vcc.ca
APSM 2207: Automotive Supply Chain Finance and Cost Accounting
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Auto Parts & Service Mgmt
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course students will be introduced to the multiple financial concepts which are critical to supply chain management. Firstly, students will learn about different cost accounting items such as labour, material, and overhead costs. Students will then examine job cost and service statements, as well as cost accounting systems. The course will incorporate considerations for zero-emissions vehicles in supply chain operations, including cost-benefit analyses, investment evaluation, and financial impacts of sustainable transportation solutions. In the second half of the course, students will learn about the various financial concepts and principles that relate to supply chains, including working capital management, cash flow optimization, trade credit and payment terms, factoring and invoice discounting. Special attention will be given to financial frameworks that support the transition to zero-emissions fleets and the long-term financial viability of sustainable supply chain practices.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain supply chain financial concepts and principles.
- Analyze supplier financial data as part of the pre-purchase order/contract award stage.
- Account for material costs by completing pro forma stock control documentation relating to the movement of materials into a business, within a business, and from a business, including considerations for zero-emissions transportation and storage.
- List the procedures for recording labour costs and describe the documentation required, including tracking of zero-emissions initiatives in operational activities.
- Describe the apportionment and allocation of overhead costs, including those associated with zero-emissions infrastructure and compliance.
- Explain how job cost statements and service cost statements are produced for products, incorporating zero-emissions factors in the production process.
- Record transactions in a cost accounting system using either an interlocking or integrated cost accounting system, with appropriate tracking of zero-emissions investments and operational costs.
- Describe the following concepts as they apply to supply chain management: working capital management, cash flow optimization, trade credit and payment terms, factoring and invoice discounting, and financial implications of zero-emissions technology adoption.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Methods of assessment may include a challenge exam, submission of a product or portfolio for review, or a practical demonstration. Please contact the Department for details.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, groupwork, case studies, problem solving.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
20 |
Supply chain finance project |
|
Attendance |
10 |
|
|
Assignments |
30 |
A number of assignments related to cost accounting |
|
Midterm Exam |
15 |
|
|
Final Exam |
25 |
|
Course topics
- Introduction to Supply Chain Financial Management and Analysis Costing Methods and Financial Ratios Labour costs and documentation Material costs Overhead costs Job cost and service cost statements Cost accounting systems Working Capital Management (Overview of working capital and its components, Strategies for optimizing working capital within the supply chain, The relationship between working capital and supply chain efficiency) Cash Flow Optimization (Understanding the flow of funds within the supply chain, Techniques to enhance cash flow, Managing payment cycles) Trade Credit and Payment Terms (Exploring trade credit terms, Negotiating and managing trade credit terms, Balancing supplier and buyer needs, Early payment discounts and their implications) Factoring and Invoice Discounting (Factoring and invoice discounting, Benefits and risks associated with invoice financing)
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.