Introduction to Financial Accounting

This course is an introduction to financial accounting.  It will be offered in Winter, 2010.  The course gives students the necessary background to: (1) understand the concepts and measurements that underlie financial statements, (2) develop the skills needed to analyze financial statements effectively, and (3) gain an understanding of the choices enterprises make in reporting the results of their business activities.  Students will be exposed to the decisions firms make relating to their operating, capital investment, and financing policies. Emphasis is placed on understanding both the mechanical elements of financial accounting and the discretion managers have when reporting financial results.  At the end of the term, students should have the requisite accounting knowledge needed to forecast financial statements and to value firms.

The course uses interactive case discussions based on analysis of actual companies’ financial statements. Students will be encouraged to work in groups, although there is no mandatory group project and all assignments must be individually prepared.

Grades will be a function of student performance on homework, case write-ups, ‘pop’ quizzes, a midterm, and final exam. In addition, a small part of the student’s grade will be based on class participation.

This course will use Stickney, Weil, Francis, and Schipper (13th Edition) and is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors only, with priority given to upperclassmen.  Coursepacks will be available through Wheelock Books.  A copy of the textbook and courspack will be placed on reserve at Baker library.

Financial Statement Analysis

This class will be taught at Tuck in the spring, 2010.  It will only be open to Tuck MBA students.  Additional information relating to this course’s content is forthcoming.