ACCT 315: Advanced Financial Accounting
Semester One, 2016
COURSE OUTLINE
Contents
Paper Description and Aims .............................................................................................................. 1
Learning Outcomes .......................................................................................................................... 1
Teaching Staff .................................................................................................................................. 1
Course Delivery ................................................................................................................................. 2
Expectations and Workload .............................................................................................................. 3
Course Learning Resources ............................................................................................................... 3
Blackboard .................................................................................................................................... 3
Student Webmail .......................................................................................................................... 3
Assessment....................................................................................................................................... 4
Course Requirements .................................................................................................................... 4
Quality Assurance ......................................................................................................................... 4
Learning Outcomes....................................................................................................................... 5
Grading System ............................................................................................................................ 5
Academic Integrity ........................................................................................................................ 5
Course Calendar................................................................................................................................ 7
Student Learning Support and Information ...................................................................................... 8
Student Charter ............................................................................................................................ 8
Guidelines for Learning at Otago .................................................................................................. 8
Student Learning Centre ............................................................................................................... 8
Library Support ............................................................................................................................. 8
Māori Student Support ................................................................................................................. 8
Pacific Islands’ Student Academic Advisor .................................................................................... 9
Disability Information and Support ............................................................................................... 9
International Students .................................................................................................................. 9
Student Feedback ............................................................................................................................. 9
Class Representatives ................................................................................................................... 9
Concerns about the Course ......................................................................................................... 10
Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Paper Description and Aims
This paper aims to develop the conceptual and technical proficiency of students in advanced aspects
of financial accounting and reporting. It will build on competence already acquired in prior studies,
primarily ACCT 102 (Principles of Accounting and ACCT 211 (Financial Accounting and Reporting).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this paper, you should be able to
1. Explain the theory of accounting elements and correctly apply measurement techniques to
those elements.
2. Account for income tax and correctly present and disclose this information in the financial
statements.
3. Prepare group accounts incorporating a non-controlling interest and an indirect noncontrolling interest.
4. Translate the financial statements of foreign operations and account for foreign currency
transactions (including hedging).
5. Calculate basic and diluted earnings per share and correctly present and disclose these in
the financial statements.
6. Explain and have an understanding of alternative accounting methods.
These learning outcomes concur with the following attributes described in the University of Otago
Bachelor of Commerce Graduate Profile
(http://www.business.otago.ac.nz/com/programmes/gradprofiles/bcom_graduateprofile.html) :
Critical thinking, life-long learning,self motivation, leadership and team skills, and business
environment and ethics.
Teaching Staff
Paper Coordinator and Lecturer
Name:
Miss Linda Harold
Office:
Commerce 5.35
Email:
linda.harold@otago.ac.nz
Office Hours: Tuesday 3 – 4 pm, Wednesday 11 – 12 am and, 1 – 2 pm
Lecturer
Name:
Office:
Email:
Office Hours:
Dr Mariela Carvajal-Gallardo
Commerce 5.04
mariela.carvajal@otago.ac.nz
Tuesday and Thursday 2 – 3.30 pm
You should contact the paper coordinator (Linda Harold) with any administrative enquiries about the
paper, e.g. tutorial changes, or requests for late submission of assignments.
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Course Delivery
Lecture Day/Time: Wednesday, 9.00 – 9.50 am
Room: TBC
Lecture Day/Time: Friday, 9.00 – 10.50 am
Room: TBC
Tutorials and Day/Time:
Tutorial Number Day
Time
1
Monday
3.00 – 3.50 pm
2
Wednesday 2.00 – 2.50 pm
3
Thursday
9.00 – 9.50 am
4
Thursday
12.00 – 12.50 pm
5
Tuesday
9.00 – 9.50 am
Room
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
Every week students must attend one 50 minute lecture and one hour and 50 minute lecture
together with the one 50 minute tutorial that they have been streamed for.
Lectures present the key conceptual material through discussion and interaction between teaching
staff and students. Lectures are supported by readings. The 50 minute lecture on Wednesday will
introduce the topic and the lecture on Friday will expand on the topic and include working through
practical examples.
Tutorials are interactive, collaborative sessions in which students attempt to cement concepts
presented at lectures with their peers in a supportive environment.
Tutorials begin in the second week of semester. You will be allocated to a tutorial and this will be
available in eVision. Tutorial times and locations will be posted on Blackboard during the first week
of lectures.
Tutorials offer you the opportunity to work both individually and in groups on a series of tasks
designed to apply the concepts that you have been exposed to in class and from your reading, and to
stimulate your interest in the course as it applies to “everyday” issues. The key feature of tutorials,
as opposed to lectures and individual study, is participation of all members of the tutorial group.
Please prepare for tutorials before going to them.
Information regarding what is to be completed for each tutorial will be provided on Blackboard in
the “Tutorials” section. Marks will be given for completion of the tutorial work as follows:
0 marks – no attempt at the work has been made
½ mark – some of the work has been completed
1 mark – a good, honest, attempt has been made at all of the required work
NB: It is not about the work being correct but rather that you have really had a good
attempt at the work.
All 12 of the tutorials will be marked in this way and this will account for 6 of the 10 marks for
tutorial assignments and participation. The remaining 4 marks will be for participation in the
tutorials.
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Course Calendar The course calendar (in this outline) details scheduling information. Note that this
calendar may change as the course proceeds. Any changes will be announced at lectures and be
detailed on Blackboard.
Students are expected to prepare for and attend all classes to gain full benefit from the course
These activities should be prepared for by reviewing information detailed on Blackboard and
completing any assigned readings or practical exercises. Students unable to attend a lecture are
expected to catch up on missed material. Unless stated otherwise, all aspects of the course are
examinable.
Expectations and Workload
To succeed in this course it is essential that you work consistently throughout the semester. As well
as attending the lectures and your allocated tutorial, it is expected that there will be a minimum of 1
hour preparation for every hour of lectures and that there will be three hours of work to complete
and preparation for the tutorial. Preparation for the terms test and the final exam is additional to
the above time.
Course Learning Resources
The required textbook for this course is:
Deegan. C. and, Samkin, G. (2012) New Zealand Financial Accounting 6th edition. McGraw-Hill.
ISBN-13: 978-007101308-6, ISBN-10: 007101308-3
Supplementary materials will be given on Blackboard.
Blackboard
Blackboard https://blackboard.otago.ac.nz/ provides you with access to course materials, class
notices, and resources. Blackboard is used to email the whole class so it is important that you check
your student email and Blackboard regularly.
Student Webmail
IMPORTANT - DO THIS NOW:
Forward your University email address to an email address that you use regularly as follows:
1. Log into your StudentMail account using your student username and password
2. Click Cog button (top right corner) > Options
3. Under Account, select the Forward your email shortcut under the Short Cuts menu on the
right side of the screen.
4. Under the Forwarding heading, type in the email address you want your email to be forwarded
to. You can also choose to have a copy of these emails kept on your StudentMail account, so
please check the box if you would like this.
5. Click the Start forwarding button.
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Assessment
All material presented is examinable (except where stated otherwise) in assessments. All of the
important assessment information such as due dates and times, content, guidelines and so on will
be discussed at lectures and, where appropriate, detailed on Blackboard. Students are responsible
for ensuring that they are aware of this information, keeping track of their own progress, and
catching up on any missed classes.
Assessment
Tutorial assignments and participation
Terms Test (2 hours)
Final Exam (3 hours)
Due date
Weekly
Weeks 2 – 13 of course inclusive
Week 6 of the course 6.30 pm and
finishing 8.30 pm (covering the
work from weeks 1-4 inclusive).
Further information will be
provided on Blackboard at a later
date.
In the university exam period
beginning 4 June and ending
22 June. Further information will
be provided on Blackboard when
the date is known.
Total
% of
final
grade
10%
30%
60%
100%
Course Requirements
In order to pass ACCT315 students must:
1. Achieve a minimum of 50% overall, AND
2. Achieve a minimum mark of 50% in the final exam.
Referencing Style and Style Guide
For this paper the referencing style is (e.g. Harvard, Chicago, APA, etc). Here is a link to the style
guide: (insert link) Style guides are also available on the University Library website:
<http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/quicklinks/citation/index.html>
Quality Assurance
At the Otago Business School we monitor the quality of student learning and your learning
experience. Your assessed work may be used for assurance of learning processes, such as evaluating
the level of achievement of learning outcomes, with the aim of improving the quality of our
programmes. All material used for quality assurance purposes will be treated as confidential and the
outcome will not affect your grades.
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Learning Outcomes
Tutorial
assignments
and
participation
Terms test
Exam
Learning Outcome





1. Explain the theory of accounting elements and
correctly apply measurement techniques to
those elements.
2. Account for income tax and correctly present
and disclose this information in the financial
statements.
3. Prepare group accounts incorporating a noncontrolling interest and an indirect noncontrolling interest.
4. Translate the financial statements of foreign
operations and account for foreign currency
transactions (including hedging).
5. Calculate basic and diluted earnings per share
and correctly present and disclose these in the
financial statements.
6. Explain and have an understanding of
alternative accounting methods.








Grading System
The grading scheme used at Otago is:
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
90-100
85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
65-69
C+
C
CD
E
60-64
55-59
50-54
40-49
<40
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means being honest in your studying and assessments. It is the basis for ethical
decision-making and behaviour in an academic context. Academic integrity is informed by the
values of honesty, trust, responsibility, fairness, respect and courage. Students are expected to be
aware of, and act in accordance with, the University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Academic Misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, is a breach of Academic Integrity and is taken
very seriously by the University. Types of misconduct include plagiarism, copying, unauthorised
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collaboration, taking unauthorised material into a test or exam, impersonation, and assisting
someone else’s misconduct. A more extensive list of the types of academic misconduct and
associated processes and penalties is available in the University’s Student Academic Misconduct
Procedures.
It is your responsibility to be aware of and use acceptable academic practices when completing your
assessments. To access the information in the Academic Integrity Policy and learn more, please visit
the University’s Academic Integrity website at www.otago.ac.nz/study/academicintegrity or ask at
the Student Learning Centre or Library. If you have any questions, ask your lecturer.
Further information about the Academic Integrity Policy, the Student Academic Misconduct
Procedures and the Academic Integrity can be found through the links below. The Academic
Integrity website in particular has a number of useful inks and suggestions as to where students can
get help with referencing issues.
http://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/policies/otago116838.html
http://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/policies/otago116850.html
www.otago.ac.nz/study/academicintegrity
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Course Calendar
Week
Week Commencing*
Topic
1
29 February
2
7 March
3
14 March
Overview of the course
Theory and measurement of assets and
liabilities
Theory and measurement of liabilities,
equity, revenue and expenses
Accounting for income tax
4
21 March
Accounting for income tax
5
4 April
6
11 April
7
18 April
8
25 April
9
2 May
10
9 May
11
16 May
12
23 May
13
30 May
MID SEMESTER BREAK
28 April – 1 April
Accounting for equity interests in other
entities – 100% owned, non-controlling
interest
Accounting for equity interests in other
entities – non-controlling interest,
taxation
Accounting for equity interests in other
entities – indirect non-controlling
interest
Translating the statements of foreign
operations
Accounting for foreign currency
transactions
Accounting for foreign currency
transactions – cash flow hedges
Accounting for foreign currency
transactions – fair value hedges
Calculation, presentation and disclosure
of basic and diluted earnings per share
Calculation, presentation and disclosure
of basic and diluted earnings per share
Alternative accounting methods
Textbook Reference
Chapters 4, 5, 6, 8
Chapters 10, 16
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Chapters 24, 25, 26
Chapters 24, 25, 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 31
Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
* First week of Semester 1 is ACADEMIC WEEK 9
Lectures end Friday 3 June 2016
University Exam Period First Semester Begins 4 June 2016
End 22 June 2016
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Student Learning Support and Information
Student Charter
http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/otago005275.html
Guidelines for Learning at Otago
http://hedc.otago.ac.nz/hedc/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Guidelines-for-Learning.pdf
http://hedc.otago.ac.nz/hedc/learning/
Student Learning Centre
The Student Learning Centre, which is part of the Higher Education Development Centre, provides
learning support, free of charge, to ALL enrolled students. Their services include:
 a workshop programme designed to help students to improve their learning strategies and their
generic skills;
 individual assistance with learning issues;
 on-line study skills advice;
 a student leadership programme
 a student-led peer support programme for students of all ages and backgrounds.
 conversational English groups for students from a non-English speaking background
The Centre also provides two very helpful study guides, “Guidelines for Writing and Editing” and
“Writing University Assignments” and these are available on the SLC website. http://slc.otago.ac.nz/
Library Support
The Library website http://www.otago.ac.nz/library provides access to resources and services,
including group room bookings, library hours and locations, past exam papers, subject guides, article
databases and more.
If you need assistance either check out the self-help guides http://otago.libguides.com/selfhelp, or
ask Library staff at the ground floor service desks, or email ask.library@otago.ac.nz
Māori Student Support
Tënā koutou katoa,
Ko Corey Bragg töku ingoa
Ko Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha me Ngāti Kahungunu öku iwi
Kia ora, my name is Corey Bragg and I am the Māori student support person in the Business
School. My role is to help link Māori students with the various support networks throughout the
university and the community. Kaua e whakamā, don't be shy - come in for a chat. Mauri ora mai.
Tel 479 5342
Email corey.bragg@otago.ac.nz
Room CO 3.21
Nicola Beatson is the Kaiāwhina Māori in the Department of Accountancy and Finance
Tel 479 8321
Email nicola.beatson@otago.ac.nz
Room CO5.32
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Pacific Islands’ Student Academic Advisor
Warm Pacific Greetings
Talofa lava, my name is Esmay Eteuati and my role is to liaise with Academic Departments and
Student Services relating to Pacific students’ and their course of study. I support both staff and
students in the Business School and have a network of Pacific contacts in other Divisions around the
University.
Tel +64 3 479 4756
Email: esmay.eteuati@otago.ac.nz
Disability Information and Support
Students are encouraged to seek support if they are having difficulty with their studies due to
disability, temporary or permanent impairment, injury or chronic illness. It is important to seek help
early, through one of the contacts below:
Disability Information and Support
West Lane of the Information Services Building, corner of Cumberland and Albany Street
Email disabilities@otago.ac.nz
Web http://www.otago.ac.nz/diasbilities
Dyna Seng - Accountancy and Finance
Tel 479 9072
Email dyna.seng@otago.ac.nz
Room CO5.47
International Students
The Otago Business School encourages international students to seek support if they are having
difficulties with their studies or meeting other challenges while they are students at the University of
Otago. In such instances, international students should feel free to contact International Student
Support:
Telephone: 479 8344
Email: international.support@otago.ac.nz
Website: www.otago.ac.nz/international
Location: Archway West Building
Student Feedback
We encourage your feedback. This can be in the form of contacting staff, participating in course
evaluation surveys and communicating with class representatives. Continual improvements will be
made to this course based in part on student feedback.
Class Representatives
The class (or student) representative system is an avenue for encouraging communication and
consultation between staff and students. It provides you with a vehicle for communicating your
views on the teaching and delivery of the paper and provides staff with an opportunity to
communicate information and gain constructive feedback from students. It contributes to the
development of a sense of community within a department and it adds a further dimension to the
range of support services offered to students.
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Volunteers for the role of class representatives will be called early in the semester. The OUSA invites
all class representatives to a training session, conducted by OUSA, about what it means to be a class
representative and some of the possible procedures for dealing with issues that arise. They also
provide information on the services that OUSA offers and the role OUSA can play in solving problems
that may occur. The OUSA provides support to class representatives during the semester.
Departmental staff will also meet with class representatives during the semester to discuss general
issues or matters they wish to have considered.
Your class representative’s name and contact details will be posted on Blackboard early in the
semester.
Concerns about the Course
We hope you will feel comfortable coming to talk to us if you have a concern about the course. The
Course Co-ordinator will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Alternatively, you can
report your concerns to the Class Representative who will follow up with departmental staff. If,
after making approaches via these channels, you do not feel that your concerns have been
addressed, there are University channels that may aid resolution. For further advice or more
information on these, contact the departmental administrator or head of department.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate, it
is subject to change. Changes will be notified in class and via Blackboard. Students are encouraged
to check Blackboard regularly. It is the student’s responsibility to be informed.
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