ACCT600 Accounting for Decision Making Assessment Australian Catholic University

Assessment Overview

This assessment task requires students to evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and  perspectives through research, integration, and real-world analysis of organisational annual reports,  including financial statement information. 
Students will apply critical thinking skills to identify and solve problems, inform judgments, make  decisions, reach well-reasoned conclusions regarding organisations’ social responsibility in accounting  and financial decisions and make recommendations where applicable. 

Context 

You work as an accountant with a leading accounting firm in Australia. An independent organisation  has tasked you with assessing and verifying the performance of a company listed on the Australian  Stock Exchange (ASX). Your analysis includes examining financial statements and evaluating the  company's stewardship of resources, particularly in terms of corporate social responsibility. The report  you produce should showcase your research skills, critical thinking, and proficiency in both written and  visual communication. 

Instructions 

Choose one company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), excluding the financial sector (such as banks and insurance companies). Preferably, select a company from the following sectors:  
• Consumer Discretionary 
• Consumer Staples 
• Energy 
• Healthcare 
• Industrials 
• Materials 
• Utilities 

a) Financial Performance Analysis 

Analyse the financial performance of the company using relevant financial ratios such as liquidity ratios,  profitability ratios, and solvency ratios (At least TWO ratios must be calculated for each category). Your  analysis should be supported by appropriate calculations of numerical ratios and graphical  presentations as appropriate. 

b) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Performance Analysis 

Research and gather information on the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the company. Look  into areas such as environmental sustainability, social impact, ethical practices, and community  engagement. 

c) Proficiency in English, effective written and visual communication 

You are expected to showcase your language proficiency, articulate ideas clearly in writing, and  demonstrate skill in creating visual content to enhance communication. The emphasis is on the overall  ability to express thoughts and information coherently and persuasively in English, utilising both written  and visual communication strategies.