Accounting And Accountability

Description

This course introduces the theoretical and contextual foundation of accounting. It does not involve any technical aspects of accounting or bookkeeping but provides an introduction to the political, economic, institutional, professional and managerial context of accounting. The main content includes: Socio-political and economic mechanisms of accountability; theories of accountability. Constitution of organisations and the role of accounting within organisations. Constitution of accounting as a business function: how accounting is organised within organisations. Constitution of Accountancy as a Profession: how accountancy is organised as a profession. Sustainability and accounting: how accounting is reorganised to address sustainability issues. Constitution of Society Economy, polity and civil society; their interdependencies and contradictions; and understanding the role of accounting within these contradictions and interdependencies. Constitution of Business Various managerial objectives, functions, responsibilities and accountabilities; and the role of accounting within business. Constitution of Accounting as a Business Function How accounting is organised within organisations to help achieve their objectives and accountabilities. Constitution of Accountancy as a Profession How accountancy is organised as a profession and how the accountancy profession is regulated. Future Challenges of Accountancy The challenge of accounting and reporting beyond shareholders; and meeting the challenge of global sustainability.