces the role of information technology in understanding, implementing, and analyzing accounting and controls concepts. Students will develop a foundational understanding of computer architecture, software systems, and modern data tools, and apply these concepts to represent accounting processes in structured formats such as Excel and Python.

A central theme of the course is translating accounting and control concepts into computational representations. By expressing accounting logic in spreadsheets and code, students gain a deeper understanding of financial systems and are better prepared for a technology- and AI-driven business environment.

The course assumes no prior background in information technology or programming.

Takeaways

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the design and role of key hardware and software components in modern computing systems.
  2. Translate accounting and control concepts into structured representations using Excel and Python.
  3. Use modern AI tools as assistants for coding, modeling, and problem-solving.
  4. Represent accounting systems, such as charts of accounts and journal entries, programmatically.
  5. Construct financial statements, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, using both Excel and Python.
  6. Understand how enterprise resource planning systems implement accounting processes and controls.

Grading

Penalty for missing classes and unapproved use of devices in class

Paper and pencil

Please bring paper and pen/pencil to take notes in class.

Unapproved device usage

Most of us are now addicted to devices, which impedes learning. You are allowed to use devices only when I ask you to use your computer in class. Otherwise, ALL device use is strictly prohibited, unless you have a qualified disability which allows you to use devices in class. Students using devices when not approved will be asked to leave the classroom. Each time you are asked to leave the class, you will be marked absent. This is very painful, awkward, and disruptive, and I hope I never have to do this, but I will not hesitate to enforce this policy.

Reasons for requiring attendance

Attendance is required for several reasons. First, you incorrectly assume you can catch up on a missed class by watching a recording (if available). Videos do not engage your brain as much as a live class. Second, less than 20% of you watch the recording (if available). You are then lost in class, which provides the wrong signals to me as an instructor. Third, your absence hurts class discussions. Fourth, you miss out on feedback if you do not work through the questions I pose in class. Fifth, I lose the feedback since there are fewer questions.

Attendance policy enforced after the add/drop period

The attendance policy below will be in effect only after the add/drop period.

Attendance sheet

After entering the class, please mark yourself present on the OneDrive sheet within the first 20 minutes (link posted on Brightspace after the add/drop period). You will be marked absent if you are more than 20 minutes late, unless it is due to factors beyond your control (traffic, subway delays, or interviews running late). You will also be marked absent if you leave the class early unless you have my permission or get it afterward. You will get an F in the course if you are caught cheating on the attendance sheet.

Mark yourself excused on the attendance sheet for excused absences

Without mandatory attendance, attendance is often below 50%. Therefore, though I dislike doing this, I penalize absences. If you anticipate being absent for good reasons, please email me well in advance. Please enter Excused on the attendance sheet described below to avoid the penalty if approved. You must update it; I will not mark you excused. If you miss a class due to emergencies and cannot tell me in advance, do not panic. Take care of the emergency first, and then email me. I will permit you to change the Absent to Excused. But if you miss a class without a valid reason, there is a penalty, as stated below.

Penalty for missing classes

For sections meeting in 150-190 minute sessions, you will lose one grade (A to A-, A- to B+, B+ to B, B to B-, and so on) for EVERY missed session unless you were explicitly excused via email. Thus, if you miss two class sessions, you will lose two grades, and so on.

For sections meeting in 75-80 minute sessions, you will lose one grade (A to A-, A- to B+, B+ to B, B to B-, and so on) for EVERY TWO missed sessions unless you were explicitly excused via email. Thus, if you miss four class sessions, you will lose two grades, and so on.

Seating and name tags

Please sit in the same seat in every class and display your name tags. For Zoom classes, you must keep your video on AT ALL TIMES. You must also have a good working headset or mic, as it is extremely rude to be inaudible and force me to ask you to repeat yourself.

NYU Stern Policies

Please read the NYU Stern Policies for this course.

Help and Office

Administrative and System Requirements

Videotaping

Classes are normally not videotaped, except for EMBA classes. If the class is videotaped, the link is posted to Brightspace by NYU Stern IT within a day.

Registered Students Only

Only registered students can attend classes. I cannot override this NYU Stern rule. We do not allow unregistered students to "audit" a class.

Albert and NYU Brightspace

You must be in Albert and NYU Brightspace before starting the first class. If you register late, there might be a delay of a day before you appear in these systems. If you cannot access these systems after a day, please contact the relevant REGISTRAR. I cannot add you to these systems regardless of what someone in IT tells you.

Computer Requirements

You need to bring a computer to every class. If you have any technical questions, please contact Stern IT at (212-998-0180) or servicedesk@stern.nyu.edu, or NYU IT at +1 (212) 998-3333 or askit@nyu.edu. I cannot help you with your computer issues.

Excel 365 Desktop Version Required

The desktop version of Excel 365 is required. Excel Online and Google Sheets are NOT OK. Read this page regarding Excel 365 Desktop access for NYU students.

Materials

Topic 1: System Architecture

Topic 2: Python Ecosystem & AI Tools

Topic 3: Introduction to Python

Topic 4: Data Structures & Object-Oriented Programming

Topic 5: Double-Entry Bookkeeping in Code

Topic 6: Representing Accounts

Topic 7: Journals and Transactions

Topic 8: Cash Flow Classification

Topic 9: Common Transactions

Topic 10: Trial Balance

Topic 11: Financial Statements

Topic 12: Cash Flow Statements

Topic 13: ERP Systems