This course is designed as an introductory accounting course for graduate students, and provides an introduction to the concepts underlying external financial reporting. The unit utilises a transaction-effect approach to the preparation of financial statements. The course examines the main financial statements produced by an accounting system and the process by which these statements are prepared. The course covers fundamental issues relevant to the use of accounting information as a decision aid. Contents include accounting concepts, double entry and accrual systems of accounting, financial statements preparation and analysis. There are no prerequisites that need to be satisfied. The course assumes no previous knowledge of accounting.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- explain the accounting assumptions and principles underlying the financial information;
- identify the main users of financial accounting reports, and the main purpose for which information is used;
- demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of assets, liabilities, equity, income and expense;
- apply accounting principles to the preparation and recording of accounting entries;
- prepare financial statements for organisations characterised by moderately complex financial transactions;
- analyse and interpret financial statements with regard to key aspects of performance;
- analyse and communicate accounting information.
Other Information
Indicative Assessment
- Typical assessment may include, but not restricted to class participation, assignment(s), quizzes and examination(s). (100) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Students are expected to commit 130 hours of work in completing this course. This includes time spent in scheduled classes and self-directed study time.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Refer to class summary.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2136 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7136 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |