Financial Accounting Theory

Subject ACCT30001 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Both of:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
January, Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Corequisites:

None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.
Non Allowed Subjects:

None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Bo Qin, Prof Matthew Pinnuck

Contact

Semester 1: Matt Pinnuck mpinnuck@unimelb.edu.au

Semester 2: Bo Qin b.qin@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The subject aims to develop a critical understanding of the supporting theories and assumptions underpinning financial accounting and the analysis of contemporary financial accounting issues. This critical understanding is developed by exploring the current research thinking on how financial accounting information integrates with modern financial economies. Particular attention is paid to understanding how financial markets use financial accounting information as well as to the economic incentives that derive from its reporting.
Learning Outcomes:
  • Explain the role of theory development in Accounting
  • Explain the concepts of decision usefulness in a financial market setting
  • Explain the role of the standard setting process in a financial market setting
  • Explain the role of economic incentives in determining accounting policy choice
  • Synthesise the range of emerging issues in financial accounting
Assessment:
  • A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (70%)
  • 1.5 hour mid-semester test (20%)
  • Tutorial preperation and contribution (10%)
Prescribed Texts:

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • High level of development: oral communication; written communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking.

  • Moderate level of development: statistical reasoning; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Some level of development: collaborative learning; team work; use of computer software; synthesis of data and other information.

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