The purpose of this module is to provide students with a critical understanding of current issues in international financial reporting. The module commences with a comparative analysis of the development of national accounting systems. Next the role of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and its impact on financial reporting internationally will be examined in the context of perceived advantages and disadvantages of harmonisation and standardisation. Although the importance of the IASB is primarily seen in the context of capital markets, we will also consider the particular financial reporting needs of developing countries.
The module then considers several country studies, including examples of financial reporting taken from North America, Europe and Japan. Finally the module considers some specific issues related to comparative international financial analysis.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module the student will be expected to be able to:
Identify and evaluate the factors which help to explain differences in the main types of financial reporting system in use internationally.
Critically evaluate the role of the IASB in promoting international harmonisation and standardisation of financial reporting.
Assess the benefits and costs associated with issues such as the increased harmonisation of financial statements.
- Module Supervisor: Rafia Afrin