Course Description

Course Level:  Intermediate

CPE Credits:  16 (2.0 days)

Course Description:

This 2.0-day customized edition of our Intermediate ACL course builds upon the material and subject matter
presented in the Introduction to ACL training 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 Script commands will be presented as a means to
enhance data analysis efficiency and effectiveness, as well as, a method to preserve best practices.  The
course will also cover the use of various ACL Functions to perform a wide-range of data analysis operations.  
This includes additional (non-command) procedures for isolating and investigating data.

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 / ACL Analytics software system.
  • Perform data analysis operations while simultaneously utilizing multiple data files.
  • Perform various script and group related operations to enhance data analysis effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Perform digital analysis (Benford’s Law) operations using the Benford command.
  • Utilize the Fuzzy Duplicates command and related functions to more effectively identify potential duplicate
    records.
  • Utilize various ACL functions to assist in performing more 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 training course or have equivalent
experience using ACL.  The "Review" portion of this course is very limited and not intended as a substitute for
completion of basic ACL training.

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:
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.
Day 1
Day 2

A.  Review
  • A brief review of the core topics from the
    Introduction to ACL training course.

B.  Data and Record Filtering
  • Filtering defined.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of record filtering.
  • Practical applications for applying filters.

C.  Digital Analysis / Benford's Law
  • What is digital analysis?
  • The ACL Benford command.
  • Output generations and interpretation.

D.  Working with Multiple Data Files
  • Join command.
  • Relate command.
  • Join versus Relate.
  • Merge command.
  • Append command.
E.  The Basics of Scripting
  • Scripts defined.
  • Creating and using static scripts.
  • Variables.
  • Creating and using interactive scripts.
  • Various "hands-on" script exercises.

F.  Other ACL Tips and Tricks

G.  Comprehensive Class Exercise

H.  Course Wrap-up & Discussion
Intermediate ACL
2-Day Edition