Introductory description

N/A.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This is an indicative list of potential syllabus topics - this may vary depending on emerging trends, e.g. exposure draft of a new IFRS or discussion paper on developments in corporate reporting:

• Consolidated financial statements for changes in group structure.
• Financial instruments.
• Employee benefits including accounting for pension plans.
• Share-based payment.
• Foreign exchange.
• Leases.
• Deferred taxation.
• Integrated Reporting.
• Alternative performance measures.
• Ethics in financial reporting.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Have the necessary knowledge and understanding to address critically the consequences of a rapid increase in the complexity of corporate reporting regulation within which accounting policy choices should be made.
• Develop personal viewpoints and articulate opinions on current issues in corporate reporting.
• Prepare and present clear, concise and effective communications in respect of corporate reporting issues for a range of both internal and external stakeholders of an organisation.
• Recognise ethical dilemmas facing preparers of financial reports and recommend appropriate responses.

Indicative reading list

Relevant textbooks:
Alexander D, Britton A and Jorissen A (2017) 7th Edition, International Financial Reporting and Analysis, South Western Cengage Learning.
Maynard J. (2013), Financial Accounting, Reporting and Analysis, Oxford University Press.
Weaver L. (2014), Managing the Transition to IFRS-based Financial Reporting, Wiley.
Elliot B. and Elliot J. (2017),18th Edition, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.
Kothari J, Barone E, (2011) 1st Edition, Advanced Financial Accounting, Financial Times, Prentice Hall.
IFRS Student Manual, (2010), PricewaterhouseCoopers, CCH Wolters Kluwer.
Cotter D (2011), 1st Edition, Advanced Financial Reporting: A Complete Guide to IFRS, Financial Times, Prentice Hall.
In addition to textbooks, students will be expected to read, as directed, relevant pronouncements of regulatory bodies including: International Accounting Standards Board (www.ifrs.org)
Financial Reporting Council (www.frc.org)
International Integrated Reporting Council (www.integratedreporting.org)
International Federation of Accountants (www.ifac.org)
Readings from selected academic journals (including the Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance, and International Journal of Accounting and Finance) will also be expected on relevant topics.

Subject specific skills

Integrate theories, concepts and techniques to explore corporate reporting issues in a broad range of organisational scenarios.
Critically evaluate the regulatory and theoretical frameworks forthe preparation of financial statements and other corporate reports.
Assess the validity of accounting policies in the context of the conceptual framework for financial reporting and the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Recommend accounting treatments, prepare extracts from financial statements, and justify accounting policies in given scenarios.
Apply professional scepticism to recognise situations where corporate information should be challenged, and where the information provided is incomplete or technically incorrect.

Transferable skills

Appreciate the need for a holistic approach to corporate reporting, applying regulatory requirements in the context of a specific organisational environment.
Understand the critical use of judgement in financial reporting, and the consequences of decisions on users of corporate reports.