CPA
1 Regulation (REG)
1.1 Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and Federal Tax Procedures
1.1 1 Professional ethics and responsibilities
1.1 2 Federal tax procedures and practices
1.1 3 Circular 230
1.2 Business Law
1.2 1 Legal rights, duties, and liabilities of entities
1.2 2 Contracts and sales
1.2 3 Property and bailments
1.2 4 Agency and employment
1.2 5 Business organizations
1.2 6 Bankruptcy
1.2 7 Secured transactions
1.3 Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
1.3 1 Basis determination and adjustments
1.3 2 Gains and losses from property transactions
1.3 3 Like-kind exchanges
1.3 4 Depreciation, amortization, and depletion
1.3 5 Installment sales
1.3 6 Capital gains and losses
1.3 7 Nontaxable exchanges
1.4 Federal Taxation of Individuals
1.4 1 Gross income inclusions and exclusions
1.4 2 Adjustments to income
1.4 3 Itemized deductions and standard deduction
1.4 4 Personal and dependency exemptions
1.4 5 Tax credits
1.4 6 Taxation of individuals with multiple jobs
1.4 7 Taxation of nonresident aliens
1.4 8 Alternative minimum tax
1.5 Federal Taxation of Entities
1.5 1 Taxation of C corporations
1.5 2 Taxation of S corporations
1.5 3 Taxation of partnerships
1.5 4 Taxation of trusts and estates
1.5 5 Taxation of international transactions
2 Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
2.1 Conceptual Framework, Standard-Setting, and Financial Reporting
2.1 1 Financial reporting framework
2.1 2 Financial statement elements
2.1 3 Financial statement presentation
2.1 4 Accounting standards and standard-setting
2.2 Select Financial Statement Accounts
2.2 1 Revenue recognition
2.2 2 Inventory
2.2 3 Property, plant, and equipment
2.2 4 Intangible assets
2.2 5 Liabilities
2.2 6 Equity
2.2 7 Compensation and benefits
2.3 Specific Transactions, Events, and Disclosures
2.3 1 Leases
2.3 2 Income taxes
2.3 3 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
2.3 4 Derivatives and hedging
2.3 5 Business combinations and consolidations
2.3 6 Foreign currency transactions and translations
2.3 7 Interim financial reporting
2.4 Governmental Accounting and Not-for-Profit Accounting
2.4 1 Governmental accounting principles
2.4 2 Governmental financial statements
2.4 3 Not-for-profit accounting principles
2.4 4 Not-for-profit financial statements
3 Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
3.1 Engagement Planning and Risk Assessment
3.1 1 Engagement acceptance and continuance
3.1 2 Understanding the entity and its environment
3.1 3 Risk assessment procedures
3.1 4 Internal control
3.2 Performing Audit Procedures and Evaluating Evidence
3.2 1 Audit evidence
3.2 2 Audit procedures
3.2 3 Analytical procedures
3.2 4 Substantive tests of transactions
3.2 5 Tests of details of balances
3.3 Reporting on Financial Statements
3.3 1 Audit report content
3.3 2 Types of audit reports
3.3 3 Other information in documents containing audited financial statements
3.4 Other Attestation and Assurance Engagements
3.4 1 Types of attestation engagements
3.4 2 Standards for attestation engagements
3.4 3 Reporting on attestation engagements
4 Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
4.1 Corporate Governance
4.1 1 Internal controls and risk assessment
4.1 2 Code of conduct and ethics
4.1 3 Corporate governance frameworks
4.2 Economic Concepts
4.2 1 Microeconomics
4.2 2 Macroeconomics
4.2 3 Financial risk management
4.3 Financial Management
4.3 1 Capital budgeting
4.3 2 Cost measurement and allocation
4.3 3 Working capital management
4.3 4 Financial statement analysis
4.4 Information Technology
4.4 1 IT controls and security
4.4 2 Data analytics
4.4 3 Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
4.5 Operations Management
4.5 1 Strategic planning
4.5 2 Project management
4.5 3 Quality management
4.5 4 Supply chain management
4 4 3 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems Explained

4 3 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems Explained

Key Concepts

ERP Systems

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are comprehensive software solutions that integrate various business processes and functions into a single, unified system. These systems streamline operations, improve efficiency, and provide real-time data for better decision-making.

Modules and Functions

ERP systems are composed of various modules that cater to different business functions such as finance, human resources, supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), and manufacturing. Each module is designed to handle specific tasks and share data seamlessly across the organization.

Example: A manufacturing company might use an ERP system with modules for inventory management, production planning, and quality control. These modules work together to ensure that raw materials are ordered, products are manufactured, and quality standards are met efficiently.

Integration

Integration is a critical aspect of ERP systems. It involves connecting different modules and external systems to ensure data consistency and real-time updates. Integration eliminates data silos and ensures that all departments have access to the most current information.

Example: An ERP system might integrate with a company's e-commerce platform to automatically update inventory levels as sales are made online. This ensures that the inventory data is always accurate and up-to-date.

Benefits

ERP systems offer numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, better data accuracy, enhanced decision-making, and cost savings. By centralizing data and automating processes, ERP systems reduce manual work, minimize errors, and provide valuable insights into business operations.

Example: A retail company using an ERP system can track sales, inventory, and customer data in real-time. This allows them to optimize stock levels, improve customer service, and make data-driven decisions to boost sales and profitability.

Implementation Challenges

Implementing an ERP system can be challenging due to factors such as high costs, complex customization, and resistance to change. Organizations must carefully plan and execute the implementation process to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of the ERP system.

Example: A company might face challenges during ERP implementation, such as data migration issues, employee resistance to new processes, and the need for extensive training. Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a phased implementation approach.

Examples and Analogies

Consider an ERP system as a "central nervous system" for a business. Just as the nervous system coordinates various bodily functions, an ERP system integrates and coordinates different business processes.

Modules in an ERP system are like "departments" in a business, each handling specific tasks but working together under a unified system. Integration is akin to "communication channels" that ensure all departments are synchronized and informed.

The benefits of an ERP system can be compared to "automating household chores." By automating tasks, you save time, reduce errors, and have more control over your household operations.

Implementation challenges are like "remodeling a house." It requires careful planning, investment, and sometimes dealing with unexpected issues, but the end result is a more efficient and functional living space.