This course examines normative, positive and critical theories of accounting and their influence on contemporary practice. It explores the conceptual framework, major historical and current debates, and the role of theory in shaping accounting standards, reporting practices and the use of financial information. Emphasis is placed on real-world application, highlighting how different perspectives affect the decisions of managers, investors, regulators and other stakeholders. By linking theory to practice, the course provides students with a deeper understanding of accounting’s foundations and its impact on business and society, supporting both professional careers and further study in accounting.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- explain concepts of theory development and theories of accounting policy choice, measurement of economic income and the societal use of accounting information;
- discuss what defines contemporary accounting practice;
- demonstrate an understanding of the theories underpinning accounting issues;
- critically analyse contemporary issues in accounting;
- demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Other Information
Indicative Assessment
- Typical assessment may include, but not restricted to, class participation, assignment(s), quizzes and examination(s). (100) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Team work activity. Further details, including % value, will be made available via the Class Summary. (0) [LO 5]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Students taking this course are expected to commit at least 10 hours a week to completing the work. This will include 3 hours per week in class and at least 7 hours a week on average (including non-teaching weeks) on course reading, research, writing and assignment work.
Inherent Requirements
This course requires active participation in group work. Working in teams is an inherent requirement, as it develops essential collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills relevant to professional practice in accounting.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Information about the prescribed textbook (if any) will be made available via the Class Summary.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $5520 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2122 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7129 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |