Current Topics in Financial Accounting

This course addresses the standards-setting processes and current output at the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), including proposals and efforts for standards convergence. Students learn to read, understand, and analyze accounting standards. Topical coverage includes recent regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that relate to financial accounting for U.S. public companies as well as developments in financial accounting for private companies. Ethics in financial reporting is discussed. Written analyses, a term paper, and oral presentations provide improve communications skills.