Accounting and Financial Management

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: Professor Emmanuel Mamatzakis
• Tutor: to be confirmed
• Assessment: coursework of 3000 words (25%) and a two-hour written examination (75%)

This module aims to provide a solid understanding of the concepts of accounting and financial management for non-financial specialists.

Indicative module content

• Introduction to financial reports and statements (simple explanation of profit and loss accounts and balance sheets)
• Cash flow statements and financial ratio analysis
• Financial project appraisals (discounted cash-flow techniques, internal rate of return and payback period) and valuation of business
• Risk and return (including the Portfolio Theory)
• Cost of capitals and Capital Assets Pricing Model
• Capital structure theory
• Dividend policy
• Introduction to management accounting issues (budgeting; financial decision-making; break-even concepts)

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• appreciate the use of accounting numbers in managing a company's performance (financial statement analysis)
• read and understand financial reports and company accounts
• comprehend the fundamental ideas and concepts of finance
• understand corporate financial decision relating to stock valuation, project appraisals, estimation of required return, capital structure
• appreciate the usefulness and limitations of accounting in aiding financial management decisions
• critically appraise key issues in accounting and finance raised in the media.