Accounting Research Determine the relevant facts a Determine

Accounting Research Determine the relevant facts a. Determine that you have all the facts of the transaction and that you understand the transaction. b. Examine the situation for hidden contingencies, liabilities, or unperformed duties on the part of the participants. c. Understand the motivation and intention of the parties involved in the transaction. Effective Writing, p. 127 -129)

Identify issues involved a. Think through the issue to determine what the problem truly is. b. Watch out for your own biases and quick readings that may leave you with a wrong impression. Effective Writing, p. 127 -129)

Research the accounting literature a. Consult relevant parts of the Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts. Consider Accounting Research Bulletins (ARBs), Opinions of the Accounting Principles Board (APBs), Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FASs) to identify Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). b. Find possible solutions in GAAP by examining how the problem is handled in other, unrelated industries. c. Appendix 7 A, B, & C offer acceptable sources for research material. Your accounting textbook cannot be used as a source for citations. Effective Writing, p. 127 -129)

Identify alternative solutions and arguments for and against each one a. Recognize that you will often be dealing with issues where there are no established solutions. Effective Writing, p. 127 -129)

Evaluate alternative solutions and choose the one that can be best defended a. Present a well-reasoned defense of your accounting method. b. Use precedent and logic in defense of your solution. c. Recognize that any document you create may be used in a legal proceeding. Effective Writing, p. 127 -129)

Communicate the results of your research to the interested parties. a. Format into a report, letter or memo. b. Incorporate all the elements of effective composition in the communication. Effective Writing, p. 127 -129)