The purpose of the module is to increase students' awareness of the information content of financial accounts, data and other reports. The module considers the role and impact of accounting information in modern society within a variety of contexts and equips students with the skills to critically analyse and interpret financial information in order to improve their decision-making capabilities.

The nature of accounting information and its role in financial and other markets. The regulatory framework of accounting information and the needs of users. Corporate governance: shareholder value and stakeholder theory perspectives including the Anglo-American and European models. Analysis of financial statements: ratio analysis, uses and limitations, as an aid to decision-making. Corporate social responsibility: environmental accounting, sustainability, ESG and the ‘green’ agenda; regulation, disclosure and the sustainable economy. Preparation of financial statements: Statement of Profit or Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement. The conceptual framework of accounting information: recognition and measurement issues, fair value, Theories of financial analysis including efficient market hypothesis. Creative accounting: off-balance sheet financing, revenue recognition, fraud, ethics and whistleblowing. International accounting issues and developments: harmonisation and convergence, global reporting needs. Company formation; share issues; share capital and loan capital.

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. Critically evaluate the impact of theoretical perspectives on the role and significance of accounting information in modern society

On completion of this module students should be able to: Discuss the need for proactive and responsible business behaviour in order to both eradicate accounting frauds and improve models of social reporting.

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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.