This unit of study is the capstone accounting unit of postgraduate accounting study. The unit draws upon, and further develops, students' prior knowledge of accounting. The unit is designed to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills. It investigates and analyses aspects of the conceptual foundations of financial accounting; the relationship between financial accounting theories and accounting practices; Contemporary issues, including global harmonisation of international financial reporting standards, industry based various measurement issues, accounting for agriculture, mining, and the role of business ethics and corporate governance are examined.

Unit details

Location:
City Flinders
Remote
VU Sydney
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
BAO5535

Prerequisites

BAO5525 - Financial and Corporate Accounting

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Critically review and interpret the role of theory in the development of accounting;  
  2. Conceptually map the interaction of the various parties involved in the regulation of financial reporting, both locally and globally;  
  3. Investigate the role of culture, values and dispositions in achieving consensual outcomes through consideration of the benefits and limitations of the international harmonisation of financial reporting standards;  
  4. Critically analyse measurement issues and their effect on financial reporting practice;  
  5. Articulate sound professional judgement on issues relevant to the recognition and reporting of information contained in financial statements, as prepared in accord with accounting standards;  
  6. Implement advanced level personal autonomy and accountability within collaborative decision making activities in achieving ethical and socially responsible team outcomes; and  
  7. Appraise the impact of business ethics and corporate governance on the accounting profession.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Case Study Case study and presentation based on contemporary accounting reporting and disclosure (group) 20%
Project Research project on a contemporary accounting issue (Group) 30%
Test In-class test 50%

Required reading

Contemporary Issues in Accounting 2nd ed.
Rankin, M., Ferlauto, K., McGowan, S. and Stanton, P. 2018.
John Wiley & Sons Australia, Queensland.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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