Simmons College

Financial Reporting & Analysis

This is an introductory course in financial reporting which focuses on the vocabulary and fundamental concepts of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This course is the basis not only for other required and elective accounting course, as well as other business courses here at the GSM. Accounting is often called the 'language of business.' Managers must appreciate the assumptions and complexities that underlie accounting information so they can make good, ethical business decisions and communicate financial information to others. As the intricacies of financial reporting increase, managers who develop financial statement literacy will find themselves in possession of an increasingly valuable business tool. Those who do not develop this skill run the risk of being victimized by their lack of knowledge. Financial accounting information is not only used as a basis for decision-making by management; it is also used by those outside an organization, such as lenders, investors, and regulatory agencies.