This course explores how modern technologies are transforming accounting practice. We begin with a survey of accounting fundamentals and emerging analytics topics, including process mining, text analysis, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Next, we move into visualization, summarization, and filtering techniques for control testing and auditing, using tools like Python and Pandas to analyze and interpret accounting data. We then explore automation in accounting—from generating invoices programmatically to building dashboards from SQL databases—while introducing the spectrum of automation from basic scripts to intelligent agents. Finally, we focus on data governance, covering core principles, lifecycle management, and frameworks like COSO and COBIT, paired with hands-on exercises using SQL and Git to enforce data quality and maintain an audit trail.



Applying Data Analytics in Accounting
This course is part of Business Analytics Specialization


Instructors: Kimberly Mendoza
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9,249 already enrolled
(74 reviews)
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What you'll learn
Understand analytic issues and topics in accounting.
Conduct audit and control testing tasks using Alteryx and Python.
Perform automation using Python.
Understand data governance.
Skills you'll gain
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There are 4 modules in this course
In this module, we will explore the fundamentals of accounting as the language of business, examine key roles and terminology, and consider how emerging technologies and data analytics—from process mining to cybersecurity—are transforming the field.
What's included
13 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin
In this module, we will plan data analysis steps, explore types and causes of employee fraud, understand internal controls and the role of internal auditors, and apply control testing using tools like Alteryx Designer and Python.
What's included
10 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this module, we will explore the fundamentals of automation, identify its applications—particularly in accounting—outline the automation process, and implement basic automation tasks using Python.
What's included
12 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this module, we will explore the principles and purpose of data governance, examine common frameworks and internal structures, analyze causes of governance failure, and gain exposure to tools and techniques—including GitHub—for managing data effectively.
What's included
11 videos5 readings1 assignment1 plugin
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This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.Âą
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Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024
Overall, I highly recommend the Applying Data Analytics in Accounting course to anyone who is interested in learning more about the use of data analytics in the accounting profession.
Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025
The instructors provide clear and precise explanations of the tools and trends for applying data analytics in Accounting—Excellent course and instructors!
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2022
T​his course was beyond my expectations and i learned a lot from it.
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