Accounting Information Systems: A Practitioner Emphasis

This textbook is intended to meet the needs of a first course in accounting information systems at either the undergraduate or graduate level. It may also be used as a review text in second or subsequent courses in this area. A primary objective in writing the seventh edition of the text was to present AIS material that would make students more marketable in today's accounting environment. Recognizing that over 90 percent of accounting systems are licensed rather than internally custom developed and that the current market demand is for accounting graduates who can install, operate, and audit such systems, this text represents a new paradigm. In contrast to traditional accounting systems textbooks that assume an organization will develop its own accounting system and, therefore, emphasize systems development, this textbook gives students the theoretical foundation and skills they will need to conduct a requirements analysis, search for a commercial solution, and successfully implement the software package selected. In addition to learning the essential AIS concepts, you will see much discussion and many examples of commercial accounting systems software as it is designed and as it should be designed. Another objective in writing this edition was to make the material student friendly. Therefore, the authors took great care in directing their words to the students. Recognizing that this is their first introduction to accounting systems, clear definitions of terms were included and numerous examples and illustrations were incorporated to explain the material. The book consists of fifteen chapters. The first fourteen chapters provide the theoretical and practical foundation for the final chapter on selecting and implementing AIS software. The learning experience will be optimized if all fifteen chapters are covered.

Cynthia D. Heagy is professor of accounting at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She earned her DBA degree from the University of Memphis and is a CPA, CMA, and CNA. Dr. Heagy entered higher education after working as a trust officer at a large national bank and later as a systems analyst. Dr. Heagy has published in several professional and academic journals, including Journal of Information Systems, Advances in Accounting Education, Journal of the Academy of Business Education, Compendium of Classroom Cases and Tools for AIS Applications, The Journal of Accountancy, Issues in Accounting Education, International Journal of Accounting, Journal of Cost Management, Journal of Accounting Education, Accounting Educators' Journal, EDP Auditing, Data Security Management, The Journal of Accounting Case Research, The CPA Journal, Journal of Accounting and Computers, and The Accounting Systems Journal. She is coauthor of Principles of Bank Accounting and Reporting, published by the American Bankers Association.

Constance M. Lehmann is associate professor of accounting at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She earned her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and her MBA from University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Lehmann is also a CISA. Dr. Lehmann entered higher education after working as an internal auditor and branch manager for financial institutions including the Federal Reserve Bank (San Antonio branch) and various savings and loans in the San Antonio area. Dr. Lehmann has published in several professional and academic journals, including Behavioral Research in Accounting, Journal of Information Systems, Advances in Accounting Education, Journal of Education for Business, Journal of Accounting Education, Internal Auditor, and Journal of Financial Education.