Fin­an­cial Ac­count­ing

Course content

The course includes the following sessions which aim at laying the foundation for a solid understanding of financial accounting and reporting practices:

1. Purpose/function of accounting, presentation of financial statements
2. Double-entry bookkeeping technique
3. Accrual accounting
4. Internal control, cash and receivables
5. Inventory and merchandizing operations
6. PPE and intangibles
7. Current and long-term liabilities
8. Equity and investments
9. Cash flow statement
10. Financial statement analysis

Throughout  the different sessions, students acquire general business knowledge by analyzing financial statements of internationally operating companies with different backgrounds (service and product companies from different countries) with the aim of assessing the firm’s financial position and performance in light of the broader economic context.

The tasks of analysing financial data and assessing whether certain accounting regulations and practices meet the (intended) purpose of financial accounting aim at stimulating students’ curiosity about ambiguities in accounting and at helping students to develop a high degree of analytical and critical thinking.

Constructive collaboration is encouraged by group tasks.