Main Content
Syllabus
PADM 523: Government and Nonprofit Accounting (3 credits). Accounting, reporting, and auditing principles and procedures for public sector agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Overview | Objectives | Library Resources | Technical Specifications | Materials | Course Requirements | Grading | Schedule | Academic Integrity | University Policies
Course Overview
PADM 523 introduces you to the central financial concepts, issues, and analytical techniques of governmental accounting and financial reporting for public sector agencies at the state and local levels in the United States as well as nonprofit organizations. The course will provide an understanding of government accounting and financial reporting principles and practices necessary in making sound financial management decisions.
In this course you will learn the financial accounting, reporting, and auditing principles and procedures for public sector agencies and nonprofit organizations. You will learn how to interpret and analyze governmental and nonprofit financial statements that have been prepared on the accrual and modified accrual bases of accounting. Topics include the following:
- Principles of Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
- Budgetary Accounting
- Accounting for Governmental Operating Activities
- The Accounting Cycle
- General Capital Assets and Capital Projects
- General Long-Term Liability and Debt Service
- Business-Type Activities
- Fiduciary Activities
- Financial Reporting
- Analysis of Financial Performance
- Auditing
The prerequisite for the course is Governmental Fiscal Decision Making (P ADM 502).
Course Objectives
This course is designed to increase the ability of students to
- lead and manage through the understanding and application of a variety of governmental and nonprofit accounting concepts, principles, and techniques;
- distinguish the purposes of accounting for businesses, governmental, and nonprofit entities;
- participate and contribute to the public policy process through an ability to understand, interpret, analyze, and evaluate an annual comprehensive financial report and report the results of the analysis both orally and in writing;
- analyze, think critically, select, and apply specific financial ratios and analysis of variance using relevant data in the comprehensive annual financial report to demonstrate competency in financial accounting and reporting principles;
- demonstrate a public service perspective by articulating an understanding of the fund accounting cycle through class discussion; and
- identify sources of authority for government and nonprofit entities and be able to apply that knowledge through class discussion.
For more details of the course content, go to the Course Schedule.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Public Administration Research Guide
We have created a Public Administration Research Guide with the help of the Penn State University Libraries. The guide helps you find high-quality information and is created by librarians who are subject specialists in public administration. Specially, it provides you with access to databases for Journal Articles, Policy Papers, U.S. Government Information, Statistics and Polls, Reference Resources, and Current Periodicals.
Technical Specifications
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Library Course Reserves
This course requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. You can access these materials by selecting Library Resources in your course navigation, or by accessing the Library E-Reserves Search and search for your instructor's last name.
The materials available on the Library E-Reserves are indicated in the Course Schedule. (Note: For any of the APA references below, the manual depicts all references containing more than one line to have a first-line hanging indent; so any references that are more than one line should be formatted to be indented as such. Additionally, a reference list should be alphabetical by surname, or in absence of a surname, by the first significant word of the name of the agency, etc.)
Course Requirements
It is very important that the student take the responsibility to keep up with the assignments and to notify the professor when they have questions or difficulties. Assignments involve relatively simple math. Students will be expected to produce tables and charts in spreadsheets. Students are expected to have basic spreadsheet skills at the beginning of the course.
Evaluation will be based on the requirments below. Written assignments are due to be submitted through Canvas by 11:59 p.m. eastern time (ET) on Sunday. Late assignments will be penalized 4% of the grade per day, or portion thereof.
Requirement 1: Discussion Participation: 2%
There will be two discussions: Lesson 1 Self-Introduction and Lesson 4 Discussion: Defunding the Police. Please assign post your responses no later than 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday. From Friday to Sunday, you are required to read and make individual comments on other postings.
The discussion grade has two components: quality and quantity of the debate. Those not actively participating regularly will not do well in this component of the grade. Criteria for evaluating participation in the discussions are
- ability to respond directly to the question asked,
- ability to ask a completely different question (on the same topic),
- ability to answer a question posted by another student, and
- ability to respond to a comment made by a different student and building on that comment to continue the topic initiated by the professor.
Requirement 2: Short Weekly ACFR Assignments (40 %)
In these assignments you have three options. You must choose either a (1) state, (2) local government, or (3) component unit and, using that chosen entity, analyze and synthesize the data in their annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) based on the question at the end of each chapter. Your completed weekly assignments will be based on the "Examine the ACFR" questions at the end of each assigned chapter in the assigned text. The short weekly assignments are completed on an individual basis and submitted via a drop box as an MS Word .doc or .docx file only. Do not send the assignment via email.
Requirement 3: Cases and Problems Assignments (18%)
The course offers the opportunities for you to practice real-world problem-solving. There are cases and problems for you to apply your understanding of government and nonprofit accounting to solve problems regarding general funds and financial reporting model (Lesson 3), budgetary accounting (Lesson 4), analyzing budget and actual data (Lesson 5), financial statement (Lesson 6), debt margins (Lesson 7), and examining the budget (Lesson 11).
Requirement 4: ACFR Analysis Project (20%)
This ACFR project will provide you the opportunity to synthesize the concepts you learn in class. There will be two parts for the project:
- Part A: MD&A Analysis
- Part B: ACFR Analysis
They each constitute 10% of the final grade. Part A will be an MD&A analysis. Part B will be on an ACFR that you choose. Each should be no more than 10 double-spaced pages, 12-point type, with at least six references.
In this project you have three options. You must choose either a (1) state, (2) local government, or (3) component unit and conduct in-depth analyses of the ACFR. You are responsible for analyzing and synthesizing an annual comprehensive financial report. Your completed projects will be written analyses of MD&A and ACFR. You must use charts and graphs in the presentation of ACFR analyses. Your written analysis must be 10 typed pages (exclusive of charts and graphs) for each assignment, double-spaced, 12-point type, and 1" margins all around.
The bibliographic materials are to be chosen by you, but you are required to discuss your selections and the direction of your projects with the instructor at least once by September 26 (it may be helpful to talk as you prepare your proposal).
Do not rely on the textbooks or on newspapers and newsmagazines; rather, professional journals and books should be your major resources. There will be differences in the nature and extent of the literature on the topic, but in general you should have at least six references (excluding any texts or newspapers and newsmagazines). The projects must follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) for guidance on margins, headings, footnotes, bibliography, and so on. Do not overlook paper headings; they are very helpful to the reader.
Project Part A: MD&A Analysis
The MD&A analysis must be 10 pages with at least six references (12-point font and double-spaced).
Analyze and synthesize
- the entity’s overall financial position and results of operations, and report on whether the financial position has improved or deteriorated as a result of the year’s operations;
- significant variations between original and final budget amounts and between final budget amounts and actual budget results for the General Fund;
- a synthesis of significant capital asset and long-term debt activity during the year; and
- a description of any known facts, decisions, or conditions that would have a significant effect on the government’s financial position or results of operation.
Project Part B: ACFR Analysis
The paper must be 10 pages with at least six references (12-point font and double-spaced).
Drawing on what you have learned from your weekly analysis of the ACFR, you will analyze and synthesize and report implications of
- major governmental fund expenditure of the state or local government or component unit,
- budgetary comparison schedules,
- capital assets,
- long-term liabilities,
- business-type activities, and
- fiduciary activities
Use the style guide for the American Psychological Association (APA) for proper form. Be sure to include citations for all direct quotes and paraphrases. Turn in all briefing papers as Word files to the appropriate drop box in Canvas by 11:59 p.m. (ET) of the due date.
Here is the Libraries' brief quick citation guidle (http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/lls/students/intext.html) with APA.
Requirement 5: Local Government Meeting (10%)
Between Lesson 2 and Lesson 11, you will need to attend a local government meeting, after which you will write a Local Government Meeting Reflection Paper, which is due in Lesson 11.
Step 1: Identify a Local Government Meeting to Attend
For this assignment, you are identifying the local government meeting that you will attend during the semester. Pick a meeting of a local government unit—that is, a township, city, county, school board, or similar meeting—which you will submit for approval by your instructor. Use the Internet to see when and where these meetings are held in your area.
Step 2: Submit the Meeting for Instructor Approval
Once you have determined the meeting you will attend, submit the following information for approval by the instructor:
- meeting name,
- date of meeting,
- time of meeting,
- location of meeting,
- website address for the meeting agenda.
The approval submission is due by the end of Lesson 2.
Step 3: Attend the Meeting
Once approved, plan and go to the meeting sometime between now and Lesson 11. Please review the reflection paper assignment in advance of attending the meeting. You should plan on staying for the entire meeting. If you miss the meeting or find you will not be able to attend the approved meeting, please contact the instructor to have a different meeting approved. If alternative approval is required, please submit a copy of the approval with your reflection paper.
Step 4: Submit a Local Government Meeting Reflection Paper
Complete and turn in the reflection paper by the end of Lesson 11.
You are welcome to complete this assignment early. Be sure to answer the questions that follow in your reflection paper.
Questions to Gather Answers for During the Meeting
During the meeting, gather the answers for the following questions:
- How many people are in attendance?
- What are the approximate ages and demographics of those people attending the meeting?
- Who (name and/or position) has the responsibility for running the meeting?
- Are formal procedure rules being utilized to conduct government business (Robert's Rules of Order)?
- What are the major topics being discussed?
- Which topics engender the most debate?
Questions to Answer After Leaving the Meeting
In general, what surprised you most about the meeting?
- Was the number of individuals present at the meeting what you expected? Why or why not?
- What was the goal of the meeting? In your opinion, was this goal met? Why or why not?
- Reflect upon the experience and determine what the meeting helped you better understand about the course in terms of your understanding of citizen participation in the decision-making process. In at least four sentences, describe the link you made between the meeting and class topics.
Submit a Word document that answers the above questions for your local government reflection paper. Please note that if an alternate meeting approval was obtained for this assignment, you will need to include a copy of the approval with this submission.
Requirement 6: Data Analytics Project (10%)
This data analytics project requires you to find some additional governmental data and to create a unique visualization. You will create a presentation video to cover:
- Why you wanted to find the answer to the problem/question you asked.
- The problem or question you asked.
- The data used to answer the question.
- A presentation of your visualization and how it helps answer the problem/question.
- A discussion on the connection between the visualization and the financial statements of the government unit.
Grading Scheme
All facets of student's performance are taken into account for grading purposes. The graded activities and the percentage of your course grade associated with the activities are as follows.
| Graded Activities | Descriptions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement 1: Discussion Participation | Group discussion participation and class discussion participation | 2% |
| Requirement 2: Short Weekly ACFR Assignments | ACRF report based on the questions at the end of each chapter | 40% |
| Requirement 3: Cases and Problems | Four problems | 18% |
| Requirement 4: ACRF Project | Part A: MD&A (Management Discussion and Analysis) Paper | 10% |
| Requirement 4: CARF Project | Part B: ACFR Analysis | 10% |
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Requirement 5: Local Government Meeting | A local government meeting reflection paper | 10% |
| Requirement 6: Data Analytics Proejct | A presentation of data visualation created based on the govenmental data | 10% |
| Total | 100% | |
Based on the points earned on each of the graded activities, your course grade will be determined by the scales presented in the table below.
| Grading Scale | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | Grade | Percentage | Grade |
| 93.00 and above | A | 77.00–79.99 | C+ |
| 90.00–92.99 | A- | 70.00–76.99 | C |
| 87.00–89.99 | B+ | 60.00–69.99 | D |
| 83.00–86.99 | B | Below 60 | F |
| 80.00–82.99 | B- | ||
Performance is evaluated on the basis of your coursework on the assignments listed in the syllabus. Your course grade depends on the points accumulated during the semester. Use the table above to keep a record of your progress.
Note: Late assignments will be penalized 4% of the grade per day, or portion thereof. Submit your work on time as scheduled.
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
Course Schedule
The topics and learning activities scheduled for each of the 12 lessons in the course are listed in the Course Schedule. Each lesson covers one week. As you study each week's lesson, please focus on the specific list of learning activities for that lesson.
The schedule below outlines all activities and topics we will cover in this course, along with the associated time frames and assignments. Note that assignments are due based on the North American Eastern Time (ET).
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
This ensures that all students have the same deadlines regardless of where they live.|
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Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
University Policies
- Accommodating Disabilities:
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
- Graduation: NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" on the World Campus Student Policies website.
- Late Policy: Assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the due date unless otherwise indicated. Late assignments are not accepted without prior approval from the instructor. Failure to turn in a paper by the required due date may result in a deduction on the final score, up to and including failure of the assignment. Make-up assignments are given at the sole discretion of the instructor on a case-by-case basis.
- Additional Policies:
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
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Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.