Business Library Research Guides: Accounting Research Guide: ACCT 3311

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Description: ACCT 3311 Research Guide

It is important for you to know how to find authoritative sources for financial statements, SEC filings, and accounting standards. This research guide contains access to and information about sources you will use in this course to ensure success as you progress through your accounting classes and into your career. For additional information, Ask a Business Librarian.

Online Resources

Mergent Online
Contains financial data for publicly traded companies including 15 years of financial statements, 30 years of stock prices and long-term debt information including matured bonds. Portraits, multi-page analysis of equities and bonds for each company, are updated nightly.
Coverage: U.S. and international public companies' data includes industry reports for global regions, competitors, annual reports, equity pricing, insider trades, and executive biographies.
Help: For specific search and usage tips, select that tab and click "Help" in top right corner.
Tutorial: Learn how to use this database - https://smu.libwizard.com/f/find-financials-mergent-online

Most data can be exported to Excel. Full company reports and tear sheets are printable in PDF format.
Checkpoint
This database contains a wide-range of sources concerned with accounting standards and tax accounting regulations. Primary sources such as the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, AICPA Statements, FASB, and IASB can be browsed by specific number or searched by keyword. Editorial materials, including Federal Tax Coordinator and SEC Compliance, expand upon and explain the standards and regulations. Subscription also includes, tax resources for estate planning, international tax law, business entity treatise, federal estate and gift taxation, and federal income taxation of estates and trusts.
Tip: From the homepage, use the Current View dropdown list to choose an area, or click on Search at the top and use the Practice Area dropdown list to choose an area.
Tutorial: Learn how to use this database - https://smu.libwizard.com/f/accounting-essentials-checkpoint

Note: FASB allows 10 simultaneous users; GASB allows 7 simultaneous users; IASB allows 2 simultaneous users; WG&L Business Entity Treatise Library allows 1 user; all other sections allow 35 simultaneous users.

Tutorials available in Checkpoint Training Tools

LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers online training to help you prepare for attaining Advanced Excel certification.

Database Access

Restricted: Only current SMU students, faculty, & staff. Certificate students and alumni do not have permission to use these resources.

EZ: Off-campus access using 8-digit SMU ID & password (or your last name and 14-digit SMU ID barcode number). Access these databases - anytime, anywhere.

In Library Only: Accessible only on Business Library computers and are not accessible via wireless connections. A valid SMU ID should be presented to receive a placard that must be displayed while using the computer.

Finding Financials in Mergent Online

Learn how to use Mergent Online to find company financials with this tutorial https://smu.libwizard.com/f/find-financials-mergent-online.

Accounting Essentials in Checkpoint

Learn how to use Checkpoint to find standards and other accounting materials with this tutorial https ://smu.libwizard.com/f/accounting-essentials-checkpoint.

Accounting Research Workshop

This one-hour, hands on workshop focuses on effective and efficient use of the resources you will need to successfully complete your assignment.

Accounting Research workshop

Need a different time? If you have a group of 5 or more, we can add a session for you. Send your request to Ask a Business Librarian.

Sample APA Citations

This example utilizes APA 6th edition. Check with your professor regarding the appropriate citation style for your course.

The following is an example of references on a reference page for the type of sources you will be using for this assignment. Examples of in-text references can be found in the Citation Help Research Guide.

References

Afterman, A.B. and Jones, R.H. (2015, January). Part II: Balance sheet [2: Cash]. In Accounting and Auditing Disclosure Manual. Retrieved from Checkpoint database

American Institute of CPA’s. (2012). AAG Airlines [Chapter 1‐The Airline Industry]. In Audit and Accounting Guides. Retrieved from Checkpoint database

FTSE Russell. (2017). Amazon.com Inc. [Company financials]. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from Mergent Online database

Southwest Airlines Co. (2018, August 1). Form 10‐Q. Retrieved from http://www.southwest.com