Half-Course: Financial Reporting and Analysis for Managers

Course Number 1325

Associate Professor Michael D. Kimbrough
Early Winter, 15 Session half course
1.5 credits
Exam

Educational Objectives

The course will provide students with the skills necessary to analyze and assess the information contained in a set of financial statements and notes. The course builds on the analytical skills developed in FRC and applies them to a number of common business transactions not covered in FRC including: asset securitizations, derivatives, pensions, business consolidations, foreign operations and earnings per share. Students will gain an understanding of the managerial judgments associated with each of the topics covered, which will allow them to better analyze financial reports that contain such topics.

This course is appropriate for any student who anticipates interacting with or taking part in the capital markets. Anyone aspiring to work as analysts or investors will find that the financial accounting knowledge gained in the course will allow them to perform these roles with greater sophistication. The financial accounting knowledge gained in this course will also help students to successfully fulfill their obligations as future senior general managers, entrepreneurs, private equity investors and board members.

Grading

Grading will be based 50% on class participation and 50% on a take-home final exam. The final will require students to analyze and assess the information contained in a set of financial statements and notes. The final can be done individually or in groups of up to three students.