For this assessment you will need to:

• write a memo to staff in your accounting firm
• draft a letter to the accounting firm's clients

You will need to cite references in this assignment. This page is designed to assist you with using the Library to find references. Consult your Course Outline for more information about the assessment requirements.

Before you start searching, think of some keywords related to your topic. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• accounting standards
• client communication
• lobbying
• CPA

Use these tips to turn your keywords into a search term:

• put quotation marks around words that need to be kept together, e.g. "accounting standards"
• connect and combine search keywords using AND, OR, and NOT
• use an asterix * to find alternate word endings., i.e. account* will find accounting, accountants, etc.

Then try your search term in the Library Collection:

You may have to mix and match terms!

Here are some examples of completed search terms you can use in the catalogue:

• "accounting standards"
• accounting AND communication

From your results, your can then use the filters on the left to limit by date or choose certain formats.

You may want to find articles in professional magazines. You can access some of these online:

• Insight magazine (KPMG)
• Australian Accounting Review (CPA Australia)
• Financial Accountant Magazine (Institute of Financial Accountants)
• Harvard Business Review

Once you have found some resources, you will need to evaluate if they are appropriate and if they are from a credible source. Watch this video for more:  3m: 17s

Critical thinking is an essential part of taking a scholarly approach to learning. It involves analysing and questioning information you receive to arrive at logical, well-reasoned conclusions.

The following resources will assist you in understanding and developing your critical thinking and analysing skills needed for your assignment.

These resources have advice for writing memos and letters:

• Style Guide for Business Writing: Memos
• Style Guide to Business Writing: Letters
• Writing for the Workplace: Correspondence (covering emails, letters and memos)
• Video: Special considerations for memos

Here are some resources for general writing skills:

• Expressing yourself clearly and concisely
• Study Help: English
• Grammar Tips
• ESL English Language Support
• Macquarie Australian Dictionary online

If you have questions about the assessment, you should post these to your course Discussion Forum.

Studiosity offers an ‘online classroom’, where you can chat with a learning adviser. The associated 'Check Mate' service helps with English, writing and referencing.

Click here for more help options.