Postgraduate Courses
- ACCT 5100Financial Accounting Foundations[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 510Exclusion(s)ACCT 5150, IMBA 5030DescriptionIntroduction to accounting concepts, preparation and interpretation of financial statements. This is a core course for MBA.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Compare and contrast the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows.
- 2.Explain the economic environment of corporate financial reporting.
- 3.Infer economic events from financial statements.
- 4.Analyze a company’s financial health and provide a reasoned basis for the conclusions.
- 5.Adjust financial statements to make them more useful for decision making needs.
- 6.Recognize the most common cases of accounting frauds.
- 7.Describe the most common trading rules based on accounting information.
- ACCT 5140Financial Statement Analysis[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 514Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5100 OR ACCT 5150 OR EquivalentDescriptionIntegrated analysis of industry strategy, accounting policy, financial ratios and cash flows for application in equity valuation, credit analysis and bond ratings. Essential for those planning careers in financial management, investment analysis, credit analysis, business valuation, and consulting.
- ACCT 5150Accounting Foundations[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 515Exclusion(s)ACCT 5100, IMBA 5030DescriptionIntroduction to accounting concepts, preparation and interpretation of financial statements.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Compare and contrast the balance sheets, income statements, statements of shareholders’ equity, and statements of cash flows.
- 2.Explain the economic environment of corporate financial reporting.
- 3.Infer economic events from financial statements.
- 4.Analyze a company’s financial health and provide a reasoned basis for the conclusions.
- 5.Adjust financial statements to make them more useful for decision making needs.
- 6.Recognize the most common cases of accounting frauds.
- 7.Describe the most common trading rules based on accounting information.
- ACCT 5160Corporate Financial Reporting I[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 516Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5100 or ACCT 5150DescriptionCorporate financial reporting from the perspective of managers and financial statement users, including analysts. Topics include inventories, fixed assets, income taxes, liabilities, leases, off-balance-sheet debt, and dilutive securities.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Think critically and creatively and use analytical and quantitative techniques to make effective decisions.
- 2.Explain the financial accounting frameworks.
- 3.Use financial accounting information sophisticatedly, interpret financial strategies, assess financial risk and analyze financial accounting choices made by managers.
- 4.Recognize the international dimensions of accounting.
- 5.Define the role played by accountants in providing and ensuring the integrity of financial and related information.
- 6.Describe the accounting environment in Hong Kong.
- 7.Identify ethical challenges, creative accounting, and earnings management issues, and develop ethical and social responsibility.
- ACCT 5170Corporate Financial Reporting II[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 517Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5160DescriptionCorporate financial reporting from the perspective of managers and financial statement users, including analysts. Topics include intercorporate investments, business combinations, multinational operations, pensions, and earnings quality.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Think critically and creatively and use analytical and quantitative techniques to make effective decisions.
- 2.Explain the financial accounting frameworks.
- 3.Use financial accounting information sophisticatedly, interpret financial strategies, assess financial risk and analyze financial accounting choices made by managers.
- 4.Recognize the international dimensions of accounting.
- 5.Define the role played by accountants in providing and ensuring the integrity of financial and related information.
- 6.Identify ethical challenges, creative accounting, and earnings management issues, and develop ethical and social responsibility.
- ACCT 5180Advanced Corporate Financial Reporting[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5160 AND ACCT 5170DescriptionReporting of business entities with inter-corporate investments in subsidiaries and/or associated companies and cross-border activities. Topics include business combinations, consolidated financial statements, equity accounting, and translations of foreign currency transactions.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) for:
a) consolidating the financial statements of parent and subsidiary companies, including those subsidiaries which are wholly-owned and partially-owned;
b) reporting investment in other companies using equity accounting;
c) translating foreign currency transactions and operations, and reporting the effect on financial statements. - 2.Discuss financial reporting practices by referring to the Conceptual Framework.
- 3.Explain the international dimensions of accounting.
- 4.Assess financial strategies and risk management policies of business entities with inter-corporate investments that convey control and/or significant influence and cross-border activities.
- 5.Demonstrate the roles of accountants in providing and ensuring the integrity of financial and related information.
- 6.Identify ethical challenges, creative accounting, and earnings management issues, and point out ethical and social responsibility of entities.
- 7.Analyze financial reporting issues, and propose and explain solutions thereof, in a team environment.
- ACCT 5210Managerial Accounting Foundations[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 521Exclusion(s)IMBA 5060DescriptionUse of accounting data in decision-making, financial planning, control, and performance evaluation within organizations. This is a core course for MBA.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Interpret and explain cost concepts and related terms.
- 2.Interpret cost-volume-profit analysis.
- 3.Estimate the cost and price of a product.
- 4.Apply core managerial accounting information to strategic decision making.
- 5.Identify the internal budgeting process.
- 6.Construct cost management tools such as Activity-Based Costing.
- 7.Organize managerial accounting information to conduct performance evaluations.
- 8.Identify managerial accounting information as a competitive tool.
- ACCT 5220International Treasury Management[2-0-0:2]DescriptionSpecialized knowledge in international treasury operation and management control, risk management, inflation and foreign currency changes as well as international transfer pricing.
- ACCT 5310Fundamental and Quantitative Equity Analysis Using Accounting Information[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5100 OR ACCT 5150 OR Equivalent, AND FINA 5120 OR EquivalentDescriptionThe course covers fundamental equity analysis based on forecasted financial statements. It also introduces quantitative investment strategies based on the drivers of stock price movements. The course is useful for those planning careers in investment analysis, fund management and consulting.
- ACCT 5410Taxation[2-0-0:2]BackgroundACCT 2010 or equivalantDescriptionThe course introduces the fundamentals of Hong Kong taxation based on case law and legislation. Topics include: property tax, salaries tax, profits tax, depreciation allowances, personal assessment, and stamp duty.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Recognize the basic principles of Hong Kong taxation and operation of the tax system.
- 2.Compute the tax liabilities for individuals and companies.
- 3.Explain the tax implications of transactions on business activities.
- 4.Apply their tax knowledge to tax cases and in real-life contexts.
- ACCT 5420International Taxation[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5410DescriptionIt covers the essential principles and functions of tax treaties and other cooperative arrangements involved between treaty nations. Specific emphasis is on the treaty network established here in Hong Kong. Topics include: models of tax treaty, double taxation relief, tax issues on transfer pricing, anti-tax avoidance measures and international tax planning issues.
- ACCT 5430Strategic Tax Planning[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5150DescriptionThis course provides students with the framework of strategic tax planning. Students learn how to integrate the role of tax in various corporate decision-making.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply the framework of strategic tax planning.
- 2.Analyze how taxes impact choices of organizational forms.
- 3.Evaluate the role of tax in corporate investment and financing decisions.
- 4.Analyze cross-border tax planning opportunities for multinationals.
- 5.Explain the ethics of tax planning.
- ACCT 5510Auditing[2-0-0:2]BackgroundACCT 2010 or equivalentDescriptionIt covers the relevant principles, objectives and ethical requirements of audit and assurance services; identifies the audit process from client acceptance, design of audit procedures and express an appropriate audit conclusion based on the audit evidence obtained. Topics include: audit planning, audit evidence and documentation, internal control, completion of audit, audit opinion and reporting, professional ethics, rights and obligation of auditors.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the auditing profession, and the regulatory, legal and reporting framework of auditing.
- 2.Recognize the basic principles, objectives and ethical requirements of audit and assurance services.
- 3.Identify the audit process from client acceptance, design of audit procedures and recommend an appropriate audit conclusion based on the audit evidence obtained.
- 4.Assess risks and threats to an audit of financial statements through analytical and critical thinking.
- 5.Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
- ACCT 5630Business Law[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 690ODescriptionThis course is designed for the study of Business Law with practical examples of the application of law in the real business world. The course materials cover topics highly relevant to the business managers in the decision making process. The end goal is to elevate the student's level of understanding of the surrounding legal environment.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply the legal knowledge studied to situations they are likely to encounter in their daily life and future careers.
- 2.Recognize the importance of different functional areas of the law, and solve legal and business problems critically and creatively by referring to the well-established cases and ordinances.
- 3.Recognize the importance of the law of professional negligence and duty of care on the part of the accountants and auditors, and become a responsible and capable member of the accounting profession.
- 4.Develop selected skills like analytical and critical thinking, effective communication and team work through the group project and presentation.
- 5.Recognize the importance of ethical responsibility, identify the ethical dilemmas, apply the ethical standards and recognize the consequences of breaching the ethical standards.
- 6.Recognize the importance of ethical responsibility and corporate social responsibility in the context of Chinese business ethics.
- ACCT 5640Company Law[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5630DescriptionLaw relating to companies registered in Hong Kong; company formation and records; share and loan capital; management and administration; reconstructions; mergers and take-overs; liquidation and receivership.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the documents that lay down the features of a company and its internal procedures, and evaluate whether they can be altered.
- 2.Explain the role of key personnel in the management and administration of a company, and judge their rights and obligations.
- 3.Apply the rules in relation to company meetings.
- 4.Explain legal considerations and apply the legal rules in raising share or loan capital.
- 5.Explain the schemes of arrangement and apply the Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Buy-backs.
- 6.Explain the law in relation to commencement, conduct and consequences of winding up and apply the avoidance powers.
- 7.Explain the role, structure, duties, powers and procedures of some important external bodies in relation to the work of an accountant.
- ACCT 5650Corporate Governance and Compliance[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)ACCT 5640DescriptionThe course covers corporate governance at two levels. At the practice level, it builds on students' prior knowledge of company law, and introduces them to the various requirements of compliance by company boards as stipulated in the Hong Kong regulatory framework. At the company policies level, this course introduces students to broader aspects of corporate governance, focusing on the multitude and interaction of stakeholders and how their interests may be protected.
- ACCT 5710Data Analytics in Accounting[2-0-0:2]DescriptionData analytics is the process of collecting, organizing and analyzing big data in order to discover useful information for different uses. This course aims to provide students with knowledge of the nature and role of data analytics and how important it is to accountants, and enable students to apply and understand big data issues and utilize data mining, data modeling, data analysis and data visualization techniques to solve accounting and business related issues.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain and define the nature and role of data analytics and its application in accounting and business.
- 2.Explain and define issues related to big data and how to utilize big data.
- 3.Apply data mining modeling, analysis, and visualization techniques to solve accounting and business issues.
- 4.Utilize data analytics application(s) to perform and develop skills in business analysis.
- 5.Diagnose problems and issues by using big data to make responsible and ethical decisions.
- ACCT 6900Special Topics[1-4 credit(s)]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 690DescriptionSelected topics in an identified area of accounting. This course may be repeated for credit if based on a different selection of topics.
- ACCT 6970Independent Study[1-4 credit(s)]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 697DescriptionStudy of selected accounting issues under the supervision of a faculty member. (Special permission from the Associate Dean is required for MBA students to take this course.)
- ACCT 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)ACCT 699DescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
- ACCT 7720Doctoral Seminar - Research in Managerial Accounting, Auditing and Governance[3-1-0:4]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 772DescriptionDiscussion of research in managerial accounting, auditing and corporate governance. Use of analytical and empirical tools in economics, finance and statistics to examine important accounting issues in the above areas.
- ACCT 7730Doctoral Seminar - Research in Financial Accounting[3-1-0:4]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 773DescriptionUse of empirical and analytical research methods in economics, finance, and statistics to examine important financial accounting issues.
- ACCT 7740Empirical Research in Governance, Contracting and Auditing[2-4 credits]DescriptionUse of empirical research methods in economics, finance and statistics to examine issues in governance, contracting and auditing.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the association between corporate board structures and accounting.
- 2.Explain the association between corporate ownership structures and accounting.
- 3.Explain the association between the incentives of executives and accounting.
- 4.Explain the association between debt contracts and accounting.
- 5.Explain the association between auditing and accounting.
- 6.Explain the association between regulation and accounting.
- 7.Explain the association between litigation and accounting.
- ACCT 7900Doctoral Seminar[1-4 credit(s)]Previous Course Code(s)ACCT 790DescriptionCurrent research topics in accounting.
- ACCT 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)ACCT 799DescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.