BUSN7006 Public Sector Accounting and Reporting

Offered By	School of Accounting & Business Info Systems
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Business
Offered in	Second Semester, 2012 and Second Semester, 2013
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	An examination of the role of government in Australia and its mechanisms for control over public expenditures and resources to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness in government activities, and of public sector accounting standards. It considers the public sector environment and how it differs from private markets - the role of externalities and accountability and recent reforms in public sector financial management. An examination of major issues in public sector financial management - use of cash and accrual accounting information systems; management of financial and physical assets including environmental and heritage considerations; marketisation of public sector activities; performance measurement issues for departments of state; management and performance of government business enterprises including privatisation issues; intergenerational equity issues flowing from an ageing population; public sector audits and roles of the Auditor General and accountability issues; role of the budget, the budget process and management, and cash and accrual budgeting systems.
Learning Outcomes	This course aims to Promote an understanding of the role of government in a modern democratic society; Promote an understanding of the differences between the public sector and the business sector parts of the economy, and the implications of these differences for financial management, accounting and budgeting; Promote an understanding of some major issues in public sector financial management, accounting and budgeting; and Provide possible solutions to some of the above issues. By the end of this course, you are expected to have attained proficiency in the following areas: gained familiarity and understanding of the above matters; and be able to analyse issues and develop possible solutions.
Indicative Assessment	Group Seminar Paper 30% Individual Research Paper 30% Final Examination 40%
Workload	Students taking this course are expected to commit at least 11 hours a week to completing the work. This will include: 3 hour a week: lectures and seminars 8 hours a week: reading, research, writing and assignment preparation
Course Classification(s)	SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation. and TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses.
Areas of Interest	Accounting and Commerce
Eligibility	At least an average of 65% (or equivalent) in the final two years of an Australian undergraduate degree
Assumed Knowledge and Required Skills	Economics I, Management Accounting & Company Accounting.
Prescribed Texts	See Course Website
Preliminary Reading	See Course Website
Programs	Master of Business, Master of Business, Master of Commerce, and Master of Commerce
Other Information	For further information please refer to the course website
Academic Contact	See http://cbe.anu.edu.au/courses/course.asp?code=BUSN7006

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.