BUU33532 Financial Accounting II 2025/26

(5 ECTS)

Lecturer: James O’ Connor 

E-mail:  T.B.C.
Office Hours: T.B.C. (Please email to make an appointment)         

Pre-Requisite:

BUU22530 - Introduction to Accounting 
BUU33531 - Financial Accounting I (or equivalent) 

Available to Exchange students                 

Module Description

International Accounting Standards

This module focuses on the international accounting standards, providing both theoretical insights and practical applications. It aims to deepen the understanding of financial accounting concepts and techniques by offering a rigorous and expanded framework for the preparation and analysis of financial statements.

Students will explore the major elements of measurement, recognition, and disclosure in contemporary financial reporting. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these elements are applied within international accounting standards, allowing students to critically evaluate and apply these principles in various business contexts.

Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these standards influence financial reporting on a global scale.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to analyze and prepare financial statements in accordance with international standards, providing a strong foundation for advanced study and professional practice in accounting.

The standards proposed for study on the course are set out below; as we progress through the module this list may be subject to change.

Learning and Teaching Approach 

The classes will include a combination of lectures, discussions, practical examples, and Q&A sessions. We will examine various scenarios and compare theoretical concepts with real-world applications. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to prepare financial statements according to international accounting standards. To reinforce learning, question packs are provided for each topic, and students are encouraged to complete them. Since accounting is an applied discipline, the best way to learn is through hands-on practice. Homework will be given at the end of each lecture which should be attempted by students in advance of tutorials.

Module-Level Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Display a sound theoretical knowledge of each of the international accounting standards studied during the year;
2. Substantiate this theoretical knowledge of the standards by applying it to practical problems and scenarios
3. Demonstrate an ability to account for the issues arising in the standards using the double entry accounting system.

Relation to Degree

This module supports a number of the learning outcomes of the overall undergraduate programmes. Specifically, it enables students to:

• Identify, evaluate critically, and integrate key theories, frameworks, and models—both qualitative and quantitative—that are utilized in the study of business, management, and the social sciences.
• Use a multidisciplinary foundation of theories, tools, and techniques from business and the social sciences to analyze and resolve various issues in both private and public sector settings.
• Communicate proficiently in both oral and written forms within professional and academic contexts.
• Understand and apply the social and ethical aspects of management and research in both public and private sectors, using this understanding effectively in management and research scenarios.
• Work effectively both individually and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate the capacity to adapt and engage constructively with evolving social, cultural, and technological environments.

Workload

Recommended Texts/Key Reading

Required reading:

• Melville (2022), International Financial Reporting, 8th edition (Pearson Education).

General Supplemental Readings:

• Alexander et al (2023), International Financial Reporting & Analysis, 9th Edition (Cengage);
• Elliott and Elliott (2022), Financial Accounting and Reporting, 20th Edition (Pearson);
• Connolly (2018), International Financial Accounting and Reporting, 6th Edition (Chartered Accountants Ireland).

Student preparation for the module
Students are expected to have read the relevant chapters and lecture notes (provided on Blackboard) before each class.

Course Communication

Administrative information changes (e.g., dates, times, venues, groups, deadlines, etc.) will be posted on Blackboard. Students are responsible for checking their College email and Blackboard regularly.

Assessment:

End of year exam       2.5 hours  70% of Total marks
Assignment                                   30% of Total marks

Biographical Note

James O’ Connor has over 20 years significant industry experience working for four (4) different multinational companies in a variety of management roles. He has also lectured on various modules / courses for the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant – before amalgamation).

He lectures / has lectured for, Trinity College Dublin, University of London – Queen Mary, University College Dublin, Smurfit Business School, National College of Ireland and Institute of Project Management.