Incorporating Sarbanes-Oxley Into A College Accounting Curriculum: Lessons Learned

Abstract

This paper attempts to identify the ways and give examples of how Sarbanes-Oxley compliance can be taught in real time using the SAP R/3 system and the many lessons derived from the experience. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act significantly impacts CEO’s, CFO’s and public accountants. It also applies to all levels of management. Organizations and their managers need to recognize the significance of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance as well as the benefits it can provide. These benefits include reliability of the financial statements, quality of reporting, and also the opportunity to review a company’s processes and enhance the efficiency of all financial and operating departments. Integrating SAP technology into the classroom has been one of the primary initiatives of the Department of Accounting, a signature program at Saint Joseph’s University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The implementation and roll-out process has covered a variety of areas from navigation to key business processes and accounting within SAP R/3.  With the evolution of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the need for compliance within a company, the department decided that students should be given exposure on how to use SAP R/3 to conduct 404 walkthroughs in consonance with the Sarbanes-Oxley initiatives. Due to the integrative nature of SAP technology the system is best able to conduct audit processes and create exception reports needed to identify material weaknesses and deficiencies.