Module Code - Title:
AC4305
-
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ANALYSIS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
AC4001
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of the module is to increase students' awareness of the information content of financial data and financial reports. The module considers the role and impact of accounting information in modern society within a variety of contexts. The module will enable students to critically analyse and interpret financial information in order to improve their decision-making capabilities.
Syllabus:
The nature of accounting information and its role in financial and other markets
The regulatory framework of accounting information and the needs of users
The conceptual framework of accounting information: recognition and measurement issues, fair value
Theories of financial analysis including efficient market hypothesis
Corporate governance: shareholder value and stakeholder theory perspectives including the Anglo-American and European models
Preparation of financial statements: income statement and balance sheet
Analysis of financial statements: ratio analysis, uses and limitations, accounting information as an aid to decision-making
Creative accounting: off-balance sheet financing, revenue recognition, fraud, the role of ethics and whistleblowing
Corporate social responsibility: environmental accounting, sustainability, narrative reporting and the green agenda
International accounting issues and developments: harmonisation and convergence, global reporting needs
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module students should be able to:
Critically appraise and evaluate financial information in order to make knowledgeable decisions
Generate a clear and articulate financial analysis report in a collaborative manner within a working group
Prepare a set of financial statements in a form suitable for publication in accordance with international accounting standards
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module students should be able to:
Acknowledge the impact of theoretical perspectives on the role and significance of accounting information in modern society
Value the need for proactive and responsible business behaviour in order to both eradicate accounting frauds and improve models of social reporting
Question the dominant shareholder value approach to accounting regulation and corporate governance
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered via a combination of lectures and tutorials. A variety of pedagogical approaches are used in the module which help to develop and enhance the graduate attributes. For example:
Multimedia teaching (via online video clips and case-study DVDs) develops the students' knowledge of areas such as accounting regulation, corporate governance, creative accounting and corporate social responsibility.
In-class discussions (of assigned readings and articles) help students to convey their ideas and arguments in an articulate fashion.
Group project work (via a written financial analysis report) enhances the students' commitment to collaberation.
Recent developments in the regulatory and governance contexts of accounting information are incorporated into the syllabus including the new EU audit reform framework, the recent Dodd-Frank financial reforms in the U.S., the revised UK Corporate Governance Code and the latest GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Philip O'Regan (2014)
Financial Information Analysis 3rd edition
, Wiley & Sons
Other Relevant Texts:
David Alexander
Anne Britton
Ann Jorissen
Martin Hoogendoorn
Carien van Mourik (2014)
International Financial Reporting and Analysis 6e
, Cengage Learning
Clarke, T (2014)
International Corporate Governance: a comparative approach
, Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
CTAPBUUPA - Applied Business
BALAACUFA - LAW AND ACCOUNTING
BBBUSTUFA - BUSINESS STUDIES
BBBSFRUFA - FRENCH
BBBSGEUFA - GERMAN
BBBSJAUFA - JAPANESE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Philip.ORegan@ul.ie