This course covers the characteristics of the Australian accounting environment and its financial reporting requirements for companies, and expands on accounting for non-current assets, accounting for intangible assets, accounting for liabilities and owners' equity, accounting for a range of financial accounting issues (e.g., leases and income tax), and, most importantly, provides a comprehensive coverage of consolidation issues.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the regulatory environment in which the companies are formed and operate in Australia.
2. Discuss the accounting and reporting requirements of the Corporations Act and relevant Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) accounting standards.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the advanced issues in accounting for assets, liabilities and owners’ equity.
4. Record and illustrate the effects of a range of advanced financial accounting issues
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the accounting requirements for a corporate group and explain the theory underlying the methods used to account for inter-company investments.
6. Prepare consolidated accounts for a corporate group.
7. Analyse complex issues in the topic, formulate well reasoned and coherent arguments and reach well considered conclusions.

Research-Led Teaching

Students will be exposed to research ideas and be involved in discussions of research in the area of financial reporting requirements and business combinations. As part of the requirements for the group assignment, students will need to demonstrate their research skills in analysing the annual report of a particular company. Assistance will be provided throughout to ensure proper development of research skills.

Required Resources

Loftus, J., Leo, K., Boys, N., Daniliuc, S., Luke, B., Ang, H. and Byrnes, K., 2022. Financial Reporting, 4th ed, Wiley.

Students are expected to have access to a copy of the prescribed book for the duration of the semester. The text can be purchased online directly from the publisher via https://www.wileydirect.com.au/buy/financial-reporting/. You can also buy the digital version (e-book) of the text from the publisher using the above link. An e-book version of the text will be available from the Library in due course. The link to the library e-book will be available on Wattle once available.

The text is subject to copyright laws in Australia and, as such, photocopying of any parts of it is restricted under law.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

·        Written comments on assessments.

·        Verbal comments during tutorials and consultation.

·        Feedback to the whole class via Wattle email.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

As a further academic integrity control, students may be selected for a 15 minute individual oral examination of their written assessment submissions.

Any student identified, either during the current semester or in retrospect, as having used ghost writing services will be investigated under the University’s Academic Integrity Rule.

COMMUNICATION

Email and the Wattle Course Website

Email and the Wattle course website are the preferred ways of communication. Student forums are set up on Wattle for each topic and can be viewed by all enrolled students and teaching staff. Students are encouraged to post any questions they have in the appropriate forum.

If necessary, the lecturer and tutors for this course will contact students on their official ANU student email address. Students should use this email address when contacting staff as spam filters used by ANU may not allow other email addresses to be received.

Announcements

Students are expected to check the Wattle site for announcements about this course, e.g. changes to timetables or notifications of cancellations.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Accounting regulation and the conceptual framework	Chapters 1, 16
2	Corporate reporting and disclosure; Revenue recognition	Chapters 15, 16, 18
3	Accounting for property, plant, and equipment and intangibles	Chapters 5, 6, 7
4	Accounting for income tax	Chapter 10
5	Provisions and contingent liabilities; Accounting for foreign currency transactions	Chapters 8, 23
6	Accounting for Financial instruments	Chapter 11
7	Accounting for leases	Chapter 12
8	Introduction to business combinations and consolidation	Chapters 25, 26
9	Accounting for wholly-owned subsidiaries	Chapter 27
10	Accounting for wholly-owned subsidiaries (continued)	Chapter 27
11	Accounting for intra-group transactions	Chapter 28
12	Share capital and reserves	Chapters 13

Tutorial Registration

Tutorials will be held weekly (starting from Week 2). Tutorials will be available both on campus and via zoom. ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities/tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Please see Wattle for tutors’ information.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Preparation and Participation	10 %	27/02/2023	31/03/2023	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Mid-semester Exam	40 %	27/03/2023	05/05/2023	1,2,3,4,7
Final examination	50 %	01/06/2023	29/06/2023	1,2,3,4,5,6,7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Course delivery: on-campus lecture (recording on Echo360), and weekly tutorials (delivered on-campus and via live Zoom). Please check Wattle for details closer to the start of semester.

Attendance at all teaching events, while not compulsory, is expected in line with “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (h).

Examination(s)

Information regarding permitted examination materials for the course will be available on the examination timetable website when the examination timetable is released:  http://timetable.anu.edu.au/

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Preparation and Participation

Overview

It is expected that students prepare for and attend ALL tutorials scheduled for the course. Students who do not attend their assigned tutorial due to misadventure, sickness or other ‘valid’ reasons, must notify the course convenor with supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, your tutor may require you attend a different tutorial or to make alternative arrangements. This task is worth 10% of the overall final grade and consists of two components: Preparation and Participation. Each component is worth 5% of the total final grade.

Tutorial Preparation (5%)

Students are required to prepare ALL the set tutorial questions in advance of attending the tutorials, and to submit their attempts to answer the tutorial questions each week via Wattle. Weekly marking guidelines for tutorial preparation:

2 marks   – The student has made a genuine attempt to answer ALL the set tutorial questions in advance of attending the tutorials.

1 marks – The student has made a genuine attempt to answer the majority but not all of the set tutorial questions in advance of attending the tutorials.

0 marks – The student has not make a genuine attempt to answer the assigned tutorial questions

This component is worth 5% of the overall final grade. Since there are eleven tutorials, student's final grade for this assessment task will be scaled to be out of a total of 5.

Tutorial Participation (5%)

Students are required to attend their assigned tutorial each week, to be prepared, and actively participate in class discussion as appropriate. Attendance will be recorded.

1 mark - Demonstrate the ability to research and analyse complex company accounting issues and formulate well-reasoned and coherent arguments in reaching well considered conclusions in relation to those issues.

0 mark - Does not demonstrate the ability to analyse complex company accounting issues and formulate well-reasoned and coherent arguments.

This component is worth 5% of the overall final grade. Since there are eleven tutorials, student's final grade for this assessment task will be scaled to be out of a total of 5.

Due date: Weekly submissions, commencing Week 2. The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date.

Return Date: For both components of this task, students will be assessed weekly and ongoing marks-to-date will be provided to students on an ongoing basis (via Gradebook on Wattle) throughout the semester, starting from Week 6.

Assessment Task 2

Mid-semester Exam

Centrally administered examinations through Examinations, Graduations & Prizes will be timetabled prior to the examination period. Mid-semester exams will be held in either Week 6 or Week 7. The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. Please check ANU Timetabling for further information. Information regarding exam script viewing will be provided in due course.

The mid-semester exam will be 2 hours in duration with 15 minutes reading time. The exam will be available online via Wattle. The examination will be based on the topics scheduled in Weeks 1 to 5 inclusive. Online invigilation tools may be used for the examination. Additional details of the mid-semester exam will be provided no later than Week 4.

 

Hurdle Assessment Requirements: You need to attempt the mid-semester exam to pass the course.

This is a hurdle assessment in line with the student assessment coursework policy (see https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_004603).

Assessment Task 3

Final examination

Centrally administered examinations through Examinations, Graduations & Prizes will be timetabled prior to the examination period. The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. Please check ANU Timetabling for further information. Information regarding exam script viewing will be provided in due course.

The final exam will be 3 hours in duration with 15 minutes reading time. The exam will be available online via Wattle. The examination will be based on the topics scheduled in Weeks 6 to 12 inclusive. Online invigilation tools may be used for the examination. Additional details of the final exam will be provided no later than Week 10.

Hurdle Assessment Requirements: You need to attempt the final exam to pass the course.

This is a hurdle assessment in line with the student assessment coursework policy (see https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_004603).

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students