Financial Accounting and ESG-Reporting

22M1205

Master

English

5.0

only winter term

1 semester

Int'l Acc class covers particular aspects of Accounting in debth based on international Accounting Standards IFRSs. ESG-reporting is covered based on int'l standards IFRS S1 and IFRS S2. Analysis of the financial statements of a real int'l company that is based in South Africa (changes every year) in int'l study groups in cooperation with the sister university Cape Peninsula University of Technology CPUT. Students work together with South African classmates via ZOOM/TEAMS conferences. 

Special aspects of IFRS Accounting, such as financial statement analysis, subsequent valuation of non-current assets (revaluations), group accounting, inventory valuation, statement of changes in equity, statements of cash flows, borrowing costs, foreign currency contracts, leases, etc.

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Written examination or
• Project Report, written or
• Portfolio exam

The portfolio exam covers 120 points and consists of of one written examination (K90) and one written project report (PSC). The K90 is weighted by 90 points and the PSC is weighted by 30 points.

Portfolio exam. Marking of the project by CPUT- and HSOS- lecturers together

Written examinations: in accordance with the valid study regulations

Written project report: approx. 15-20 pages, exclusive appendix

Written project report as part of the portfolio exam: 5-10 pages, exclusive appendix

The requirements are specified in the relevant class.

Application of IFRS, Interpretation of financial statements based on IFRS, in general: Pass of Financial Accounting (IFRS or HGB) on a bachelor's level. Knowledge of the preparation of financial statements, best based on IFRS.

... are familar with Accounting based on IFRS standards and can prepare financial statement from Bookkeeping to a full set of financial statements on case study level.  They further can read and analyse financial statements of real int'l companies that prepare financial statements along IFRSs. Students extend their basic knowledge in IFRSs Accounting in selected fields

Accounting knowledge is depened in terms of different GAAPs, in general from German GAAPs HGB towards international Accounting based on IFRSs. Students understand the difference between HGB and IFRS. They are able to understand and discuss detailed aspects of IFRSs, such as revaluations, impairments, discounting of liabilities following the effective interest method, revenue recognition, leases, group accounting, ESG-reporting etc.

Applicants understand IFRS regulations and develop an awareness of the impact of their management and Accounting decisions on financial statements prepared following IFRS. They know and can apply the methods and can tell the difference of alternative methods. Applicants can make decisions about alternative methods. Students can assess companies based on their set of financial statements. 

Students get exposed to an international research project and cooperate with CPUT in Cape Town. They analyse together with South African classmates (study groups) financial statements prepared by a South African company based on IFRSs. The cases include ESG reporting of the companies. Students apply digital and AI-based tools for assessment of the firm.

Global classroom concept, teaching based on case studies as described by the textbook Berkau: Financial Statements. For the course, teaching materials of both univerities apply. Teaching is completely in English. Students communicate via ZOOM/TEAM conferences with the int'l classmates and apply digital and AI-based tools for reseach.

Global classroom concept where a lecturer from CPUT (Cape Town) trains students of both universities together. The SAn students attend classes - before the CFO project - taught by Prof Berkau in Cape Town in a face-to-face class. SAn students are exposed to teaching methods as applicable at UAS Osnabrück

Students learn the interpretation of a complex company based on the financial statements and are required to derive statements, valuations, and advices based on the knowledge gathered by financial statements and online research. Students experience the limitation of informations provided by financial statements. They also learn about foreign culture and aspects based on the South African company cases.

• Berkau, Carsten

• Berkau, Carsten

Msiza, Nelly (CPUT)