Accounting Analysis II: Measurement and Disclosure of Liabilities Course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of liabilities in financial accounting, focusing on recognition, measurement, and disclosure in accordance with GAAP. Designed for intermediate learners, the curriculum spans approximately 31 hours of self-paced study, structured into five core modules and a final project. You'll examine current and long-term liabilities, contingencies, debt instruments, lease obligations, and pension accounting. Each module builds analytical skills through practical examples and financial statement integration. With flexible deadlines and hands-on assignments, the course enables learners to assess financial risk, interpret capital structure, and evaluate solvency. Completion grants a shareable certificate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, supporting career advancement in accounting, finance, and auditing.

Module 1: Introduction to Liabilities

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Concept of financial obligations
• Classification of liabilities in financial statements
• Current vs. long-term liabilities
• Impact of liabilities on financial position

Module 2: Liability Transactions & Reporting

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Recording loans, bonds, and accounts payable
• Accruals and interest expense recognition
• Repayment schedules and financial obligations
• Reporting liabilities under GAAP

Module 3: Debt Analysis & Financial Ratios

Estimated time: 9 hours

• Debt-to-equity ratio and leverage analysis
• Interest coverage ratio and solvency assessment
• Evaluation of financial risk using liability data
• Capital structure interpretation

Module 4: Integration with Financial Statements

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Relationships between liabilities, assets, and equity
• Impact of liabilities on profitability and cash flow
• Holistic interpretation of financial statements
• Evaluation of overall financial health

Module 5: Contingencies and Complex Liabilities

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Accounting for contingencies and uncertain obligations
• Lease accounting under current standards
• Pension liabilities and disclosure requirements

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Analyze a company’s financial obligations
• Evaluate solvency and financial stability using ratios
• Produce a comprehensive liability analysis report

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic financial accounting principles
• Understanding of balance sheets and income statements
• Knowledge of GAAP fundamentals

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Recognize and classify various types of liabilities
• Measure and report liabilities in compliance with GAAP
• Analyze financial risk using key debt and solvency ratios
• Integrate liability analysis into overall financial statement evaluation
• Produce professional reports assessing a company’s capital structure and financial stability