Topics in Financial Reporting

Catalog description

This course examines the accounting for complex business transactions with an emphasis on understanding the "why", rather than exclusively the "how". There is a focus on the economic substance of transactions and developing a deep understanding of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Conceptual Framework. This enables one to analyze the consistency of current financial reporting standards within a conceptual framework while considering alternative accounting treatments that can better reflect the economic substance of transactions. An overview of the conceptual and practical issues surrounding the accounting for investments, fair values, business combinations, consolidation of financial statements, structured transactions, derivatives, and hedging activities and foreign operations will also be covered with the intent for developing an awareness of academic research related to the economics of and accounting for complex business transactions.