The principles and tools of accounting are fundamental to understanding the financial reporting that leaders, investors and stakeholders rely on to make decisions. This course explores the challenges and structure of traditional accounting from business events to accounting transactions and to the financial statements that tell the organization’s economic story. But what is being counted and what is left of out of this counting? What are social justice and environmental implications of what is not being counted?
Accounting information is used by decision makers within the organization, as well as by external decision makers. We will work with frameworks to extract useful information, analyze performance and align organizational resources. To envision change, we will assess quantitative and qualitative aspects of the benefits and costs of engaging initiatives. Through case study analysis and discussions, we will frame issues and ground decisions with financial particulars, acknowledging risks within the organization’s context.