Module ACCT3021: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Department: Accounting

ACCT3021: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Prerequisites

• Introduction to Financial Accounting ACCT1041 OR Corporate Financial Reporting ACCT2031

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The module builds on the relevant core module by:
• developing students' appreciation of the key principles of financial accounting and the associated frameworks;
• developing students' appreciation of the limitations of financial accounting and of the possible extensions to the accounting framework;
• developing knowledge about advanced accounting and finance skills and concepts;
• exploring the current environment in which accounting and finance operates;
• exploring contemporary issues in accounting and finance.

Content

• The conceptual framework in financial accounting.
• Limitations of corporate reporting and possible developments to overcome these including narrative disclosure.
• Advanced accounting technical skills and concepts, especially focusing on emerging key technical or conceptual accounting issues.
• International accounting harmonisation.
• The impact of technology on accounting and finance.
• Ethics in accounting and finance.
• Environmental, social and integrated reporting.
• Other contemporary issues in accounting and finance as they emerge.

Learning Outcomes

• Have developed a critical appreciation of the key principles and concepts and limitations underpinning financial accounting, corporate reporting and finance.
• Have developed a deep understanding of the current professional and academic debates affecting accounting and finance.
• Have explored and have an appreciation of recent academic literature in the field of contemporary issues in accounting and finance.

• Have the ability to critically evaluate the uses and limitations of financial accounting and corporate reporting.
• Understand the current international accounting and finance development agenda.
• Be able to apply a range of advanced reporting interpretations to corporate reporting.

• Have demonstrated the ability to undertake, with appropriate guidance, independent investigation of defined topics in the field of accounting and finance and to report the findings effectively.
• Have developed the following key skills: written and interpersonal communication; planning and organising; problem solving; numeracy; and computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study.
• Formative assessment is by means of a written assignment which takes the form of an essay on one of the key topic areas. This will allow students to develop their knowledge of the topic through research and also allow students to develop their essay writing skills in preparation for the summative examination questions.
• Summative assessment is by means of a written examination and a written assignment which takes the form of a professional report which critically evaluates the disclosure or presentation of performance information of a FTSE listed company.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One written assignment (1500 words).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University