This course involves the study of special topics in financial accounting including government and not-for-profit accounting, partnerships, business combinations, and multi-national accounting. The topics will be somewhat complex, so a sound understanding of fundamental accounting principles is important. You will examine these topics from two perspectives:

1.  Technical – Develop a technical understanding of the appropriate accounting standards and their applications in identifying, collecting, and reporting relevant financial information.

2.  Analytical – Develop analytical and communicative skills, applying reasoning skills to complex and/or unfamiliar accounting issues, forming opinions and conclusions, then communicating them in a manner that will inform and persuade your audience.

The prerequisite course is Intermediate Accounting I (Business 355) or consent of instructor.
 
 

Robert K. Foss                                                           Office hours: 12-1 MWF
Main 201D, Phone 3486, e-mail bfoss@cord.edu

Beams, Brozovsky, & Shoulders, Advanced Accounting, 7^th Ed.

Internet resources:

• Company Reports
• Class Email Listserv
• Text Problem Templates
• Excel Help
• Great Companies

"It is expected of both faculty and students that they act with academic honesty and integrity." See the General Catalog and Student Handbook for further details.

Pop quizzes will be used in this course. To encourage thorough learning by regular practice and class attendance, the following policies will apply:

Unit tests cannot be made up. However, if you are going to be unable to attend the test session, you may take the test the day before the scheduled time. You will receive a zero for any test missed. Turn in your homework beforehand to receive credit if work is collected when you must miss class.

Grading will be done on the basis of total points earned in the class. Cutoff levels for each grade will be determined for each of the components. Those will then be summed to obtain total final cutoff levels for the entire course. The cutoff levels will be announced during the course. Class participation and attendance will be a determining factor when grades lie between two grading categories, e.g. -- a student's grade lies between C+ and B-.

Possible Points:

Pop quizzzes/homework	100
Other items	50
All unit tests	300
Final Exam	100
Total Points	550

Due to the complexity of the topics of the course, it is essential that you complete your reading and homework assignments before each class.  Also, the class format will devote substantial time to discussion and review of the problems and exercises.  Some of the homework will require the use of a computer spreadsheet.

Keep all graded papers until final grades are received. All exams are secure exams and must be returned to the instructor before leaving the classroom: these papers will be kept until one month after the end of the semester. If you are concerned about your grade at any time, feel free to talk to me at your convenience.