In this module, you will be introduced to the accounting by employers for employee postretirement benefits. We will explore the basic features of accounting for defined benefit plans, including benefit obligations, plan assets, and the components of net periodic benefit cost. The discussion includes accounting for changes in net pension asset or liability that are recognized in other comprehensive income.

In this module, you will continue your study of the employer's accounting for employee retirement benefits, including health care plans, multi-employer plans, and defined contribution plans. We will learn the definitions of curtailment and settlement and the impact of each on the financial statements. The module also describes defined contribution plans and multi-employer plans. The module will wrap up with a brief discussion of some of the major differences between US GAAP and IFRS.

In this module, the conversation changes from liabilities to equity. You will learn how to account for the issuance of common stock and basic transactions such as cash dividends, stock dividends, stock splits, and the purchase and reissuance of treasury stock. The module also includes a discussion of preferred stock and accumulated other comprehensive income.

In this module, you will be introduced to share-based payments, such as stock options. We will learn the different models used in valuing equity instruments. This module will begin with a simple example for the accounting of employee stock options, and will then build on that to include forfeitures and graded vesting. The module will conclude with a discussion of stock appreciation rights and restricted shares.