| Unit name | Financial Reporting and Analysis |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ACFIM0022 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Nikos Tsileponis |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Accounting and Finance - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
This unit builds strong links between accounting and finance through helping students to understand the preparation and articulation of the main financial statements and to use the data therein for financial analysis and valuation models. The unit starts with the main concepts of accounting measurement and then goes on to illustrate these with a variety of important financial reporting issues, including principles of consolidation. The unit then introduces basic financial analysis techniques and prediction models based on financial statement data. Finally, the unit provides an introduction to various valuation models, including practical examples of how to apply and assess such models.
In summary, this unit provides students with essential knowledge and skills for using financial statements in valuation and investment analysis. By studying techniques for financial statement preparation, analysis, and forecasting, students will gain a deep understanding of how reported accounting numbers relate to underlying business fundamentals. The unit integrates accounting and finance concepts, equipping students to make informed investment decisions and recommendations. Proficiency in interpreting and modeling financial statements is essential for careers in corporate finance, investment banking, equity research, fund management, and financial advisory services. This unit delivers transferable analytical skills that are widely applicable across the financial sector.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit is designed to introduce students to a wide range of financial reporting preparation and analysis issues, which will enable them to use financial and non-financial reporting information as principal components of systematic fundamental security analysis. The material should enable students to appreciate the strengths and limitations of financial statement data to build solid foundations that are practically applicable to decision-making (e.g., recommendations on whether to buy, hold or sell an investment in the ordinary shares of a company).
Through a blend of theory and practical exercises, this unit develops core skills in financial statement analysis that students will apply throughout their studies and future careers. By progressing through accounting preparation, financial analysis techniques, forecasting, and valuation models, students build an integrated understanding of the role of financial reporting information in finance contexts.
An overview of content
On completion of the unit, it is expected that students will gain knowledge and understanding of financial reporting and analysis, including security valuation based on financial reporting information. The course is designed primarily for students who are expected to use financial statements intensively as part of their professional responsibilities but who have not necessarily studied accounting to an advanced level.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will develop analytical skills to interpret accounting information. They will have a deeper appreciation of how financial reports relate to business performance. They will also gain competencies in financial analysis and valuation, which are highly valued in finance careers.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the accounting environment, including the aims of accounting, users of financial reporting, pertinent regulations, and the qualitative characteristics of accounting information;
2. Find, select, organise, and adjust relevant financial and non-financial data for a company;
3. Apply financial analysis tools proficiently, focusing on ratio analysis;
4. Utilise a comprehensive range of security valuation techniques; and
5. Critically assess the usefulness of financial and non-financial information in the context of security valuation.
How you will learn
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the University of Bristol, the following set of tools will be used:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative assessment in this module consists of weekly multiple-choice questions (MCQs) hosted on Blackboard, designed to test and reinforce students’ comprehension of the material covered. Students will benefit from unlimited attempts at these questions, allowing them to learn at their own pace. Each question is accompanied by detailed feedback tailored to the answers selected.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1. Individual assignment (50%)
This summative coursework represents 50% of the final mark for the unit. The coursework is in the form of a report. Specifically, students will be required to analyse the performance and financial position of a given company. The maximum word allowance is 1,500 words.
Relevant ILOs: ILO1, ILO2, ILO3
2. Group assignment (50%)
This summative coursework represents 50% of the final mark for the unit. The coursework is in the form of a report. Specifically, students will be required to work as a group and prepare a report on a given company with the aim of making a clear investment recommendation based on their analysis. The maximum word allowance is 3,500 words.
Relevant ILOs: ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4, ILO5
When assessment does not go to plan
Any re-assessment required will be a like-for-like assessment. Students only have to resit the components they fail with a similar type of assessment with equivalent difficulty.
If a student fails the group assignment, they will resit an individual assignment (1,500 words) testing the same ILOs.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ACFIM0022).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
