Overview

One semester of this module focuses on advanced accounting practice. We commence by examining the conceptual framework for financial reporting developed by the IASB and by considering the regulatory framework for financial reporting at national and international levels. We move on to consider accounting standards and current professional debates in specific accounting areas. The areas we will be covering this year are financial instruments, the presentation of financial statements, liabilities, employee benefits & share-based payments, taxation, leases, and accounting for carbon emissions.

The other semester of this module provides a discussion of the various theories of financial accounting and explores their relevance to the study, practice, and regulation of accounting. It covers the measurement of various elements of accounting, the underlying reasons for organizations to provide certain types of accounting information, the underlying reasons for individuals and groups to engage in lobbying for specific accounting methods, the impact of the adoption of different accounting methods on organizations, the reasons for capital market reactions to specific types of accounting information, and alternative measures of income.

Normative theories of accounting; Positive accounting theories; Behavioural accounting theories; Systems-oriented theories; Critical accounting theories; Conceptual frameworks for financial reporting; A regulatory framework for financial reporting; Presentation of financial statements; Specific issues, including financial instruments, leases, liabilities, employee benefits, share-based payments, taxation.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%): No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

-good -B- to B+ (60-69%): Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-excellent -A- to A+ (70%+): Outstanding Performance. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-another level-C- to C+ (50-59%): Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the development and intellectual underpinning of rival theories that seek to explain accounting behaviour.

• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various accounting theories.

• Discuss a regulatory framework for financial reporting.

• Discuss and apply a conceptual framework for financial reporting.

• Prepare an entity's financial statements in accordance with international accounting standards.