96352 - Financial Statements and Accounting Records

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed at understanding the structure of the financial statements in relation to its information capacity and as a tool for business planning and management of the company. Attention is paid to accounting obligations related to the employment relationship. Lessons are conducted with the participation of industry experts (lawyers, chartered accountants and employment consultants).

Course contents

Accounting records under the Italian Civil Code: the functions of accounting; accounting records as the basis for the preparation of financial statements, with particular reference to the journal and the inventory book. Civil law regulation of financial statements: the general principles governing financial statements (clarity and the requirement that financial statements give a true and fair view of the company's financial position and financial performance); the fundamental accounting principles for the preparation of annual financial statements (prudence, going concern, substance over form, accrual basis, consistency, separate valuation of heterogeneous items, and materiality). The informative function of financial statements with regard to the company's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The documents comprising the annual financial reporting package (balance sheet, income statement, notes to the financial statements, cash flow statement, and directors' report). Recognition, accounting treatment and management of employee-related items, including payroll obligations and the related accounting entries.

Readings/Bibliography

Course materials will include the lecture slides and any additional supporting materials related to the topics covered in class (e.g. the relevant Italian Accounting Standards – OIC). To facilitate exam preparation, especially for students unable to attend lectures, a recommended textbook will be indicated on the Virtuale e-learning platform. The textbook is optional and may be consulted by any student who considers it useful.

Students will also be provided with an updated collection of the relevant provisions of the Italian Civil Code concerning financial statements.

For the topics relating to company law (accounting records and their evidential function, persons responsible for keeping accounting records and preparing financial statements, the procedure for preparing and approving financial statements, the documents comprising the financial statements, accounting principles, the general clause, valuation criteria, etc.), students may also refer to the commercial law textbook adopted for the Business Law course.

Teaching methods

The lessons are conceived with a specialized focus and are intended to guide students in the approach to practical cases.

During the lessons, the teacher will be supported by professionals Chartered Accountants and Employment Consultants.

Attendance is essential for exam preparation.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of a multiple-choice test comprising 32 questions, each with four answer options.

The questions cover the topics discussed during the lectures and are based on the teaching materials made available on the Virtuale e-learning platform.

The examination is considered passed with at least 19 correct answers over 31; the test lasts 35 minutes. 

The test will be held in person, according to the examination schedule published on AlmaEsami.

Teaching tools

The course takes place during the second semester.

The lessons will have a practicl/empirical apporach and will be held with the participation of accountants and labour consultants 

Attendance is higly recomended. 

Slides projection and reading are provided during lessons.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Maria Toni