Advanced Financial Accounting

Unit 1 – Advanced Financial Reporting & Regulation

Unit 2 – Business Combinations & Consolidations

Unit 3 – Foreign Currency Transactions & Translation

Unit 4 – Financial Instruments & Derivatives

Unit 5 – Revenue Recognition & Long-term Contracts

Unit 6 – Leases and Off-Balance Sheet Financing

Unit 7 – Pensions & Post-Employment Benefits

Unit 8 – Share-based Payments & Employee Compensation

Unit 9 – Income Taxes & Deferred Tax Accounting

Unit 10 – Earnings per Share & Segment Reporting

Unit 11 – Related Party Transactions & Disclosures

Unit 12 – Financial Statement Analysis & Interpretation

## What do you learn in Advanced Financial Accounting

Advanced Financial Accounting covers complex financial reporting issues like consolidations, foreign currency transactions, and derivatives. You'll tackle business combinations, equity method investments, and segment reporting. The course dives into governmental and non-profit accounting, partnerships, and international accounting standards. It's all about mastering the intricacies of financial statements for large, multi-faceted organizations.

## Is Advanced Financial Accounting hard?

Advanced Financial Accounting can be pretty challenging. It builds on intermediate accounting concepts and introduces a lot of new, complex topics. The material can be dense, and you'll need to wrap your head around some tricky calculations and accounting treatments. That said, if you've got a solid foundation from previous accounting courses and put in the work, it's totally manageable. Just be prepared for some brain-bending scenarios and late-night study sessions.

## Tips for taking Advanced Financial Accounting in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Practice, practice, practice! Work through tons of consolidation problems and foreign currency translations
3. Create visual aids like flowcharts for complex processes like business combinations
4. Form a study group to tackle tough concepts like derivatives and hedge accounting
5. Stay up-to-date with current accounting news and FASB/IASB updates
6. Use mnemonics to remember the steps in equity method accounting
7. Watch YouTube videos explaining governmental fund accounting
8. Read "The Accounting Game" by Darrell Mullis for a fun refresher on accounting basics

## Common pre-requisites for Advanced Financial Accounting

1. Intermediate Accounting I: This course builds on the basics, covering in-depth topics like revenue recognition, inventory valuation, and long-term assets. It's the foundation for more advanced accounting concepts.

2. Intermediate Accounting II: This class dives deeper into complex areas like leases, pensions, and income taxes. It's crucial for understanding the advanced topics you'll encounter later.

3. Corporate Finance: This course focuses on financial decision-making in corporations. It covers topics like capital budgeting, risk assessment, and valuation, which complement advanced accounting knowledge.

## Classes similar to Advanced Financial Accounting

1. International Accounting: Explores accounting practices and standards across different countries. You'll learn about IFRS, foreign currency translation, and international tax issues.

2. Forensic Accounting: Focuses on detecting and preventing financial fraud. It combines accounting, auditing, and investigative techniques to analyze financial crimes.

3. Accounting Information Systems: Covers the design and use of computerized accounting systems. You'll learn about internal controls, data analytics, and how technology impacts accounting processes.

4. Auditing: Teaches you how to examine and verify financial statements. It covers audit procedures, risk assessment, and professional ethics in the auditing field.

## Majors related to Advanced Financial Accounting

1. Accounting: Focuses on preparing, analyzing, and communicating financial information. Students learn to create and interpret financial statements, understand tax laws, and perform audits.

2. Finance: Concentrates on managing money and investments for individuals and organizations. Students study financial markets, risk management, and corporate financial strategies.

3. Business Administration: Provides a broad overview of business operations, including accounting, marketing, and management. Students gain skills in decision-making, leadership, and strategic planning.

4. Economics: Examines how societies allocate resources and make economic decisions. Students analyze market trends, fiscal policies, and economic theories that impact businesses and governments.

## What can you do with a degree in Advanced Financial Accounting?

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA): CPAs provide a range of accounting services, from tax preparation to auditing. They work with individuals, businesses, and organizations to ensure financial compliance and offer strategic advice.

2. Financial Controller: Controllers oversee an organization's accounting operations and financial reporting. They manage budgets, implement financial policies, and ensure the accuracy of financial statements.

3. Forensic Accountant: These professionals investigate financial crimes and disputes. They analyze financial records to detect fraud, embezzlement, or other financial misconduct, often working with law enforcement or legal teams.

4. International Financial Analyst: These analysts specialize in global financial markets and cross-border transactions. They assess investment opportunities, analyze currency fluctuations, and advise on international financial strategies.

## Advanced Financial Accounting FAQs

1. How does Advanced Financial Accounting differ from Intermediate Accounting? Advanced Financial Accounting builds on Intermediate Accounting, focusing on more complex topics like consolidations and international accounting. It deals with larger, more intricate business structures and transactions.

2. Will this course prepare me for the CPA exam? Yes, Advanced Financial Accounting covers many topics tested on the CPA exam. It's particularly relevant for the Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section of the exam.

3. Is programming knowledge required for this course? While not typically required, basic spreadsheet skills can be helpful. Some advanced topics might involve using accounting software or data analysis tools.

Finance

Accounting

1.4 Preparation and presentation of financial statements

1.3 Conceptual framework for financial reporting

1.2 Regulatory environment and compliance

1.1 Financial reporting standards (IFRS, US GAAP)

2.1 Accounting for business combinations

2.2 Consolidated financial statements

2.3 Non-controlling interests and goodwill

2.4 Changes in ownership interests

3.1 Foreign currency transactions

3.2 Translation of foreign currency financial statements

3.3 Functional currency determination

3.4 Hedging foreign currency risk

4.1 Recognition and measurement of financial instruments

4.2 Derivatives and hedge accounting

4.4 Impairment of financial assets

4.3 Fair value measurement and disclosures

5.1 Revenue recognition principles and standards

5.4 Service concession arrangements

5.3 Long-term contracts and construction accounting

5.2 Multiple-element arrangements

6.1 Accounting for leases (lessee and lessor)

6.2 Sale and leaseback transactions

6.3 Off-balance sheet financing arrangements

6.4 Disclosure requirements for leases

7.1 Defined benefit and defined contribution plans

7.4 Disclosures and reporting requirements

7.2 Accounting for pensions and other post-employment benefits

7.3 Actuarial assumptions and valuations

8.1 Accounting for share-based payments

8.2 Equity-settled and cash-settled transactions

8.3 Valuation models and assumptions

8.4 Disclosure requirements for share-based payments

9.1 Current and deferred income tax accounting

9.2 Tax base and temporary differences

9.3 Recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities

9.4 Presentation and disclosure of income taxes

10.1 Basic and diluted earnings per share calculation

10.2 Weighted average number of shares

10.3 Segment reporting principles and disclosures

10.4 Reconciliation of segment information to financial statements

11.1 Identification and classification of related parties

11.2 Measurement and recognition of related party transactions

11.3 Disclosure requirements for related party transactions

11.4 Key management personnel compensation

12.1 Ratio analysis and interpretation

12.2 Common-size financial statements

12.3 Cash flow statement analysis

12.4 Earnings quality and red flags in financial reporting

Browse all Advanced Financial Accounting Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next