Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit develops students' ability to understand, interpret and use financial reports. It is structured to provide an understanding of accounting concepts, issues and problems rather than educating someone to take the role of a professional accountant. The focus of the unit is on accounting for external users and, after developing an understanding of the basic concepts underlying external general purpose financial reports, techniques to analyse such reports are examined. The unit also provides an introduction to accounting for internal users. Basic cost concepts for making operating and strategic decisions within an organisation are discussed.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Trimester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Trimester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Trimester 3UWA (Perth)Face to face
Trimester 3OnlineOnline flexible
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate the capability for applying, analysing, synthesising and evaluating information from multiple sources to make decisions about the financial performance of entities; (2) identify the concepts and be aware of the major requirements impacting upon the form and content of general purpose financial statements; (3) identify the different purposes for preparing accounting information for external and internal users; (4) explain and apply different concepts of costs to business decisions; (5) demonstrate an ability to work effectively in teams; and (6) recognise, understand and respond to potential ethical issues confronting accountants.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tests; (2) team exercises; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the final examination component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Phil Hancock for Summer; Glen Hutchings for Trimesters 1; Warrick Van Zyl for Trimester 2 & 3
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
one of the following courses: Master of Business Administration (coursework).
Master of Business Administration (coursework and dissertation).
Graduate Certificate in Business.
Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation).
or approval from The Business School only, which will be determined with regard to relevant documented professional work experience.
Incompatibility
ACCT5432 Introductory Financial Accounting
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Zodiac Board (estimated cost - $75.00).
Contact hours
trimester teaching periods—lectures/seminars/workshops: up to 3 hours per week
non-standard teaching period—lectures/seminars/workshops: up to 6 hours per week over 6 weeks
online—nil
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.