DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU
<< Back to Module List

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title International Financial Accounting & Analysis
Module Code ACC1021 (ITS: AC571)
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 15
Description

The purpose of this module is to build on students substantial knowledge of accounting fundamentals and to develop students ability to apply and critically evaluate generally accepted accounting practice (IFRS/IAS). In particular, the module sets out to provide students with a framework within which to judge accounting issues and defend their conclusions. The module is delivered through a series of lectures.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the conceptual regulatory, legal and ethical framework within which financial reporting occurs and the emerging issues in this area;
2. Apply IFRSs/IASs to a specified range of business transactions;
3. Recognise situations where from an accounting perspective the issue of substance over form may arise and draw appropriate conclusions in such instances;
4. Prepare financial statements for a range of business entities at an advanced level in accordance with IFRSs/IASs and current professional and legal requirements;
5. Interpret such financial statements and report thereon;
6. Discuss topical issues of importance in financial accounting


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture96lectures in the classroom
Assignment Completion62Individual assignment
Independent Study150Self study, review of lecture material, use of software, preparation for terminal examination
Directed learning75Weekly questions and readings
Total Workload: 383
Section Breakdown
CRN10051Part of TermSemester 1 & 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale50PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMichael MetzgerModule TeacherBrid Murphy, Vincent Tawiah
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentIndividual assignment30%Other
Formal ExaminationEnd-of-Semester Final Examination70%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The Conceptual, Regulatory, Legal and Ethical Framework
within which financial reporting occurs and the emerging issues within this area. See IFRS accounting standards and FRS 100 - FRS 102 in "other resources".

Specific Accounting Topics
Income Taxes; Employee Benefits; Financial Instruments (Amortised cost and fair value) and impairment and provisioning; Principle of substance over form; Segmental Reporting; Related Party Disclosures; Share-based payments; Interim financial statements, Presentation of financial statements, First time adoption of financial statements, Revenue recognition, Leasing, Intangible assets, Government Grants, Tangible and Intangible assets, Inventory, Events after reporting period.

Group Accounting
Accounting for groups of companies, subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and foreign operations; consolidated cash flow statements; deferred tax and business combinations

Advanced Analysis and Interpretation
Analysis and interpretation (and limitations) of financial statements; navigation of annual reports; individual company accounts; group accounts; consolidated cash flow statements; limitations of financial information and preparation of consolidated financial statements.

Current Issues in Accounting
An examination of topical issues of importance within financial accounting (e.g., sustainability reporting, integrated reporting, new accounting standards, the future of accounting). Limitations of financial statements. Specialised, not-for profit, and public sector entities.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Elliott, B. and Elliott, J.: 2019, Financial Accounting and Reporting, 19th Edition, Pearson,
  • Chartered Accountants Ireland: 2017, Consolidated Financial Statements, 3rd Edition,
  • Connolly, C: 2015, International Financial Accounting and Reporting, 5th Edition, Chartered Accountants Ireland,
  • Martin Hoogendoorn, Ann Jorissen, Collette Kirwan, Carien van Mourik, David Alexander: 2020, International Financial Reporting & Analysis, 8th Edition,


Articles:
  • 0: Selected accounting articles will be recommended to students throughout the year,
Other Resources

  • 1: Standards, FRS 100, FRS 101 and FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,
  • 418438: 1, Standards, The IASB Framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements,
  • 418439: 1, Standards, IFRS 1 - First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards,
  • 418440: 1, Standards, IFRS 2 - Share-based Payment,
  • 418441: 1, Standards, IFRS 3 - Business Combinations,
  • 418442: 1, Standards, IFRS 5 - Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations,
  • 418443: 1, Standards, IFRS 7 - Financial Instruments: Disclosures,
  • 418444: 1, Standards, IFRS 8 - Operating Segments,
  • 418445: 1, Standards, IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments,
  • 418446: 1, Standards, IFRS 10 - Consolidated Financial Statements,
  • 418447: 1, Standards, IFRS 11 - Joint Arrangements,
  • 418448: 1, Standards, IFRS 12 - Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities,
  • 418449: 1, Standards, IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers,
  • 418450: 1, Standards, IFRS 16 - Leases,
  • 418451: 1, Standards, IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement,
  • 418452: 1, Standards, IAS 7 - Cash Flow Statements (Consolidated Cash Flow Statements),
  • 418453: 1, Standards, IAS 12 - Income Taxes,
  • 418454: 1, Standards, IAS 19 – Employee Benefits,
  • 418455: 1, Standards, IAS 21 – The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates (foreign operations),
  • 418456: 1, Standards, IAS 24 – Related Party Disclosures,
  • 418457: 1, Standards, IAS 27 - Separate Financial Statements,
  • 418458: 1, Standards, IAS 28 – Investment in Associates,
  • 418459: 1, Standards, IAS 32 – Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation,
  • 418460: 1, Standards, IAS 33 - Earnings per Share,
  • 418461: 1, Standards, IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting,
  • 418462: 1, Standards, IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets,
  • 418463: 1, Standards, IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements,
  • 418464: 1, Standards, IAS 2 - Inventories,
  • 418465: 1, Standards, IAS 8 - Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates,
  • 418466: 1, Standards, IAS 10 - Events after the reporting period,
  • 418467: 1, Standards, IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment,
  • 418468: 1, Standards, IAS 20 - Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government assistance.,
  • 418469: 1, Standards, IAS 23 - Borrowing Costs,
  • 418470: 1, Standards, IAS 37 - Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets,
  • 418471: 1, Standards, IAS 38 - Intangible Assets,
  • 418472: 1, Standards, IAS 40 - Investment Property,
  • 418473: 1, Standards, IAS 41 - Agriculture,

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for AC571