This course explores deceptive accountingpractices used by companies to manipulate assets and liabilities. Participants will learn about specific asset manipulation techniques such as overvaluation of inventory, overstating of accounts receivables, valuation of intangible assets, and overstating deferred tax assets. Participants will also learn about liability manipulation techniques such as underreporting liabilities, off-balance-sheet financing, improper use of contingent liabilities, and hiding pension obligations. The course includes detailed examples and highlights the ethical implicationsand legal consequences of these practices.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Recognize the key motivations behind deceptive accounting techniques
Identify areas of U.S. GAAP that are most susceptible to manipulation
Identify techniques used by companies to manipulate asset valuation in financial statements
Recognize techniques used by companies to conceal or misstate liabilities
Major Topics
U.S. GAAP Susceptible to Deceptive Accounting
Asset Manipulation Techniques
Liability Manipulation Techniques
Hiding Pension Obligations
Reclassifying Liabilities
Misclassifying Debt as Equity
