Class 1

Introduction to the Analytics Mindset and Skillset

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Class Overview

Why is this important?

With the growing significance of data and analytics in accounting, analytical skills are central to providing professional accounting services in a rapidly evolving landscape. As emerging technologies drive significant changes in the industry, an analytic mindset provides the ability to perform and communicate data-driven insights which is becoming essential. With self-service analytics becoming the norm, building an analytical skillset is also essential. This course helps students develop an analytical, adaptive, and resilient mindsets and skillsets, preparing them to navigate the intersection of accounting and technology. These skills are vital not only for current professional demands but also for future innovation opportunities explored in advanced coursework.

What will we do?

Data Analytics for Professional Accountants (ACCTG 522) is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze raw data, gain insights, and make informed decisions using a variety of analytic software tools. Students will focus on developing an analytical mindset, exploring multiple data types, and using professional data analytics solutions. The course integrates teamwork and emphasizes the importance of communicating insights, particularly through data visualization. It serves as a foundational course in the Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) program, preparing students for advanced case-based learning in future courses.

How this relates to other classes:

This class will serve as an introduction to ACCTG 522, Data Analytics for Professional Accountants, by introducing students to the Analytical Mindset. The class will be part theoretical and part practical, the practical component making use of the Foster Remote Labs.

Materials and Preparation

Class Materials
  • Case: Analytics_mindset_case_studies_ETL_Overview
  • Case: Analytics_mindset_case_studies_ETL_Case1_Alteryx
  • Slides: PowerPoint or PDF
  • Analytics Tools: Git and GitHub, Alteryx
  • Suggested in-class seating: discussion teams
  • Suggested Pre-Class Preparation
    1. There is no required preparation for this class.
  • Class Plan
    1. We will have a walk through of this website with Q&As We will start with the syllabus to familiarize everyone with the course content and requirements.
    2. We will set up our Lab Datasets delivery system using git (if not done in orientation) using the cmd/terminal command git clone https://github.com/ashercurtis/datasets.io
    3. We will work examine the case and work in Alteryx to map out a potential ETL workflow to clean up messy data.
    4. Finally, time permitting, we will configure some of the ETL process for this case.