Joel M. Barker

Professor
Accounting

Office: F-630M

Office Hours:

Phone: +1 (212) 220-8192

Professor Joel Barker joined the BMCC Accounting Department in 2012, having earned his degrees within the CUNY system. These include an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Accounting degree from BMCC and both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Accounting and Economics degree, and Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting degree from Queens College.

Professor Barker is also a New York State-licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in both New York and Pennsylvania. Prior to accepting a full-time position with BMCC, he taught as an adjunct throughout the CUNY system, including Queens College and York College.

“Teaching seems to be an intrinsic part of my DNA,” as Professor Barker puts it. He is one of the coordinators of BMCC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, through which BMCC students are trained to be IRS-certified volunteers providing free tax preparation through the New York City Food Bank. He is also committed to mentoring students and guiding them toward internship opportunities in the field of business and accounting.

Prior to entering academia, Professor Barker gained professional experience in Public Accounting with a focus on Audits and Taxes. His research focus is Individual Taxation and Tax Policies, and he finds the diverse culture at BMCC in unison with both his experience as an accountant and his background as a CUNY student and peer tutor to fellow business and accounting majors.

Expertise

Aesthetic Education

Taxation

Degrees

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY), Accounting,
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Queens College, CUNY, Accounting and Economics,
Master of Science (M.S.) Queens College, CUNY, Accounting and Economics,

Courses Taught

3 CRS.4 HRS. ACC 122 ACC 122 (Accounting Principles I): The course covers the fundamental principles of accounting and the practical use of accounting tools and techniques. Topics covered include the definition and scope of accounting, accounting records and processes, books of original and subsequent entry, work sheets, adjusting and closing entries, accounting for cash, accounting for negotiable instruments, and accounting for plant assets. An investigation is made of accounting for service businesses and trading concerns. Note: ACC 122 credit change from 4 credits to 3 credits, effective spring 2014.
Course Syllabus
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 222 ACC 222 (Accounting Principles II): This continuation of Accounting I progresses from elementary to more advanced accounting concepts and conventions, including the use of accounting data in managerial decision making. Among topics covered are voucher system, partnership accounting, payroll preparation and taxes, and accounting for corporations. Study is made of accounting involved in the interpretation of financial statements, budgetary control, statement of cash flows, and management reports and analyses. Note: ACC 222 credit change from 4 credits to 3 credits, effective spring 2014.
Course Syllabus
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 150 ACC 150 (Personal Accounting and Financial Literacy): This introductory course provides a practical and interactive approach to understanding and analyzing the major components of financial literacy such as taxation, credit and debt management, budgeting, spending and investment strategies for individuals and the family. Using research obtained from the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy and standards developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the student will be exposed to strategies for personal financial planning and personal risk and asset management. Students will create their own personal financial plan and will present the plan as a final project. Students completing the course will have life-time access to educational materials and coaching to make informed financial decisions and to develop effective behavioral patterns. Students will also compete in either an investment or financial literacy competition. This course has 1 hour lab component in which students will learn to use financial planning and tax software along with Excel to build personal financial plans and other course material. Financial literacy as defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the a??the ability to make informed judgments and to take effective actions regarding the current and future use and management of money. It includes the ability to understand financial choices, plan for the future, spend wisely, and manage the challenges associated with life events such as a job loss, saving for retirement, or paying for a childa??s education.a??
Course Syllabus
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 231 ACC 231 (Accounting Applications on Microcomputers): This course provides accounting students with the opportunity to solve accounting problems through the use of microcomputers. Areas in which students will prepare computerized accounting records and reports include journals, ledgers, trial balance, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. The course will introduce students to basic accounting documentation, and processing flowcharts of different accounting functions. Prerequisites: ACC 122
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 241 ACC 241 (Taxation: Federal): Students are provided with fundamental knowledge of the Federal taxation laws and preparation of related tax returns. Federal income taxes for individuals, partnerships, and corporations are studied, and actual returns are prepared. Various items of payroll withholding and reporting procedures are discussed, and basic tax planning is explored.
Note: This course was formerly ACC 340.
Course Syllabus
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 330 ACC 330 (Intermediate Accounting I): The course begins with a review of the accounting process. Topics covered include balance sheet presentation, the time value of money, accounting for cash, receivables, inventory cost and valuation procedures, plant and equipment accounting, including acquisition use, retirement and special valuation problems, accounting for intangible assets, current liabilities, and contingencies. Attention is given to the theory pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other standard-setting bodies. Prerequisite: ACC 222
Course Syllabus
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 350 ACC 350 (Cost Accounting I): Emphasis is placed on the conceptual, analytical and practical aspects of cost accounting as a tool for planning and controlling the operations of a business. Topics studied include the cost accounting cycle, the job order cost system, process costing, allocation of costs, joint and by-product costs, payroll accounting and budgeting. Prerequisite: ACC 122
Course Syllabus
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 360 ACC 360 (Government and Not-For-Profit Accounting): This course introduces the theory and concepts underlying financial accounting, control and reporting in governmental and not-for-profit organizations. It covers fund accounting, budget and control issues, revenue and expense recognition, financial reporting, accounting procedures and issues of reporting for both governmental and not-for-profit entities. Prerequisite: ACC 222
Course Syllabus
3 CRS.4 HRS.NULL LAB HRS. ACC 430 ACC 430 (Intermediate Accounting II): The course is a continuation of Intermediate Accounting I. A detailed study is made of the accounting for long term debt, investments in stocks and bonds, leases, pensions, accounting for income taxes, and inflation accounting. Other topical coverage includes EPS, revenue recognition, preparation of the income statement, and the statement of cash flows. The stockholders? equity section of the balance sheet is examined, with particular reference to the accounting for capital stock, additional paid-in capital, and retained earnings. Attention is given to pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other standard-setting bodies. Prerequisite: ACC 330
Course Syllabus

Research and Projects

Publications

Billions of Interest-Free Loans to the IRS through Filing Incorrectly on Form W-4, Journal of Economics and Public Finance – Sept. 2018; Vol. 4, No. 3. (co-author Albert Duncan)
Transfer Pricing As A Vehicle In Corporate Tax Avoidance, Journal of Applied Business Research (JBAR) – Jan./Feb. 2017; Vol. 33, No. 1. (co-authors Kwadwo Asare, and Sharon Brickman)
Billions Lost Yearly to Earned Income Tax Credit: Errors or Fraud? Journal of Business & Economics Research (JBER) – Fourth Quarter 2016; Vol. 14, No. 4. (co-author Chadrick Fredericks)
Corporate Inversions: The Migration of Corporate Tax revenues, Journal of Applied Business Research – July/Aug. 2016 edition; Vol. 32, No. 4.
FBAR compliance, Journal: Journal of Accountancy – April 2016 edition; Pg. 64 – 70.
Benefits of Hybrid Classes in Community Colleges. Author: Joel Barker. Peer Review Journal: Contemporary Issues in Education Research – Third Quarter 2015; Volume 8, Number 3.
Facts About FATCA & FBAR From an Individual Perspective, CPA Journal, November 2014; pg. 34 – 38. (co-authors: Barry Cooper)
The Promising Role Of Hybrid Learning In Community Colleges: Looking Towards The Future. Contemporary Issues in Education Research – Third Quarter 2014; Volume 7, Number 3. (Co-authors Corinne Crawford, and Achraf Seyam)

Honors, Awards and Affiliations

Professor of the Year
BMCC Student Government Association (SGA), May 15, 2015
Mentorship Award
BMCC Student Government Association (SGA), May 27, 2016