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Unit outline_

ACCT6002: International Accounting

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Many of the topics in an international accounting unit have a domestic counterpart. However, new factors and complications arise in the international arena. Some of these are (1) diversity of laws, practices, customs, cultures, and competitive circumstances; and (2) risks associated with fluctuating exchange rates, differential rates of inflation, and unstable property rights. International accounting discusses issues from the perspective of companies that have internationalised their finance and/or their operations. It has a comparative aspect, comparing accounting across countries. It deals with corporate reporting and disclosure across national boundaries. It also deals with the harmonisation of the worldwide diversity in financial reporting, in particular, convergence around International Financial Reporting Standards. It discusses consolidation issues that arise from multinational operations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Accounting
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
ACCT5001
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Accounting standards and their application

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jane Andrew, jane.andrew@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jane Andrew, jane.andrew@sydney.edu.au
Christopher Nobes, christopher.nobes@sydney.edu.au
Tai-Joo Koh, tai-joo.koh@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam hurdle task Final exam
Written exam
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment group assignment Assignment
Report
15% Multiple weeks 1200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Oral presentation
Oral presentation
15% Multiple weeks 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
In-semester test (Record+) Type B in-semester exam In-semester exam
In-semester exam
20% Week 07
Due date: 20 Apr 2021 at 13:00
50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?
Type B in-semester exam = Type B in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Final exam: The final exam will cover all of the content taught within this unit from weeks 1 to 12. The final exam is listed as a HURDLE TASK, which means you must undertake the assessment and achieve a mark above a minimum standard. Students who fail to achieve this minimum standard in this assessment, even when their aggregate mark for the entire unit is above 50%, will be given a Fail grade for the unit. As a result the student's academic transcript will show a fail grade and the actual mark achieved if between 0-49 and a fail grade and a capped moderated mark of 49 for all other marks. The hurdle mark for this assessment is 45%.
  • In-semester Test: This test will cover material from weeks 1 to 6.
  • Assignment: Groups of 4-6 students from the same workshop will work together to prepare a report that answers the assignment questions. Each group will be given a topic from weeks 3 to 12.
  • Oral presentation: In the same small group formed to undertake the written assignment, the group will be required to make an oral presentation to the workshop class. This presentation will provide responses to the assignment questions.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction; international differences Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Introductory meeting, self-study questions Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Causes of international differences Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Group assignments Workshop (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Classification and harmonisation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 Group presentation on W3 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Key features of international standards Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Group presentation on W4 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Adoption of IFRS; variations in IFRS practice Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 Group presentation on W5 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
IFRS and US GAAP Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 07 Group presentation on W6 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
China, Japan and Germany Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 08 Group presentation on W7 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Political lobbying in standard setting Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 09 Group presentation on W8 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
International development of group accounting Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 10 Group presentation on W9 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
International auditing Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 11 Group presentation on W10 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
International accountability and enforcement Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Group presentation on W11 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Contemporary Issues in International Reporting Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 13 Group presentation on W12 topic Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Review of Unit Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures are recorded and available on Canvas for student use. Workshops are not recorded; students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Nobes, C.W.and R. H.Parker. 2020. Comparative International Accounting. 14th Edition. Pearson Education Australia.

All specified readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library via the Reading List button, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an integrated understanding of key concepts, techniques, and trends in international accounting, and the challenges and opportunities involved in applying this knowledge in diverse contexts
  • LO2. question, assess, and respond independently and creatively to assumptions, propositions and debates within the international accounting practice
  • LO3. apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research skills to identify and diagnose complex and unfamiliar problems, and use the evidence and findings generated to formulate strategically appropriate solutions within the international accounting practice
  • LO4. demonstrate persuasive communication and negotiation skills
  • LO5. demonstrate capability as a team leader in work-related contexts and an ability to influence others to work collaboratively to address complex and unfamiliar problems within the international accounting practice
  • LO6. demonstrate ethical and social responsibility.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We are continuing to develop the presentation guidelines based on feedback from students. Lectures are newly recorded.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.