7 MAC Pt. 247
Mississippi Secondary Curriculum Frameworks in Secondary Education, 2023
Cite as 7 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 247
Title 7: Education K-12
Part 247: Mississippi Secondary Curriculum Frameworks in Secondary Education, 2023
Accounting Essentials
2 023 A ccou n ting Essen tials
Direct inquiries to:
Instructional Design Specialist
Mississippi Department of Education
Research and Curriculum Unit
P.O. Box 771
P.O. Drawer DX
Jackson, MS 39205
Mississippi State, MS 39762
601.359.3077
662.325.2510
Published by:
Mississippi Department of Education
Research and Curriculum Unit
Jackson, MS 39205
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
The Research and Curriculum Unit (RCU), located in Starkville, as part of Mississippi State
University (MSU), was established to foster educational enhancements and innovations. In
keeping with the land-grant mission of MSU, the RCU is dedicated to improving the quality of
life for Mississippians. The RCU enhances intellectual and professional development of
Mississippi students and educators while applying knowledge and educational research to the
lives of the people of the state. The RCU works within the contexts of curriculum development
and revision, research, assessment, professional development, and industrial training.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
The Accounting Essentials curriculum was presented to the Mississippi State Board of Education
on April 19, 2023. The following persons were serving on the state board at the time:
Mr. Michael D. Kent, interim state superintendent of education
Mrs. Rosemary G. Aultman, chair
Mr. Glen V. East, vice chair
Mrs. Mary Werner
Dr. Ronnie L. McGehee
Dr. Wendi Barrett
Mr. Matt Miller
Mr. Bill Jacobs
Ms. Micah Hill, student representative
Mr. Charlie Fruge’, student representative
The following Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and RCU managers and specialists
assisted in the development of the Accounting Essentials curriculum:
Wendy Clemons, the associate state superintendent of the MDE Office of Secondary,
Professional Development, and Career Technical Education, supported the RCU and
teachers throughout the development of the framework and supporting materials.
Betsey Smith, the director of the RCU, supported RCU staff and teachers throughout the
development of this framework and supporting materials.
Courtney McCubbins, the curriculum manager of the RCU, supported RCU staff and
teachers throughout the development of this framework and supporting materials.
Angie Davis, a project manager with the RCU, researched and coauthored this
framework. helpdesk@rcu.msstate.edu
Special thanks are extended to the educators who contributed teaching and assessment materials
that are included in the framework and supporting materials:
Jessica Beaird, Starkville High School, Starkville
Shelia Cole-Johnson, Holmes County Central High School, Lexington
Tina Craft, Richland High School, Richland
Angela Culpepper, Northeast Jones High School, Laurel
Amy Dotson, Tishomingo County High School, Iuka
Dre` Helms, Florence High School, Florence
Katerina Krauss, Tupelo High School, Tupelo
Kim McFarling, Saltillo High School, Saltillo
Arlene Monk, Forest High School, Forest
Appreciation is expressed to the following professionals who provided guidance and insight
throughout the development process:
Selena Swartzfager, president of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education
Standards
Some standards and alignment crosswalks are referenced in the appendix. Depending on the
curriculum, these crosswalks should identify alignment to some of the standards mentioned
below, as well as possible related academic topics as required in the Subject Area Testing
Program in Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History from 1877, which could be
integrated into the content of the units. Mississippi’s Accounting Essentials curriculum is aligned
to the following standards:
National Standards for Business Education
The National Business Education Association (NBEA) has created standards to introduce
students to the basics of personal finance, the decision-making techniques needed to be wise
consumers, the economic principles of an increasingly global marketplace, and the processes by
which businesses operate. In addition, these standards provide a solid educational foundation for
students who successfully want to complete college programs in various business disciplines.
NBEA Business Education Library (2020).
nbea.org
International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE)
Reprinted with permission from ISTE Standards for Students (2016). All rights reserved.
Permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE.
iste.org
College- and Career-Readiness Standards
College- and career-readiness standards emphasize critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-
solving skills. Students will learn the skills and abilities demanded by the workforce of today and
the future. Mississippi adopted Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards (MCCRS)
to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn and so
teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them.
mdek12.org/oae/college-and-career-readiness-standards
Framework for 21st Century Learning
In defining 21st-century learning, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills has embraced key
themes and skill areas that represent the essential knowledge for the 21st century: global
awareness; financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; health
literacy; environmental literacy; learning and innovation skills; information, media, and
technology skills; and life and career skills.
battelleforkids.org/networks/p21/frameworks-resources
Executive Summary
Description
Accounting Essentials includes elements that will help contribute to student success in the
business world. This course provides a broad introduction to the accounting environment,
including accounting principles and processes, payroll practices, financial statement analysis,
and compliance procedures.
Applied Academic Credit
The latest academic credit information can be found at
mdek12.org/ese/approved-course-for-the-secondary-schools.
Teacher Licensure
The latest teacher licensure information can be found at
mdek12.org/oel/apply-for-an-educator-license.
Professional Learning
If you have specific questions about the content of any of the training sessions provided, please
contact the RCU at 662.325.2510.
Course Outline
One 1-Carnegie Unit Course
This curriculum consists of one 1-credit course.
Accounting Essentials—Course Code: 110610
Unit
Title
Hours
The Accounting Profession
Accounting Principles
The Accounting Process
Payroll
Financial Analysis
Compliance
Total
Unit 1: The Accounting Profession
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Explain the role accountants play in business and society. DOK2
a. Describe the current and historical regulatory environment of the accounting
profession.
b. Identify the major policy-setting bodies in the accounting profession and explain their
roles.
c. Explain how current events impact the accounting profession.
d. Explain how the rapid advances in technology continue to impact the accounting
profession.
e. Explain the need for a code of ethics in accounting and the ethical responsibilities
required of accountants.
f. Explain how accounting information is used to allocate resources in the business and
personal decision-making process.
2. Explore career opportunities in the accounting profession. DOK3
a. State and explain the role, service, or mission of student and professional accounting
organizations and associations.
b. State and explain the professional designations and certifications in the accounting
profession.
c. Examine the educational requirements for various careers, professional designations,
and certifications in the accounting profession.
d. Explain why accounting firms are shifting their hiring models to focus more on
technology skills and non-accountants.
e. Explain the skills and competencies needed to succeed in the accounting profession
and how those required skills and competencies are evolving with the rapid advances
in technology.
f. Investigate the areas of specialization within the accounting profession and careers that
require a knowledge of accounting.
3. Demonstrate the business and professional skills and competencies required to succeed in
the accounting profession and/or in an accounting-related career. DOK4
a. Deliver a speech and make a presentation.
b. Perform research and communicate the results of the research in writing.
c. Demonstrate ethical decision-making skills conducted in a business scenario.
d. Apply analytical and critical decision-making skills.
e. Use information technology productively.
f. Exhibit leadership skills.
g. Demonstrate the ability to work within a team.
h. Demonstrate the ability to draft properly written communication based on the task (e.g.,
e-mail, memorandum, analytics, process document, etc.).
Unit 2: Accounting Principles
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Understand the concept of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). DOK1
a. Explain the conceptual framework of accounting, GAAP, and assumptions.
b. Define assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses, gains, and losses.
c. Understand the accounting equation: assets = liabilities + owner’s equity.
d. Distinguish between the accrual basis of accounting and the cash basis of accounting.
2. Explain GAAP in terms of the accounting methods used to determine the value of assets as
reported on financial statements. DOK2
a. Record transactions for accounts receivable, including uncollectable accounts, write-
offs, and recoveries.
b. Determine the cost of inventory for merchandising and manufacturing businesses.
c. Distinguish between capital expenditures (i.e., recording an asset) and revenue
expenditures (i.e., recording an expense).
d. Determine the cost of property, plant and equipment, natural resources, and intangible
assets.
e. Determine the impact on the financial statements when assets are sold, disposed of, or
rendered obsolete.
3. Explain GAAP in terms of the accounting methods used to determine the value of
liabilities as reported on financial statements. DOK2
a. Record transactions for accounts payable and other short-term debt.
b. Determine the initial evaluation of long-term debt instruments and their impact on the
financial statements.
4. Explain GAAP in terms of the accounting methods used to determine the value of equity as
reported on financial statements. DOK2
a. Explain how operating results, capital contributions, and distribution of earnings affect
equity for the various ownership structures.
b. Record equity-related transactions.
c. Explain how other comprehensive income/(loss) affects equity.
5. Explain GAAP in terms of the accounting methods used to determine the value of revenue
as reported on financial statements. DOK2
a. Explain the criteria used to determine revenue recognition.
b. Determine the amount of revenue earned and the proper period.
c. Record revenue-related transactions, including unearned portions of revenue.
6. Explain GAAP in terms of the accounting methods used to determine the value of expenses
as reported on financial statements. DOK2
a. Explain the criteria used to determine expense recognition.
b. Record expense-related transactions.
7. Explain GAAP in terms of the accounting methods used to determine the value of gains
and losses as reported on financial statements. DOK2
a. Distinguish between revenues and gains.
b. Distinguish between expenses and losses.
c. Record transactions resulting in gains and losses.
8. Explore financial statements and their purposes. DOK3
a. Analyze financial statements (e.g., balance sheet, income statement, cash flow
statement, owner’s equity statement, stockholder’s equity statement).
b. Describe the users and explain the uses of financial information.
c. State and explain the information provided in each financial statement and how the
statements articulate with each other.
d. Explore the relationship between assets, liabilities, and equity on the balance sheet.
e. State and explain the classifications within assets, liabilities, and equity.
f. State and explain the different formats of an income statement.
g. State the classifications on an income statement and explain their relationship to each
other (e.g., revenue, expenses, gains, losses).
h. Explain changes in the ownership structure using the statement of equity.
i. State and explain the different forms of business ownership and the advantages and
disadvantages of each form.
j. Explain how the different types of business operations are reflected in the financial
statements.
Unit 3: The Accounting Process
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Complete the steps in the accounting cycle for preparing financial statements. DOK3
a. Explain the purpose of the accounting system.
b. Explain the purpose of journals and ledgers and their relationship.
c. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different types of accounting systems.
d. Differentiate between accounting and bookkeeping.
e. Explain and analyze how business transactions impact the accounting equation.
f. Apply the double-entry accounting system to record business transactions and prepare a
trial balance.
g. Explain the need for adjusting entries and record adjusting entries.
h. Prepare financial statements for the different types of business operations and
ownership structures.
i. Explain the relationship between the closing process, the financial statements, and the
post-closing trial balance.
2. Demonstrate basic accounting procedures. DOK3
a. Analyze business transactions in terms of the accounting equation.
b. Use the basic accounting equation to determine the effects of business operations on an
owner’s equity (i.e., stockholder’s equity).
c. Analyze the flow of financial data using the basic accounting cycle.
d. Prepare a bank reconciliation and journalize the entries.
e. Classify, journalize, and post financial information.
f. Perform end-of-period accounting functions.
g. Prepare a balance sheet, an income statement, a cash flow statement, and an owner’s
equity statement.
h. Maintain accounting records for a sole proprietorship.
Unit 4: Payroll
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Apply appropriate payroll accounting practices. DOK4
a. Explain the employer’s responsibility in reporting payroll records through federal tax
forms.
b. Explain the common methods for paying compensation (e.g., hourly, salary,
commission, independent contractor, etc.) and the financial and tax implications of
each.
c. Calculate gross and net pay of the employer’s payroll taxes.
d. Prepare payroll reports.
e. Record payroll-related transactions (e.g., payroll payments, accrued payroll, payroll
checks, payroll taxes, etc.).
Unit 5: Financial Analysis
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Assess the financial condition and operating results, analyze, and interpret financial
statements, and evaluate information to make informed business decisions. DOK3
a. Discuss the information that can be obtained from analyzing financial statements.
b. Recognize the primary types of analysis (e.g., trend analysis, profitability, liquidity,
capital structure) and explain the information that can be obtained from each type.
Unit 6: Compliance
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Explain the individual income tax procedures and requirements to comply with tax laws
and regulations. DOK2
a. Explain the composition of taxable income and calculate individual income tax.
b. Complete individual income tax forms (e.g., W4, W2, 1099, 1040, etc.).
c. Distinguish between tax avoidance and evasion.
Appendix: National Standards for Business Education
National Standards for Business Education Crosswalk for Accounting Essentials
Accounting
NBEA-A1 – Accounting Profession
• Explain the role that accountants play in business and society.
• Explain career opportunities in the accounting profession.
• Demonstrate the business and professional skills and competencies
required to be successful in the accounting profession and/or in an
accounting-related career.
NBEA-A2 – Financial Reports
• Use an annual report and financial statements to make informed business
decisions.
NBEA-A3 – Financial Analysis
• Assess the financial condition and operating results of a company and
analyze and interpret financial statements and information to make
informed business decisions.
Units
Standards
NBEA-A1
Accounting Profession
X
NBEA-A2
Financial Reports
X
X
NBEA-A3
Financial Analysis
X
NBEA-A4
Accounting Principles
X
X
NBEA-A5
Accounting Process
X
NBEA-A7
Compliance
X
NBEA-CM1
Foundations of Communication
X
NBEA-CM2
Interpersonal Skills
X
NBEA-CM3
Workplace Communication
X
NBEA-A4 – Accounting Principles
• State and explain generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and
explain how applying GAAP impacts the recording of financial
transactions and the preparation of financial statements.
NBEA-A5 – Accounting Process
• Complete the steps in the accounting cycle to prepare financial statements.
NBEA-A7 – Compliance
• Explain the individual income tax procedures and requirements to comply
with tax laws and regulations.
Communications
NBEA-CM1 – Foundations of Communications
• Listen actively, use the communication process, read and research
information, and integrate technology to enhance communication
effectiveness.
NBEA-CM2 – Interpersonal Skills
• Apply interpersonal skills in personal and professional environments to
communicate effectively.
NBEA-CM3 – Workplace Communication
• Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer
service strategies, and personal ethics standards to communicate
effectively with various business constituencies.