Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through four chapters: Chapters 1-4 in Data Analytics for Accountants. Throughout the material, you will find readings, videos, and discussion questions. You will also find chapter quizzes that help you test your understanding. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study. 

Prerequisites:

This course is a prerequisite for Data Analytics for Accountants II.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The learner explains data analysis concepts and models for the accounting field.
  • The learner explains ethical data mining techniques and the extract, transform, and load (ETL) process as they relate to financial data.
  • The learner analyzes structured financial data for patterns and trends using descriptive or diagnostic techniques.
  • The learner creates a consumable presentation from accounting data results. 

Assessment

This course requires the successful completion of two performance assessment tasks and one final exam. These assessments provide an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You may attempt each assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team. 

2 Tasks
1 Final Exam
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Chapter 1: Explains Data Analysis Concepts and Models
  • Demonstrate ethically responsible behavior.
  • Apply various logic and reasoning techniques to common challenges.
  • Explain basic financial data analysis concepts and models.
Chapter 2: Explains Data Mining Techniques and the ETL Process
  • Validate that data pulled from the sources during extraction of the Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) process has the expected values.
  • Review data for identification of the distribution of values, missing values, and other aspects of a dataset.
  • Demonstrate ethically responsible behavior.
  • Identify the data sources to be mined for insights.
Chapter 3: Analyzes Data for Patterns and Trends
  • Perform data analysis on data generated by reports or queries.
  • Review data for identification of the distribution of values, missing values, and other aspects of a dataset.
  • Detect patterns within a volume of financial information.
Chapter 4: Creates a Consumable Presentation
  • Demonstrate ethically responsible behavior.
  • Create visuals for business problems.
  • Present data analysis findings to stakeholders in an efficient and consumable way.

Technology Requirements

We want you to have the tools to succeed! Since this course includes at least one proctored test, please be sure to have a working microphone, speakers, and an external webcam. Unfortunately, an internal webcam (built into many laptops) is not acceptable. (Note: The external webcam is required only for exams that have proctors. You do not need one for practice tests and other non-proctored assessments.) If you haven't already, be sure to download the Meazure Learning Guardian browser, which you will need for the proctoring system.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

For other details about the technology you'll need, review the Computer System and Technology Requirements. If you have questions about your setup, contact support@academy.wgu.edu.

Key Contacts

Resource Hub
Check out the Course Lobby to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from our educators. There, you can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and connect with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring! 

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.