Course unit details:
Corporate Financial Reporting
| Unit code | BMAN70241 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This course is concerned with the relationship between theories, methods and regulation in the field of external financial reporting, which encompasses both financial accounting and auditing. Reference is made to a variety of theoretical perspectives in accounting problems, ranging from economics to critical theory. The course will not involve hands-on training regarding the preparation of financial accounting statements. Rather, the preparation of financial statements is viewed in a broad context including their validation through audit, the supply of information to markets and the politics of the interests involved in the financial reporting.
Pre/co-requisites
Aims
The aim of the course unit is to explain and evaluate the application of major theoretical research approaches to the analysis of issues and problems in the area of financial reporting and auditing, and accountability.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit successful students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding at an advanced level of theoretical approaches to major financial reporting issues, such as:
- Decision usefulness of financial reporting.
- Capital market reactions to accounting information.
- Behavioural, social, institutional, and political economy perspectives on financial reporting.
- The role of auditing in the financial reporting process.
It is also expected that students will exercise and develop their skills to be able to:
- Engage in independent and self-managed learning.
- Participate in groups and understand alternative views.
- Communicate effectively.
- Undertake a research dissertation in the area of financial reporting.
Assessment methods
Written Examination (100%)
Feedback methods
Office Hours
Online Learning Activities (blogs, discussions, self assessment questions)
Recommended reading
Two books are referred to extensively:
- Deegan, C. and Unerman, J. Financial Accounting Theory, European Edition, 2011
- Scott, W, Financial Accounting Theory, 7th Edition, 2014
Students are not required to purchase both these books, but should expect to make significant use of both. Given expense, a possible approach would be to acquire the books together with one or two colleagues, so that you can guarantee easy access. Reference will also be made to a wide range of material from journals etc. and you should expect to read a number of sources for coverage of each topic and develop your own reading by following up bibliographies and by browsing relevant journals in the library, for example Accounting and Business Research, Accounting Review, British Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Accounting Organisations and Society and Accounting Horizons.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 2 |
| Lectures | 20 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 128 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Javed Siddiqui | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Office Hours
Online Learning Activities (blogs, discussions, self -assessment questions)