Learning Outcomes
Having completed this module, student should be able to:
- describe and explain the conventions which underpin financial accounting
- describe, compare and contrast the different forms of UK business organisations
- explain, apply and illustrate the rules by which assets, liabilities, income and expense are determined for insertion into financial accounts
- interpret a simple trial balance and thence prepare a set of accounting statements (profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement)
- interpret simple financial statements, perform financial ratio analysis and prepare a simple analyst style report, tying in numerical work to interpret underlying business history, position and prospects
Aims
This module aims to give students a practical grasp of the basics of financial reporting (context, purpose and the regulatory framework), the recording of business transactions and the preparation, understanding and analysis of financial accounts (being the profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement). The over-riding concern is that students should not be panicked or cowed when faced with financial accounting information; rather, that they should be able properly to discern and interpret financial accounting information, and contribute usefully to discussions and decision making based on or about it.
Brief description
This module is intended to provide a practical understanding of the context, preparation and analysis of financial accounts, as pertinent to the non-specialist general manager.
Content
- context and purposes of financial reporting in the UK
- regulatory framework and standards for financial reporting
- accounting concepts, policies and treatments
- recording business transactions
- preparation of financial staments (profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement)
- interpretation and analysis of financial statements
Transferable skills
The module also aims to assist the development of a variety of personal transferable skills by encouraging students to:
- identify and distil the key issues covered by lectures, tutorials and recommended readings
- develop basic information accessing and research skills; discriminate between relevant and irrelevant information for the purposes of decision making; analyse data, apply judgement and solve problems
- communicate effectively both orally and in writing; participate actively in tutorials either by leading discussions or responding to issues raised; and work under pressure and meet deadlines