Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/accounting-analysis-2-equity
As the fourth installment in Coursera’s comprehensive Financial Reporting Specialization, ‘Accounting Analysis II: Accounting for Liabilities and Equity’ is an indispensable course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of corporate financial statements. Building upon foundational accounting principles, this course meticulously dissects the complexities surrounding liabilities and equity, providing a robust framework for analysis and interpretation.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an essential course introduction that ensures all learners are comfortable with the platform and expectations. The subsequent modules delve into critical areas, starting with Deferred Taxes (Parts 1 and 2). Here, the course expertly guides you through the intricacies of employer accounting for employee postretirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans, as well as multi-employer plans. The nuances of curtailments and settlements are explained, with a valuable comparison of US GAAP and IFRS thrown in for good measure.
Module 3 shifts focus to Equity, a cornerstone of financial reporting. You’ll master the accounting for stock issuances, dividends (cash and stock), stock splits, and treasury stock transactions. The treatment of preferred stock and accumulated other comprehensive income is also thoroughly covered.
The course then moves into the sophisticated world of Share-Based Payments, demystifying concepts like stock options and their valuation. It progresses from simple examples to more complex scenarios involving forfeitures and graded vesting, also touching upon stock appreciation rights and restricted shares.
Earnings Per Share (EPS) is tackled in Module 5, a crucial metric for investors. The course clearly explains the calculation of basic and diluted EPS, illustrating how various financial instruments impact these figures. The mechanics of the ‘if-converted’ and treasury stock methods are also detailed.
Further enriching the curriculum, Module 6 addresses Accounting Changes, equipping you to handle changes in principles, estimates, and error corrections with confidence, and explaining retrospective, modified retrospective, and prospective approaches. Finally, Module 7 provides a comprehensive introduction to the Statement of Cash Flows, covering the classification of activities and a comparison of the direct and indirect methods.
Overall, ‘Accounting Analysis II: Accounting for Liabilities and Equity’ is an exceptionally well-designed course. The instructor’s ability to break down complex topics into digestible segments is commendable. The use of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ensures that learners are engaging with current and relevant standards. Whether you’re a student of accounting, a finance professional, or an investor seeking a deeper understanding of financial health, this course is a highly recommended investment in your knowledge base.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/accounting-analysis-2-equity