The major educational objective of the course is to read and analyze Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. By attending this course, students acquire a good knowledge of the key concepts and elements of financial accounting according to IFRS. They learn about the importance of the conceptual framework, on which the principles of accounting standards are based. Students acquire practice-relevant knowledge in some selected areas of IFRS like revenue recognition, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, asset impairment, financial assets, financial liabilities and equity. At the end of course students will be able to read IFRS Financial Statement. This course helps them to understand, read and critically evaluate the main specifics of IFRS accounting as well as to apply IFRS recognition and measurement rules.

At the end of the course students will be able to read, understand, and analyse financial statements prepared in accordance with international accounting standards (IFRS), their use and the financial reporting preparation at individual and consolidated level. We will start exploring sustainability reporting standards and related communications. Students will be able to analyze and interpret - with professional skepticism – the IFRS financial reporting of entities. Develop thought process and analytical reading of financial information; Use appropriate techniques of financial reporting analysis. Communicate effectively and clearly in written and oral formats. Understanding financial IFRS jargon. Prepare and write reports. Ability to independently acquire further knowledge in the field of international accounting financial reporting standards, either a consolidated one or regarding the most recent developments and independent reading and analysis of financial information in the financial reporting.

The course provides participants with an overview of financial accounting according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and outlines the method and the techniques that are needed to analyses and understand IFRS Financial Statements. It outlines the specifics of IFRS and gives a deep knowledge of selected IFRS standards by focusing on the main areas. Furthermore, the new conceptual framework which forms the basis for IFRS will be analyzed in connection with standards on presentation and disclosures, together with practical cases.

Slides made available by professors. IFRS standards, including application guidance and illustrative examples. Papers from IASB, EFRAG and other institutions, whenever relevant.

Lectures, practical examples and discussions. Involvement of external speakers, such as CFOs.

The exam aims at evaluating the knowledge acquired, the understanding of the topics and reasoning abilities of the students. The exam is written with a mix of True-False and multiple-choice questions. Students may consider to add verbal discussions to further show their knowledge of IFRSs. The students will be engaged on a team project work (max 5 students for team). Such a project work will allow students to apply their knowledge and analytics skills, team working and communication skills. On exceptional basis to be agreed with the teachers, students can be allowed to perform the project work on individual basis. Gaps in knowledge regarding one or more of the topics discussed during the course will lead to a negative assessment regardless of a good foundational knowledge of the general subject.

Students’ attitudes and interest to specific areas.

The course provides participants with an overview on sustainability and the related Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI), with both theoretical and practical implications from an external speaker, EY Expert.