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This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of financial and management accounting viewed from the perspective of the business manager. The focus is on critical evaluation of accounting information contained in financial statements and management accounting reports for use by managers to inform responsible decisions. Adopt a managerial and analytical approach to the financial aspects of business management. You will understand the methods used in financial reporting and interpretation, while applying these principles to business practice. You will learn how to respond to factors that influence company cash-flow and profit, and establish critical thinking in terms of future financial planning and control. By recognising how finance affects other areas of a business – complemented by a sound understanding of applied financial management – you will be perfectly placed for career advancement. In this unit, you will cover:

  • Introduction to accounting and measuring and reporting financial position
  • Measuring and reporting financial performance and cash flows
  • Analysis and interpretation of financial statements
  • Cost-Volume-Profit analysis and costing
  • Planning and control
  • Working capital management and financing the business

Learning outcomes

  • Read and interpret financial statements for a business entity
  • Analyse and critically evaluate business performance and position using information contained in financial statements
  • Analyse business internal accounting information to evaluate working capital management performance of a business
  • From cost and revenue data, apply techniques in deciding upon alternative courses of action and implements budgets in decision-making for an organisation
  • Choose and organise relevant financial information in deciding the appropriate financing strategy for a business

Assessment

You are assessed according to the following components, each with its own weighted value against your overall result:

  • Case study assignment, analysis of company reports: 20%
  • Assignment based on cases and problems: 30%
  • Case study: 50%

Courses

You can study this unit as part of the Master of Business Administration, Master of Education or Master of Engineering Management.   Please note, unit structure and content are subject to change. Contact your SCU Online student advisor on 1300 863 819 for more information based on your particular circumstances.