View Specification DocumentInternational Financial Accounting ACCFIN4014
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: Adam Smith Business School
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course examines the main reasons for differences which exist in international accounting practice and explores the extent to which these differences can be eliminated with the move towards convergence of international accounting standards. The aim is to enable students to analyse the similarities and differences in accounting, reporting and regulation around the world, and to introduce the growing body of research into international accounting practices.
Timetable
Weekly 2-hour synchronous seminar. There will also be asynchronous material to complete.
Requirements of Entry
Normally a grade D3 or above in Financial Accounting 2 or equivalent.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
1. Written assignment, including essay; Group; 2000 words; 20%; ILOs 1, 4-5.
2. Written assignment, including essay; Individual; 1800 words; 15%; ILOs 1, 4-5.
3. Degree exam: in-person; Individual; 120 minutes; 65%; ILOs 1-4.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The aim of this course is to provide students with an understand-ing of the nature of, and influences on, financial reporting practices in different countries. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a country's cultural, social, economic, legal and political environment, including its history, in determining the nature of the rules and regulations which govern its financial reporting practices. The course also seeks to develop more general transferable skills such as teamwork, report writing and critical thought and also to develop critical analysis through the study of relevant research papers and professional publications.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the factors that have influenced the development of accounting systems of nation states.
2. Critically evaluate the harmonisation programmes of the IASB, the EU and the IASB's and FASB's convergence project.
3. Critically evaluate non-mandatory harmonisation programmes, such as the GRI, UN, OECD and ISSB.
4. Assess the impact of the adoption of IASs/IFRSs in different national contexts.
5. Work collaboratively in a group by liaising with others, allocating tasks and co-ordinating group meetings and communicating the combined results.