AYN418 Advanced Financial Accounting
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | AYN418 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | AYN416 or enrolment in BS11 Accountancy major (BS11MJR-ACCOUNT) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,596 |
| International unit fee | $6,180 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN418 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 or enrolment in BS11 Accountancy major (BS11MJR-ACCOUNT) |
| Coordinator: | Tracy Qu | tracy.qu@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Financial accounting is concerned with communicating information about an entity's financial position and performance to meet the decision making needs of external parties. This unit examines the accounting and reporting practices of reporting entities, particularly listed public companies. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of, and the ability to critically evaluate, the various regulatory requirements governing financial reporting. The unit commences with an overview of the financial reporting environment and theories that seek to explain the accounting policy choices of management. This framework provides a basis for examining specific accounting issues with particular emphasis on both the application of specific accounting techniques/rules and the conceptual/theoretical issues associated with alternative accounting methods.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the Australian financial reporting requirements and apply them to practical situations.
- Identify and analyse problems in financial reporting encountered by accountants and auditors in practice and communicate in written form, to relate these problems to broader analytical frameworks.
- Analyse the relevant financial accounting literature and understand the nature of research into topics covered.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical principles in relation to issues in financial and non-financial reporting.
Content
The content of this unit has been selected with the specified aim and learning outcomes in mind. This unit examines the accounting and reporting practices of reporting entities, particularly listed public companies. The unit commences with an overview of the financial reporting environment and theories that seek to explain the accounting policy choices of management. This framework provides a basis for examining a range of specific issues in financial accounting. Emphasis throughout the semester is on both the application of specific accounting techniques/rules and the conceptual/theoretical issues associated with alternative accounting methods.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit provides an overview of the role of theory in financial accounting. It will develop students' ability to analyse financial accounting issues encountered by accountants in practice.
Students are expected to read all the material prescribed for the topic each week, prepare written answers to the questions, problems and cases, and participate in class discussions of the relevant issues.
The questions, problems and cases are designed to cover the most important aspects of the previous weeks' content and readings, and they provide an excellent method for determining whether or not you have properly grasped the topic. They also give you experience in answering theoretical and practical questions for examination purposes. If done properly in the first instance and upgraded at a later date, they constitute very useful material for revision purposes.
The content and teaching strategies also relate to the development of particular postgraduate capabilities needed in the accounting profession. This unit specifically targets the development of postgraduate capabilities in the following areas:
Communication and Information Literacy Skills:
- Students should develop effective written communication skills by preparing answers to the assigned weekly questions and completing the assignments
- Students should develop their information literacy skills through engagement in the particular content of this unit
- Students should develop effective oral communication skills and be able to discuss and defend views by participating in weekly discussions
Problem Solving, Decision Making and Reasoning Skills; Collaborative Ability and Global Perspective:
Participation in discussion questions and case studies and working on the assignment will help students learn how to: - apply analytical, critical and creative thinking processes to problem solving and decision making
- interpret data and reports
- consider issues from a global perspective
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this Unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Note: Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Assignment
This assignment requires students to investigate, research and critically evaluate contemporary accounting issues for Australian listed companies.
Students are expected to demonstrate their discipline knowledge, research skills, decision-making skills, and written communication skills within the context of a specific accounting problem.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Business Report
This is a practical application of the theory and contemporary issue from the student's research from Assessment 1. The contemporary issue will be applied to an ASX-listed company where there is an accounting-related announcement. Students are required to apply their research of the theory to the draw conclusions about the company and the accounting-related announcement.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE(5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The final exam will consist of a mixture of theoretical/conceptual and applied questions; it will draw on any topics covered during the semester. More information regarding this exam will be provided on the Canvas site later in the semester.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1)
This examination will be an invigilated face-to-face exam undertaken either on campus or at an examination centre.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Deegan, C. Australian Financial Accounting (2020), 9th edition.
Sydney NSW: McGraw-Hill
Other
Following are some useful texts and other references. Additional references can also be found at the unit's Canvas site: http://Canvas.qut.edu.au.
Website of the Australian Accounting Standards Board:
Website of the International Accounting Standards Board:
Website of Deloitte IAS Plus (international accounting standards site):
Rankin, M., Stanton, P. and McGowan S. et al (2012). Contemporary Issues in Accounting. Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons.
QUT has a guide for writing and presenting essays called QUT cite|write. This guide includes a suite of short pamphlets on essay writing techniques and a series of four guides on citing references correctly. Students may find this guide useful for the research project. To view and download selected guides and sections of QUT cite|write, go to www.citewrite.qut.edu.au
The topics addressed in this unit include contemporary accounting issues that are commonly discussed in the financial press. It is strongly recommended that students read the business pages of daily newspapers and other relevant financial publications including the Australian Financial Review, BRW, In the Black, Charter, and National Accountant.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | AYN418 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 or enrolment in BS11 Accountancy major (BS11MJR-ACCOUNT) |
Overview
Financial accounting is concerned with communicating information about an entity's financial position and performance to meet the decision making needs of external parties. This unit examines the accounting and reporting practices of reporting entities, particularly listed public companies. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of, and the ability to critically evaluate, the various regulatory requirements governing financial reporting. The unit commences with an overview of the financial reporting environment and theories that seek to explain the accounting policy choices of management. This framework provides a basis for examining specific accounting issues with particular emphasis on both the application of specific accounting techniques/rules and the conceptual/theoretical issues associated with alternative accounting methods.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the Australian financial reporting requirements and apply them to practical situations.
- Identify and analyse problems in financial reporting encountered by accountants and auditors in practice and communicate in written form, to relate these problems to broader analytical frameworks.
- Analyse the relevant financial accounting literature and understand the nature of research into topics covered.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical principles in relation to issues in financial and non-financial reporting.
Content
The content of this unit has been selected with the specified aim and learning outcomes in mind. This unit examines the accounting and reporting practices of reporting entities, particularly listed public companies. The unit commences with an overview of the financial reporting environment and theories that seek to explain the accounting policy choices of management. This framework provides a basis for examining a range of specific issues in financial accounting. Emphasis throughout the semester is on both the application of specific accounting techniques/rules and the conceptual/theoretical issues associated with alternative accounting methods.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit provides an overview of the role of theory in financial accounting. It will develop students' ability to analyse financial accounting issues encountered by accountants in practice.
Students are expected to read all the material prescribed for the topic each week, prepare written answers to the questions, problems and cases, and participate in class discussions of the relevant issues.
The questions, problems and cases are designed to cover the most important aspects of the previous weeks' content and readings, and they provide an excellent method for determining whether or not you have properly grasped the topic. They also give you experience in answering theoretical and practical questions for examination purposes. If done properly in the first instance and upgraded at a later date, they constitute very useful material for revision purposes.
The content and teaching strategies also relate to the development of particular postgraduate capabilities needed in the accounting profession. This unit specifically targets the development of postgraduate capabilities in the following areas:
Communication and Information Literacy Skills:
- Students should develop effective written communication skills by preparing answers to the assigned weekly questions and completing the assignments
- Students should develop their information literacy skills through engagement in the particular content of this unit
- Students should develop effective oral communication skills and be able to discuss and defend views by participating in weekly discussions
Problem Solving, Decision Making and Reasoning Skills; Collaborative Ability and Global Perspective:
Participation in discussion questions and case studies and working on the assignment will help students learn how to: - apply analytical, critical and creative thinking processes to problem solving and decision making
- interpret data and reports
- consider issues from a global perspective
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this Unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Note: Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Assignment
This assignment requires students to investigate, research and critically evaluate contemporary accounting issues for Australian listed companies.
Students are expected to demonstrate their discipline knowledge, research skills, decision-making skills, and written communication skills within the context of a specific accounting problem.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Business Report
This is a practical application of the theory and contemporary issue from the student's research from Assessment 1. The contemporary issue will be applied to an ASX-listed company where there is an accounting-related announcement. Students are required to apply their research of the theory to the draw conclusions about the company and the accounting-related announcement.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE(5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The final exam will consist of a mixture of theoretical/conceptual and applied questions; it will draw on any topics covered during the semester. More information regarding this exam will be provided on the Canvas site later in the semester.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1)
This examination will be an invigilated face-to-face exam undertaken either on campus or at an examination centre.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Deegan, C. Australian Financial Accounting (2020), 9th edition.
Sydney NSW: McGraw-Hill
Other
Following are some useful texts and other references. Additional references can also be found at the unit's Canvas site: http://Canvas.qut.edu.au.
Website of the Australian Accounting Standards Board:
Website of the International Accounting Standards Board:
Website of Deloitte IAS Plus (international accounting standards site):
Rankin, M., Stanton, P. and McGowan S. et al (2012). Contemporary Issues in Accounting. Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons.
QUT has a guide for writing and presenting essays called QUT cite|write. This guide includes a suite of short pamphlets on essay writing techniques and a series of four guides on citing references correctly. Students may find this guide useful for the research project. To view and download selected guides and sections of QUT cite|write, go to www.citewrite.qut.edu.au
The topics addressed in this unit include contemporary accounting issues that are commonly discussed in the financial press. It is strongly recommended that students read the business pages of daily newspapers and other relevant financial publications including the Australian Financial Review, BRW, In the Black, Charter, and National Accountant.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN418 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 or enrolment in BS11 Accountancy major (BS11MJR-ACCOUNT) |
| Coordinator: | Tracy Qu | tracy.qu@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Financial accounting is concerned with communicating information about an entity's financial position and performance to meet the decision making needs of external parties. In this unit, you will examine the accounting and reporting practices of reporting entities, particularly listed public companies. You will develop an understanding of, and the ability to critically evaluate, the various regulatory requirements governing financial reporting. You will gain an overview of the financial reporting environment and the theories that explain accounting policy choices made by management.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the Australian financial reporting requirements and apply them to practical situations. [KS1.1, HO2.1]
- Identify and analyse problems in financial reporting encountered by accountants and auditors in practice and communicate in written form, to relate these problems to broader analytical frameworks. [KS1.1, HO2.2, PC3.1]
- Analyse and evaluate relevant financial accounting literature, and communicate research‑based insights clearly and professionally in written form. [HO2.2, PC3.1]
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical principles in relation to issues in financial and non-financial reporting. [SE5.1]
Content
You will learn about the financial reporting environment and theories that explain accounting policy choices. You will explore a range of specific issues in financial accounting, with an emphasis on both the application of accounting techniques and the critical evaluation of issues arising from the application of alternative accounting methods.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in learning activities that focus on discussion and analysis of questions, problems, and case studies drawn from academic literature and professional accounting practice. You are expected to prepare carefully each week, participate actively in discussions, and review and refine your work over time. These learning approaches are designed to develop advanced critical thinking skills by enabling you to analyse and evaluate competing accounting theories, apply theoretical perspectives to complex accounting issues, interpret and critique accounting information and research, and communicate well‑reasoned written arguments expected of accounting professionals.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Assignment
In this assessment, you will investigate, research, and critically evaluate contemporary accounting issues for Australian listed companies.
You will demonstrate your discipline knowledge, research skills, decision-making skills, and written communication skills within the context of a specific accounting problem.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Business Report
In this assessment, you will apply your research from Assessment 1 to a practical, contemporary issue by analysing an accounting-related announcement by an ASX-listed company.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE(5.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
In the final exam, you will answer a mixture of theoretical and applied questions, drawing on any topics covered during the semester.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Deegan, C. Australian Financial Accounting (2020), 9th edition.
Sydney NSW: McGraw-Hill
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | AYN418 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 or enrolment in BS11 Accountancy major (BS11MJR-ACCOUNT) |
Overview
Financial accounting is concerned with communicating information about an entity's financial position and performance to meet the decision making needs of external parties. In this unit, you will examine the accounting and reporting practices of reporting entities, particularly listed public companies. You will develop an understanding of, and the ability to critically evaluate, the various regulatory requirements governing financial reporting. You will gain an overview of the financial reporting environment and the theories that explain accounting policy choices made by management.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the Australian financial reporting requirements and apply them to practical situations. [KS1.1, HO2.1]
- Identify and analyse problems in financial reporting encountered by accountants and auditors in practice and communicate in written form, to relate these problems to broader analytical frameworks. [KS1.1, HO2.2, PC3.1]
- Analyse and evaluate relevant financial accounting literature, and communicate research‑based insights clearly and professionally in written form. [HO2.2, PC3.1]
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical principles in relation to issues in financial and non-financial reporting. [SE5.1]
Content
You will learn about the financial reporting environment and theories that explain accounting policy choices. You will explore a range of specific issues in financial accounting, with an emphasis on both the application of accounting techniques and the critical evaluation of issues arising from the application of alternative accounting methods.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in learning activities that focus on discussion and analysis of questions, problems, and case studies drawn from academic literature and professional accounting practice. You are expected to prepare carefully each week, participate actively in discussions, and review and refine your work over time. These learning approaches are designed to develop advanced critical thinking skills by enabling you to analyse and evaluate competing accounting theories, apply theoretical perspectives to complex accounting issues, interpret and critique accounting information and research, and communicate well‑reasoned written arguments expected of accounting professionals.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Assignment
In this assessment, you will investigate, research, and critically evaluate contemporary accounting issues for Australian listed companies.
You will demonstrate your discipline knowledge, research skills, decision-making skills, and written communication skills within the context of a specific accounting problem.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Business Report
In this assessment, you will apply your research from Assessment 1 to a practical, contemporary issue by analysing an accounting-related announcement by an ASX-listed company.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE(5.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
In the final exam, you will answer a mixture of theoretical and applied questions, drawing on any topics covered during the semester.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Deegan, C. Australian Financial Accounting (2020), 9th edition.
Sydney NSW: McGraw-Hill
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit.