WGU D553 – Data Analytics for Accountants II (Complete Guide, Tips, and How to Pass)

WGU D553 – Data Analytics for Accountants II (Complete Guide, Tips, and How to Pass)

Your go-to guide for WGU D553: advanced analytics techniques, hands-on projects, exam prep strategies, and student-verified tips sourced from WGU communities.

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Introduction

Welcome to the advanced analytics playbook for WGU D553 – Data Analytics for Accountants II. If you’re looking for “WGU D553 tips,” “how to pass WGU D553,” or the latest from the “WGU D553 Reddit” crowd, this guide merges course expectations with real learner insights into a crystal-clear strategy—ready to deploy.

Course Description

What you’ll learn: D553 deepens skills from D552 with tools like predictive regression, time-series analysis, dashboard automation, advanced ETL, and scenario modeling. You’ll create interactive analytics outputs suitable for finance teams and leadership dashboards.

Why it matters: The ability to forecast trends, build visual dashboards, and automate analytics elevates you from reactive accountant to proactive advisor—delivering real-time insights to stakeholders.

Program context: This course builds directly on D552 and is a core component of WGU’s data-driven accounting track. Reference the official program page for curriculum flow: WGU Master of Accounting.

See all WGU course guides here.

Useful Resources & Tips

  • Course syllabus & rubrics: Always start here—map deliverables (like regression setup, dashboard interactivity, scenario tables) to grading criteria.
  • Community forums: Search Reddit or WGU Facebook groups for tips like “automation hacks in Excel/Power BI”, or “regression shortcuts.”
  • Study aids: Use Quizlet, Studocu, and YouTube tutorials on regression, dashboards, and Excel Power BI add-ins.
  • Tool practice: Most students use Excel with macros or Power BI/Tableau for dashboards, and statistical add-ins (e.g. Regression analysis, Data Analysis ToolPak).
  • Cohort engagement: Ask peers for tips on dashboard layout or regression interpretation—this feedback is gold for PA alignment.

Mode of Assessment

Mixed assessment format, typically involving:

  • 1–2 Performance Assessment tasks (dataset handling, predictive model, interactive dashboard)
  • 1 Objective Assessment (proctored exam)—likely covering regression theory, automation ethics, scenario planning, and visuals analysis.

Common Challenges (From Learners)

  • Regression and modeling: Understanding variable selection, interpreting regression outputs, and writing coherent explanations can trip students up.
  • Dashboard interactivity: Automating filters or scenario switches can feel daunting if new to advanced Excel or business intelligence tools.
  • Rubric alignment: It’s easy to complete tasks but not label or explain them per rubric wording—losing points unnecessarily.

How to Pass WGU D553 (Step-by-Step)

  1. Start with the rubric: Break down all tasks like “create regression model” or “build interactive dashboard” into checklist items for tracking.
  2. Plan your PA: Sketch dashboard layout, model variables, regression structure, and what scenario toggles you’ll implement before touching tools.
  3. Run clear regressions: Outline your prediction question, show coefficient output clearly, interpret what R-square means, and highlight any limitations.
  4. Build decision-ready dashboards: Use filters or drop-downs, label everything clearly, and insert a “Key Insight” text box explaining the snapshot.
  5. Practice OA with formula flashcards: Define model terms (e.g., R-squared, residuals, forecast scenarios), tool steps, and ethics of data automation.
  6. Review with peers or cohort: Share screenshots of dashboards and summaries—ask if they match rubric vocabulary and “feel interactive.”
  7. Final rubric check: Match each PA deliverable to rubric lines and confirm in writing in the submission document.

Conclusion

D553 elevates your analytics from descriptive to predictive and interactive. By starting with structure, using clear explanations, and aligning with rubric expectations, you’ll master both the PA and OA efficiently—and walk away with a dashboard asset you can showcase.

FAQ: WGU D553 – Data Analytics for Accountants II

Is WGU D553 hard?

It’s more technically involved than D552. Regression and dashboard interactivity often challenge students. But with structured preparation and rubric alignment, it’s manageable.

How long does WGU D553 take?

The time depends on your analytics and Excel/BI experience. Expect to spend longer on PA planning and OA prep—many students budget 3–4 weeks from start to finish.

Is WGU D553 an OA or PA?

Both. Usually includes at least one lengthy Performance Assessment and a proctored Objective Assessment.

What are the key topics on the D553 exam?

Regression principles, predictive model interpretation, dashboard mechanics, scenario automation, and ethics of automated reporting.

What’s the best way to study for WGU D553?

Plan and draft your PA components first—regression and dashboard—with clean explanations. Build a glossary of formulas and modeling terms, practice flashcards, and align with rubric wording. Use cohort feedback for polish.

Sources & Further Reading

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Question 1

This question is based on the ?Behavioral Finance at JP Morgan? (JPM) Case - which is attached along with this exam for your use. In a nutshell and as you will see in a moment, question 1 requires you to develop a mini case that is based on the JPM case. The specific questions/items that I want you to answer for this question are listed below. After reading and understanding the case, please answer all the following questions/items. 1. Just list all the key behavioral phenomena discussed or mentioned in the said case. 2. Just list all the key behavioral phenomena that you have learned in this class so far and as covered in your three sets of required readings: Shefrin textbook, Montier textbook, and the required articles. 3. Just list those key behavioral factors that are listed under item 2 in above but not listed under item 1 in above. 4. Rewrite the textual/conceptual (the no-quantitative) portion of the JP Morgan case by discussing all the phenomena you have listed under item 3 in above. In your rewrite, make sure to just briefly explain each phenomenon/factor first, and provide an example or explanation of your own similar to the case?s ?Everyday Examples of --? (those examples are highlighted in yellow in the JP Morgan case in the exhibits part toward the end of the case.) In your rewritten case you may just refer to the specific Exhibits or Figures in the main case instead of recreating those exhibits, figures, etc in your rewrite. 5. Close the rewritten case by adding a conclusion at the end in which you explain how the rewritten case can help investment decision making.

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Question 2

Hi, Tutor. I need help on a debt service fund basic entries homework problem. The problem is written below. I would greatly appreciate the help you give me. Thanks, Brian. Prepare the journal entries required in the Debt Service Fund to account for the transactions written below for questions numbered 1 through 8. Prepare closing entries for question 9. A city establishes a debt service fund to account for a serial issue of $100M, 6% bonds sold at 102. Principal is to be paid evenly over a period of 20 years beginning at the end of year 1. Of bond proceeds, $2M is to be placed in a reserve for payment of principal and interest. Bonds are funded from general revenues and all required transfers from the general fund are to be made when interest and principal payments are due, at year-end. 1. The bond premium, $2M, is transferred from the Capital Projects fund. 2. The annual budget is recorded; interest receipts are estimated at $120,000. 3. The reserve fund of $2M is invested in U.S. Government securities. 4. Investment interest of $90,000 is received. As of year-end, the City has earned, but not yet received, an additional $30,000 of interest. It will be collectible within 30 days after the end of the year. This interest is reflected in the market price of the bonds. 5. $11M is received from the general fund ($6M for interest, $5M for principal). 6. Interest and principal become due at year-end but owing to computer problems, payments to bondholders are delayed. 7. Assume alternatively that principal and interest are not due until early in the following year. 8. Assume alternatively that principal and interest are not due until February 15th of the following year. 9. The government closed the accounts.,Hi, Tutor. Thank you for taking the time to evaluate my assignment. Please accept my assignment to begin working on it. I greatly appreciate the help you are giving me. Thanks again, Brian.

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Question 3

1. The Blue Sky Company?s board of directors authorized a 10% common stock dividend on March 31 to be distributed to shareholders on April 30. At the time of the authorization, the company had 4,000,000 shares of common stock outstanding with a par value per share of $1, a market value per share of $45, and a book value of $30 per share. The shares were distributed on April 30. 2. The Grey Sky Company?s board of directors authorized a 3-for-1 common stock split on May 31 on all shares outstanding as of June 15 to be distributed on June 30. At the time of the authorization, the company had 2,500,000 shares of common stock outstanding with a par value per share of $6, a market value per share of $165, and a book value of $80 per share. The shares were distributed on June 30. 3. The Red Sky Company?s board of directors authorized a 75% common stock dividend on July 1 to be distributed to shareholders on August 1. At the time of the authorization, the company had 10,000,000 shares of common stock outstanding with a par value per share of $10, a market value per share of $85, and a book value of $50 per share. The shares were distributed on August 1. Instructions: Assume that each company has sufficient retained earnings for each of the above decisions. a) Prepare all of the necessary journal entries for each of the above situations.

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Question 4

PE-2 In January 2012, the management of Sarah Company concludes that it has sufficient cash to purchase some short-term investments in debt and stock securities. During the year, the following transactions occurred. Feb. 1 - Purchased 1,200 shares of NJF common stock for $50,600 plus brokerage fees of $1,000. Mar. 1 - Purchased 500 shares of SEK common stock for $18,000 plus brokerage fees of $500. Apr. 1 - Purchased 70 $1,000, 8% CRT bonds for $70,000 plus $1,200 brokerage fees. Interest is payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1. July 1 - Received a cash dividend of $0.80 per share on the NJF common stock. Aug. 1 - Sold 200 shares of NJF common stock at $42 per share less brokerage fees of $350. Sept. 1 - Received $2 per share cash dividend on the SEK common stock Oct. 1- Received the semiannual interest on the CRT bonds. Oct. 1 - Sold the CRT bonds for $77,000 less $1,300 brokerage fees. At December 31, the fair values of the NJF and SEK common stocks were $39 and $30 per share, respectively. Journalize investment transactions, prepare adjusting entry, and show financial statement presentation Instructions A. Journalize the transactions and post to the accounts Debt Investments and Stock Investments. (Use the T account form.) B. Prepare the adjusting entry at December 31, 2012, to report the investments at fair value. All securities are considered to be trading securities. C. Show the balance sheet presentation of investment securities at December 31, 2012. D. Identify the income statement accounts and give the statement classification of each account.

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Question 5

1. The petite corporation has annual credit sales of 2million. Current expenses for the collection department are $30 000, bad debt losses are 2% and the DSO is 30 days. Pettit is considering easing its collection efforts so that collection expenses will be reduced to $22000 per year. The change is expected to increase bad debt to $2.2 million per year. Should Pettit relax collection efforts if the opportunity cost of funds is 12%, the variable cost ratio is 75% and its its marginal tax rate is 40%? All costs associated with production and credit sales are paid on the day of the sale. 2. The McCollough Company has a variable operating cost ratio of 70%, its cost of capital is 10% and current sales are $10000. All of its sales are on credit, and it currently sells on terms of net 30. Its accounts receivable balance is $1,500. McCollough is considering a new credit policy with terms of net 45. Under the new policy, sales will increase to $12,000 and accounts recievable will rise to $25000. Compute the days sales outstanding under the existing policy and the proposed policy. 3. Green Thumb Garden Centers sells 240000 bags of lawn fertilizer annually. The optimal safety stock (which is on hand innitially) is 1,200 bags. Each bag costs Green Thumb $4, inventory carrying cost are 20 percent, and the cost of placing an order with its supplier is $25. (a.) what is the economic ordering quantity (EOQ)? (B.) What is the total inventory cost at the EOQ level? 4. Morrissey Industries sells on terms of 3/10, net 30. Total sales for the year are $900,000. 40% of the customers pay on Day 10 and take discounts; the other 60% pay on average, 40 days after their purchases. What are (a.) the days of sales outstanding (DSO) and (b) the average amount of receivables (c.) What would happen to average recievables if Morrissey tightened its collection policy with the result that all non-discount customers paid on Day 30?