About Ann
Dr. O’Brien, a Distinguished Teaching Professor, now focuses on designing and teaching accounting analytics curricula and financial reporting. This follows many years of teaching a class on strategic business system processes and AIS/EIS technology tools and developments. She also has taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate accounting and executive short courses covering fraud examination, financial, managerial, cost, intermediate, and health care accounting topics. She received the Innovation in Accounting Education Award from the WSB. Previous lecturer at the University of Iowa and the University of Texas at Austin. At Madison, she has been responsible for the internship course and acting director/associate director and adviser for students in the Professional Program in Accounting. She served as Faculty Adviser for Beta Alpha Psi for over 7 years and various committees including the Dean’s Assessment Task Force. Other activities have included coordinator of the intermediate financial and managerial accounting courses. Professionally, Dr. O’Brien served as President of the AIS Educators Association. She has performed audit, tax, consulting, and litigation support services as a CPA and CFE, and has also provided management expertise to co-ops and non-profit organizations. Before academia, she served as the office manager for United States Senator Dick Clark and Senator Lloyd Bentsen in Washington, DC. She earned a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin Madison, an MBA from the University of Texas Austin, and a BSBA in International Business from Georgetown University.
Selected Accepted Journal Articles
Borthick, A. & Schneider, G. & O’Brien, A. (2024). Developing Business Process and Query Skills for Solving Business Problems Issues in Accounting Education
O’Brien, A. & Schneider, G. Designing Learning Experiences in Accounting Data Analytics: Constructionism with Collaborative Relationships and Representations
Selected Published Journal Articles
Wood, D. & O’Brien, A. & Others (325). (2023). The ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot: How well does it answer accounting assessment questions? Issues in Accounting Education
O’Brien, A. & Stone, D. (2021). A Case Study in Managing the Analytics “Iceberg”: Data Cleaning and Management using Alteryx Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting
O’Brien, A. & Stone, D. (2020). Yes, You Can Import, Analyze, and Create Dashboards and Storyboards in Tableau! The GBI Case Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting
O’Brien, A. & Hayes, D. & Vician, C. (2019). Mitigating Cyberattacks: An Active Learning Instructional Resource Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting
Presentations
AIS Educator Conference (2023) Tips and Tricks for Teaching Analytics – Design elements and a learning experience regarding your teaching and learning of analytics
AAA -AIS/SET Mid-Year Meeting (2023) New Scholars Consortium – Tips for Teaching Analytics
AIS Educators Conference (2022) Keynote Panel Lessons From The Trenches: Teaching With Innovative and Emerging Technologies
AAA AIS Bootcamp (2022) Panel: Learn how to incorporate the latest technology into your classroom from the experts.
AIS Educators Conference (2021) Introduction to emerging technologies with Alteryx Case
AAA AIS Bootcamp (2021) Panel: Disruptive Technology Shaping the Future of the Accounting Profession: From Business Processes to Audit, Tax and Other Professional Services
AAA AIS SET Mid-Year Meeting (2021) Developing Business Process and Query Skills for Solving Business Problems
AAA Annual Meeting (2020) Developing Business Process and Query Skills for Solving Business Problems
AAA -AIS/SET Mid-Year Meeting (2019) Learn to Import, Analyze, and Create Dashboards and Storyboards; Take-Away a Project Too
AAA -AIS/SET Mid-Year Meeting (2019) New Scholars Consortium – Teaching AIS and Analytics
AAA Conference on Teaching and Learning (2018) Using Learning Sciences to Tackle Common Teaching Challenges
AAA Accounting is Big Data Conference (2017) Bridging the Gap-Real World Tools for the Classroom
AAA Conference on Teaching and Learning (2017) Tackling Common Teaching Challenges by Applying a Learning Sciences Design Framework
American Accounting Association -IS Mid-Year Meeting (2017) Cyberattacks, Mitigation, and Regulation: An Active Learning Instructional Resource
AAA Annual Meeting Effective Learning Strategies (2015) Bottom Up or Top Down? Contrasting, yet Complimentary Approaches for Teaching Database Design
AAA Annual Meeting Effective Learning Strategies (2012) CyberProtect; Learning about System Security
AAA Annual Meeting (2011) Teaching Information Systems with a Conceptual Foundation
AAA Annual Meeting Effective Learning Strategies (2011) A Quick Look at IFRS and IT; Information System Risks and Controls in IFRS Implementation
AAA Conference on Teaching and Learning (2011) “Northwind” Project – Query and Manipulate Data for Financial Reporting
AAA Annual Meeting (2010) Effective Learning Strategies ‘Northwind’
AIS Educators Annual Meeting (2010) Excel Teaching Strategies & Assessment
AIS Educators Annual Meeting (2010) REA Overview, Primer, & Classroom Use
Undergraduate Courses
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 600), Spring 2002.
The internship program represents an opportunity for students to experience a professional accounting practice first hand and to integrate this experience with their formal education.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 600), Spring 2003.
The internship program represents an opportunity for students to experience a professional accounting practice first hand and to integrate this experience with their formal education.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 600), Spring 2004.
The internship program represents an opportunity for students to experience a professional accounting practice first hand and to integrate this experience with their formal education.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 600), Spring 2005.
The internship program represents an opportunity for students to experience a professional accounting practice first hand and to integrate this experience with their formal education.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 600), Spring 2001.
The internship program represents an opportunity for students to experience a professional accounting practice first hand and to integrate this experience with their formal education.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 600), Spring 2006.
The internship program represents an opportunity for students to experience a professional accounting practice first hand and to integrate this experience with their formal education.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (AIS 600), Spring 2007.
The internship program represents an opportunity for students to experience a professional accounting practice first hand and to integrate this experience with their formal education.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2007.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2007.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2007.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2007.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2009.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2009.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2009.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2009.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2006.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2010.
In the course, students analyze and model the underlying business processes, the information that should be tracked in those processes and the systems that capture, manipulate, and disseminate the information. AIS 340 provides students with the opportunity to:
(1) Analyze, Model, & Document Business and Accounting Processes
-by studying how business processes work on a day to day basis: Value Systems, Value Chains, Supply Chains, Sales and Purchasing Cycles/Processes, and Relationships between Resources, Events and Agents (REA)
-by studying how to document processes: Flowcharts, Data Flow Diagrams, Business Process & UML Diagrams, Entity-Relationship Diagrams, REA Models
-by studying how to analyze, evaluate, and improve processes: Data Modeling and Internal Controls
(2) Learn and practice computer-based tools used in the field
Netsuite, SAP, Excel, Access, diagramming tools such as SmartDraw and Visio, XBRL, and technology learning tools such as on-line forums and “help” search functions
(3) Investigate AIS Developments
Integrated Enterprise Systems, XBRL, IFRS & IT, Privacy & Security, Assurance & Compliance Standards, IT Governance, Business Intelligence, Web-based Applications, etc.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2010.
In the course, students analyze and model the underlying business processes, the information that should be tracked in those processes and the systems that capture, manipulate, and disseminate the information. AIS 340 provides students with the opportunity to:
(1) Analyze, Model, & Document Business and Accounting Processes
-by studying how business processes work on a day to day basis: Value Systems, Value Chains, Supply Chains, Sales and Purchasing Cycles/Processes, and Relationships between Resources, Events and Agents (REA)
-by studying how to document processes: Flowcharts, Data Flow Diagrams, Business Process & UML Diagrams, Entity-Relationship Diagrams, REA Models
-by studying how to analyze, evaluate, and improve processes: Data Modeling and Internal Controls
(2) Learn and practice computer-based tools used in the field
Netsuite, SAP, Excel, Access, diagramming tools such as SmartDraw and Visio, XBRL, and technology learning tools such as on-line forums and “help” search functions
(3) Investigate AIS Developments
Integrated Enterprise Systems, XBRL, IFRS & IT, Privacy & Security, Assurance & Compliance Standards, IT Governance, Business Intelligence, Web-based Applications, etc.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2010.
In the course, students analyze and model the underlying business processes, the information that should be tracked in those processes and the systems that capture, manipulate, and disseminate the information. AIS 340 provides students with the opportunity to:
(1) Analyze, Model, & Document Business and Accounting Processes
-by studying how business processes work on a day to day basis: Value Systems, Value Chains, Supply Chains, Sales and Purchasing Cycles/Processes, and Relationships between Resources, Events and Agents (REA)
-by studying how to document processes: Flowcharts, Data Flow Diagrams, Business Process & UML Diagrams, Entity-Relationship Diagrams, REA Models
-by studying how to analyze, evaluate, and improve processes: Data Modeling and Internal Controls
(2) Learn and practice computer-based tools used in the field
Netsuite, SAP, Excel, Access, diagramming tools such as SmartDraw and Visio, XBRL, and technology learning tools such as on-line forums and “help” search functions
(3) Investigate AIS Developments
Integrated Enterprise Systems, XBRL, IFRS & IT, Privacy & Security, Assurance & Compliance Standards, IT Governance, Business Intelligence, Web-based Applications, etc.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2010.
In the course, students analyze and model the underlying business processes, the information that should be tracked in those processes and the systems that capture, manipulate, and disseminate the information. AIS 340 provides students with the opportunity to:
(1) Analyze, Model, & Document Business and Accounting Processes
-by studying how business processes work on a day to day basis: Value Systems, Value Chains, Supply Chains, Sales and Purchasing Cycles/Processes, and Relationships between Resources, Events and Agents (REA)
-by studying how to document processes: Flowcharts, Data Flow Diagrams, Business Process & UML Diagrams, Entity-Relationship Diagrams, REA Models
-by studying how to analyze, evaluate, and improve processes: Data Modeling and Internal Controls
(2) Learn and practice computer-based tools used in the field
Netsuite, SAP, Excel, Access, diagramming tools such as SmartDraw and Visio, XBRL, and technology learning tools such as on-line forums and “help” search functions
(3) Investigate AIS Developments
Integrated Enterprise Systems, XBRL, IFRS & IT, Privacy & Security, Assurance & Compliance Standards, IT Governance, Business Intelligence, Web-based Applications, etc.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2011.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2011.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2011.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (AIS 340), Fall 2011. Download Syllabus
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2005.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2005.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2005.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 340), Fall 2004.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Information Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2004.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accountancy Internship and Practice Research (ACC 340), Fall 2004.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2008.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2008.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Accounting Systems (ACC 340), Fall 2008.
Principles and problems of system design; organization for accounting control, internal control procedures and internal reports. Developing control, security, and auditability into information system applications.
Financial Reporting I (ACC 301), Fall 2001.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC 301), Fall 2001.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC 301), Fall 2002.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC 301), Fall 2002.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC 301), Spring 2001.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC 301), Spring 2001.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Graduate Courses
Contemporary Topics- Fraud Examination (ACC 765), Spring 2008.
Contemporary Topics- Fraud Examination (ACC 765), Spring 2008.
Hybrid Courses
Contemporary Topics (AIS/AIS 365/765), Spring 2009.
Contemporary Topics (AIS/AIS 365/765), Spring 2009.
Financial Reporting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Spring 2002.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Spring 2002.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Fall 2003.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Fall 2003.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Accounting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Spring 2003.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Spring 2003.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Spring 2004.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (ACC/ACC 301/701), Spring 2004.
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and related disclosure requirements.
Financial Reporting I (AIS/AIS 301/701), Fall 2011. Download Syllabus
Examines current and emerging financial accounting theory and techniques used to measure and report financial information to investors, creditors, and other external users. Emphasizes asset and income determination, preparation and interpretation of finan
Professional Organizations
Accounting Information Systems Educators Association
Accounting Information Systems Educators Association
Accounting Information Systems Educators Association
American Accounting Association
ISACA
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