Course Description

Course Name

International Financial Accounting

Session: VGSS3122

Hours & Credits

20 SCQF Credits

Prerequisites & Language Level

Taught In English

  • There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Overview

This course examines the main reasons for differences which exist in international accounting practice and explores the extent to which these differences can be eliminated with the move towards convergence of international accounting standards. The aim is to enable students to analyse the similarities and differences in accounting, reporting and regulation around the world, and to introduce the growing body of research into international accounting practices.

 
The aims of this course are:
1. To provide students with an understand¬ing of the nature of, and influences on, financial reporting practices in different countries. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a country's cultural, social, economic, legal and political environment, including its history, in determining the nature of the rules and regulations which govern its financial reporting practices.
2. To provide students with an understanding of accounting diversity globally and of the processes of harmonisation and convergence.
3. To provide students with a critical understanding of the political nature of regulatory bodies such as the IASB, the EU, the OECD and the UN and their efforts to harmonise accounting standards.
4. To explore some of the key contemporary accounting issues that the IASB has attempted to address. These issues will change year on year to reflect current important topics as they emerge.
 
The course will also seek to develop more general transferable skills such as electronic search and database skills, team work, presentation skills analysis of accounting statements, group report writing and critical thought.

*Course content subject to change