Overview
This unit introduces you to the technical aspects of accounting in Australia. You will gain a sound understanding and knowledge of the core accounting concepts for preparing financial statements. You will also learn the foundation principles and concepts of accounting, especially the accounting equation and accrual accounting and learn how to analyse and interpret financial statements.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from UC's reflections and team discussions
Need to support late enrollments
Provide dedicated zoom sessions for late enrolling students
Feedback from UC's reflections and team discussions
Need for more resources for responsible use of AI
Provide more resources for responsible use of AI
- Define accounting and identify the users of accounting information and prepare the financial statements
- Demonstrate mastery of core accounting concepts, such as accrual accounting, by correctly applying these concepts to contemporary business problems, and reporting on the outcomes
- Work as a team leader and as part of a team to acquire new knowledge, or to identify and solve accounting related problems.
- Correctly analyse and interpret the financial information contained within financial statements through the use of appropriate financial ratios, and provide professionally written reports on the results of those analyses.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10% | ||||
| 3 - Online Test - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Financial Accounting
Edition: 9th (2021)
Authors: Nobles, Mattison, Matsumura, Best, Fraser, Tan Willett
Pearson Australia
Melbourne Melbourne , VICTORIA , Australia
ISBN: 9780655700357
If you are having issues accessing the eBook at the Library website, both paper and eBook copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
Binding: eBook
If you are having issues accessing the eBook at the Library website, both paper and eBook copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.alamin@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
The role of Accounting in decision making and Recording business transactions
Chapter
One and Two
Events and Submissions/Topic
Introduction to unit and assessments
Module/Topic
The adjusting process
Chapter
Three
Events and Submissions/Topic
The teaching staff will organise students into groups of 3 for the written assessment and group presentation tasks.
Module/Topic
Completing the accounting cycle
Chapter
Four
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Retailing operations and Retail inventory
Chapter
Five and Six
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Internal control and cash
Chapter
Eight
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Receivables
Chapter
Nine
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Non-current assets: Property, plant and equipment, and intangibles
Chapter
Ten
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Current liabilities and payroll and use of excel for accounting purposes
Chapter
Eleven
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion on adjustment entries and preparation of the financial statements using excel spreadsheets
Module/Topic
Financial statement analysis
Chapter
Eighteen
Events and Submissions/Topic
Hands-on training and discussion on the use of Excel spreadsheet for financial statement analysis using an ASX company annual report
Online Quiz Due: Week 9 Friday (17 Jan 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Problem based learning on Retailing operations
Chapter
Five
Events and Submissions/Topic
Hands-on training and discussions on the use of Excel spreadsheets for retailing operations, including implications of GST for retailers
Module/Topic
Problem-based learning on accounts receivables and bank reconciliation statements
Chapter
Seven and nine
Events and Submissions/Topic
Hands-on training and discussions on the use of Excel spreadsheets for accounting for accounts receivable and bank reconciliation statements
Module/Topic
Unit review/Assessment 3
Chapter
Revision resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3, Online test Due Week 12. Details to be published on Moodle.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This term, our teaching approach is designed to enhance your learning experience by providing more focused and intensive workshop sessions, combined with flexible online learning. Here’s how the structure will look:
Weeks 1-7: You will attend one 3-hour workshop per week. These extended sessions are designed to provide you with a deeper, more engaging learning environment where we can explore content in detail and apply what you’ve learned in a practical, interactive setting.
Weeks 8-12: The workshops will transition to one 1-hour session per week, allowing us to focus on key concepts and support your progress toward assessments and final tasks.
Additional Component: Every week, you will also have access to a 1-hour pre-recorded lecture. This will allow you to engage with the material at your own pace, review key concepts, and prepare for the workshops.
This blended approach is in line with best practices for online and face-to-face learning, aiming to increase engagement through intensive workshops while giving you flexibility with online content. By focusing the early weeks on in-depth, hands-on learning, and shifting to more targeted sessions later, you will have the opportunity to consolidate and apply your knowledge effectively.
We are confident this approach will support your success, and we look forward to an exciting and productive term!
1 Practical Assessment
This assessment comprises two components. The due date for the submission (both Excel and presentation) is Monday of week 6. For the Written task (Excel) component, each group of not more than three students submits an assigned question. This assessment contributes 30% towards the final grade. Distance/Flex students may be allowed to complete the written assessment and presentation individually if the arrangement has been approved.
Week 6 Monday (9 Dec 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Submit via Moodle
Week 8 Monday (6 Jan 2025)
Results available via Moodle grade book
Students will be assessed on the criteria as per detailed marking rubrics given on Moodle.
Group written task
1. Completion and Accuracy
2. Appropriate use of Formats/Formulas in excel
Group presentation
1. Communication of Theoretical Concept/ Practical Application//Demonstration//Reasoning
2. Completion and Accuracy
- Define accounting and identify the users of accounting information and prepare the financial statements
- Demonstrate mastery of core accounting concepts, such as accrual accounting, by correctly applying these concepts to contemporary business problems, and reporting on the outcomes
- Work as a team leader and as part of a team to acquire new knowledge, or to identify and solve accounting related problems.
- Correctly analyse and interpret the financial information contained within financial statements through the use of appropriate financial ratios, and provide professionally written reports on the results of those analyses.
2 Online Quiz(zes)
This is an individual assignment. This assessment must be completed by all students. The online quiz will contain 20 questions, either/or a combination of multiple choice, true/false. The multiple-choice questions can be based on practical or conceptual aspects.
Week 9 Friday (17 Jan 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Marks will be available to students on the submission of the Quiz
Completion and Accuracy
- Define accounting and identify the users of accounting information and prepare the financial statements
- Demonstrate mastery of core accounting concepts, such as accrual accounting, by correctly applying these concepts to contemporary business problems, and reporting on the outcomes
3 Online Test
This is an individual assessment due in week 12. Details will be published on Moodle
No Assessment Criteria
No submission method provided.
- Define accounting and identify the users of accounting information and prepare the financial statements
- Demonstrate mastery of core accounting concepts, such as accrual accounting, by correctly applying these concepts to contemporary business problems, and reporting on the outcomes
- Correctly analyse and interpret the financial information contained within financial statements through the use of appropriate financial ratios, and provide professionally written reports on the results of those analyses.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
