Accounting and Finance

The Department of Accounting and Finance offers foundation and core courses in the areas of accounting, finance, and banking.

3 semester credits. The course covers the fundamentals of accounting theory and practice and is designed for the non-accounting and finance students. Topics cover accounting terminology, revenue expenses, net income, the accounting equation, debits, credits, balancing the accounting formula, the account structure, and ledgers. Emphasis is given to the use of basic financial accounting concepts to make well-informed business decisions.

3 semester credits. This course provides an introduction to the main principles of banking activities as well as fundamentals of financial institutions. Students will gain an understanding of the structure of the banking industry. Theoretical issues related to the modern banking business will be analyzed alongside the management of liquidity and capital. Other topics include the understanding of the bank balance sheet and the role of the central bank, banking systems in different countries, and the corporate governance and organizational arrangements in banking. The course will address the importance of ethics in the sector and the importance of a professional and effective management. As the differences in managing and structuring bank activities throughout the world are considered, the EU banking system and organization will be especially examined and analyzed.

3 semester credits. This course provides an introduction to the theory, methods, and challenges of corporate finance. The main focus is on financing decisions and investment. The following topics are addressed: risk and return, asset markets and market efficiency, valuation, capital structure, capital budgeting, dividend policy, and derivative securities. Some consideration will also be given to financial management issues that multinational firms face, with an emphasis on the effects of currency denomination on financial decisions.

3 semester credits. The course is designed to help students to "think strategically" and to evaluate results from the perspective of an organization operating in an increasingly diverse and competitive environment. Students will explore and acquire financial tools and competencies for budgetary planning and analysis. The course will provide a basic understanding of financial strategies and their related risks, analysis of financial information, and budgeting. Prerequisites: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree is required for this course.

3 semester credits. The course focuses on international financial institutions and banking activities. Topics include credit and market risk management, country risk assessment, bank exposure to liquidity, international debt crises and regulations, VAR analysis, RAROC, and international rules for bank capital. Case studies are used frequently as a teaching tool to present real-life banking experiences in the classroom. Prerequisites: Corporate Finance or equivalent.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of investment theory, providing students with the tools to analyze and develop appropriate investment strategies. Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts, encompassing risk-return analysis, asset allocation strategies, and the functionality of various financial instruments. Through interactive lectures, real-world case studies, and practical activities, students will develop the necessary skills to confidently analyze investment opportunities, construct well-diversified portfolios, and embark on a strategic path towards achieving long-term financial objectives.

3 semester credits. This managerial accounting course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, practices, and tools essential for effective managerial decision-making within an organizational context. The course explores the role of managerial accounting in providing relevant and timely information for strategic planning, control, and performance evaluation. Students will understand how managerial accounting serves as the internal language of a company, playing a crucial role in overseeing production, shaping product design and pricing, influencing marketing strategies, and serving as a tool for motivating and evaluating employees. Practical exercises and simulations will be integrated to provide hands-on experience in applying managerial accounting tools to solve business challenges.

This course seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of mergers and acquisitions activity. Students will gain a solid knowledge of deal structures, financial valuation techniques, legal and regulatory frameworks, and human capital management strategies within the context of M&A transactions. Through real-world case studies, students will critically analyze the impact of M&A on various stakeholders. This course provides students with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of corporate consolidation.

3 semester credits. Through this internship course, the student will be exposed to a commercial business environment or accounting office. The type of business will depend on seasonality and resume evaluation. The student will be able to follow the daily operations of the business establishment and participate in the organization's activities according to his or her skills and competencies. The type of tasks may concern communication with international clients and project development. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. The internship enhances student knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor who regularly monitors the internship progress and development, and guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills. Main tasks: Analysis of day by day operations, communication with international clients or research for new partnerships, project development based on business trends, market research, client and data analysis, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: B2 level of Italian language. Successful completion of Introduction to Accounting or equivalent required. Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.