A Commentary on Teaching a Financial Accounting Theory Course

Abstract

An advanced graduate-level financial accounting theory course should provide integral content for all accounting programs. However, we are aware that such courses are not always required at either the undergraduate or graduate level. We taught the accounting theory class at three institutions for many years, and as a result, we provide our views about the opportunities and challenges of placing the class at the undergraduate level while supporting our belief that the best placement is at the graduate level. As well, we strongly support a theoretical approach over a more short-term functional approach that stresses preparation for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. We offer our views supporting these perspectives along with a general framework for a theory class.

Citation

Trapnell, J.E. and Dugan, M.T. (2024), "A Commentary on Teaching a Financial Accounting Theory Course", Calderon, T.G. (Ed.) Advances in Accounting Education: Teaching and Curriculum Innovations (Advances in Accounting Education, Vol. 28), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 199-204. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1085-462220240000028012