Course Descriptions
Intermediate ACL

Course Level:  Intermediate

CPE Credits:  20

Course Description:

This 2.5 day “hands on” course builds upon the material and subject matter
presented in the Introduction to ACL for Windows class.  Advanced ACL
commands and data analysis techniques will be introduced and explained.  
The advantages of “linking” files through establishing ACL data relations
will be addressed through the use of real-world data and group exercises.  
Participants will learn efficient ways to filter or remove unwanted data from
their ACL data files.  ACL Group and Script commands will be presented as
a means to enhance data analysis efficiency and effectiveness.  The course
will also cover the use of advanced ACL Functions to simplify and automate
various data analysis tasks.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, each participant will be able to:
  • Understand and successfully utilize the more advanced commands,
    functions and other features within the ACL for Windows software
    system.
  • Perform data analysis operations while simultaneously utilizing
    multiple data files.
  • Perform various group and script related operations to enhance
    data analysis effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Perform digital analysis (Benford’s Law) operations using the
    Benford command.
  • Utilize advanced ACL functions to assist in performing complex data
    analysis operations.

Course Balance:

  • Lecture / discussion:      50%
  • In-class applications:     20%
  • Section exercises:           30%

Course Prerequisites:

Participants should have previously completed the Introduction to ACL for
Windows course or have basic working knowledge of the ACL for Windows
software system.

Other Information:

PIA Consulting will provide comprehensive course manuals containing
presentation material, command, function and other ACL reference
material, class exercises, and glossary sections.

Course Outline:
Day 1 and 2
Day 2 and 3
          
 A.  ACL Review
    -  Review of data analysis techniques
   -  Review of common data types and
         structures
   -  Review of the ACL Environment
   -  Review of common ACL Commands
   -  ACL Functions review
   -  What’s new in versions 8 and 9

 B.  Enhancing Efficiency with Script
        and Group Commands
    -  Scripts and Groups defined
   -  Static and interactive Scripts
   -  Creating and using command groups
   -  Limitations of Scripts and Groups

 C.  Data / Record Filtering
    -  Filtering defined
   -  Advantages and disadvantages of
         record filtering
   -  Practical applications for applying
         filters
         
 D.  Benford’s Law / Digital Analysis
     -  Benford’s Law defined
    -  The ACL Benford command
    -  Output generation and interpretation

 E.  Working with Multiple Data Files
     -  Data Relations defined
    -  Considerations when establishing
          data relations
    -  File Join Command
    -  Data Relations vs. File Join
    -  Overcoming intra-file record
          comparison limitations

 F.  Working with “Difficult” Data
     -  Classifying & sorting on “numeric”
          key fields
    -  Advanced ACL Functions
    -  Other ACL tips and tricks

 G.  Comprehensive Class Exercise

H.  Course Wrap-up & Discussion
PIA Consulting is registered with the National Association of State
Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)  as a sponsor of continuing
professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  
State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance
of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered
sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE
Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417.
Web site: www.nasba.org.
This course is offered as an open-enrollment class and as an on-site
class.  For more information or to register for this course, please email
us at info@pia-consulting.com or phone us at (512) 343-2866.