Financial Reporting 2600-DIz1SF
The course provides foundational knowledge of financial reporting and its interrelations with non-financial reporting. It discusses recent developments in accounting and introduces students to international reporting standards, including the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
The course analyses the structure and preparation of financial statements, international reporting trends, and the principles for determining the financial result, including comprehensive income. It covers the preparation of financial statements for both business entities and non-governmental organisations. Emphasis is placed on the ability to interpret information contained in the individual components of financial statements.
The course examines the legal and organisational requirements for preparing management reports, reports on payments to public administration, income-tax reporting, and sustainability reporting are also discussed.
Both lectures and seminars address key issues related to the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities, the determination of revenues and expenses, and their impact on the individual components of the statements.
The practical component of the course (seminar) develops students’ ability to interpret data presented in financial reports. Special attention is devoted to the balance sheet, income statement, cash-flow statement, and accompanying notes, prepared in accordance with the Accounting Act, national accounting standards, and IFRS/IAS. Financial statements will be prepared according to the various appendices to the Accounting Act.
During seminars, students will practise the application of rules for recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as their impact on the components of financial statements — including understanding the effects of different valuation methods on the financial result and on balance-sheet values.
The course prepares students for the independent analysis and application of accounting principles in interpreting financial statements.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Knowledge:
Apply the concepts of financial reporting. (K_W01)
Match business transactions, in accordance with accounting principles, to the relevant items in the financial statements. (K_W02)
Explain the categories of items in the financial statements in relation to the issues discussed during the course. (K_W03)
Describe the impact of valuation methods on balance-sheet figures and on the financial result, taking into account the specific nature of the entity’s operations. (K_W05)
Skills:
Identify information on circumstances affecting the valuation of assets and liabilities. (K_U01)
Explain the origin (i.e. which business transactions give rise to) the items in the balance sheet and income statement. (K_U01)
Compare the impact of national and international regulations on financial reporting. (K_U02)
Analyse elements of accounting policy in shaping the presentation of the financial and economic position of a business entity. (K_U06)
Recognise changes in selected aspects of individual financial reporting in business-management processes, including through teamwork. (K_U08)
Adapt to regulatory changes in the areas discussed during the course. (K_U06)
Social Competences:
Critically and comprehensively assess reporting information for the purposes of investment advisory and for use in the capital market. (K_K01)
Seek information on internal and external factors influencing the data disclosed in financial statements. (K_K04)
Engage in informed discussions on ethical dilemmas related to the recognition, measurement, and presentation of accounting items. (K_K05)
Assessment criteria
Lecture: written examination (multiple-choice questions) – 100%
The examination will be conducted in class, with the option to use an electronic platform.
Seminar: written tests (including the use of electronic communication tools) – 80%; ongoing assessment of acquired skills (quizzes, group work, in-class participation) – 20%.
Practical placement
none
Bibliography
Accounting Act – text in force at the time of the course and current texts of national accounting standards (KSR 1, 7, 9, 14, 16, and KSR interpretations).
Accounting Act. Commentary + downloadable templates, C.H.Beck 2025, ed. Dr Hab. Ewa Wanda Maruszewska, Prof. UE – in particular chapters authored by K. Trzpioła.
Proprietary materials in electronic form.
Supplementary:
Tax and Financial Closing of the Year 2025, ed. A. Hołda, C.H.Beck 2025 – in particular chapters authored by K. Trzpioła (planned publication date: November 2025, or earlier edition if applicable).
E. Kalwasińska, D. Maciejowska, Accounting and Financial Reporting under the Polish Accounting Law, WZ UW Press, Warsaw 2016 (available at sde.wz.uw.edu.pl).
K. Trzpioła, Accounting Entries under the Amended Accounting Act, IFRS/IAS, and Tax Regulations – Practical Guidelines, Wiedza i Praktyka, Warsaw (latest edition).
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: