Financial Reporting and Communication

The micro-degree is designed for those interested in starting an international career in finance and enhancing their professional communication skills. The content is aligned to the equivalent topics in the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Applied Skills. The micro-degree is part of the Finance and Accounting specialisation in the international business administration programme that has received the highest international recognition among business schools - accreditation by EFMD.

The microdegree programme consists of two integral courses, both designed to equip students with essential skills in the field of finance and accounting.

Skills Practised within the Programme:

• Analytical reasoning in financial analysis.
• Effective communication of financial information to diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in selecting appropriate terminology for finance-related discussions.
• Understanding terminological differences in accounting and finance.
• Application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and conceptual frameworks in financial reporting.
• Preparation of IFRS-compliant financial statements.
• Recognition of the ethical implications and impact of environmental, social, and governance trends on financial reporting.

Financial Reporting course focuses on the application of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)  for preparing and interpreting financial statements. Through a combination of seminars and assignments, students acquire knowledge and skills for preparing  financial statements in accordance with the IFRS, considering the ethical implications inherent in financial reporting, and using analytical reasoning for interpreting financial information.

In this interdisciplinary course, students enhance their communication skills in the finance and accounting related areas, with a focus on mastering the terminology and communicaing  financial information effectively to various stakeholders. Through practical exercises, students learn to use appropriate professional terms in specific contexts and appreciate the significance of professional communication in pursuing successful careers in accounting and finance. 

Aet Toots has teaching experience at bachelor’s and master’s level. Has taught courses of Financial and Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis, Accounting and Finance Communication. She has gained international experience by teaching at EBS Helsinki in Finland, at Aix-Marseille Graduate School of Management in France, and on Erasmus exchange at Oxford Brookes University in the UK. She has been involved in academic programme development both as the head and a member of different degree programme committees and has worked in a middle-level managerial position as the Head of the Language Centre at EBS.

Upon completion of the programme the student:

• Develops a broad and practical understanding of financial reporting in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (Knowledge) 
• Applies relevant specialist standards and methods to deal professionally with financial reporting issues. (Application) 
• Communicates financial information effectively to various stakeholders. (Social) 
• Recognises the importance of reporting and communicating financial information for professional decision-making purposes. (Individual) 
• Improves financial reasoning skills. (Transferable) 

To complete the microdegree, learners must pass all courses with at least a grade of E (51–60%). Assessment is course-based, with differentiated grading (A–F) based on practical tasks and learning outcomes.

• Higher secondary education degree or an equivalent qualification;
• Valid temporary residence permit or EU citizenship.
• Sufficient proficiency in English (B2)
• Passed online consultation with EBS consultant before August 25, 2026 

NB! Participants from non-EU countries: If you intend to take this microdegree or any other short-term courses (all Open university courses), you will not be issued a residence permit for your studies. Be sure you have a valid temporary resident permit already given.

Assessment is course-based, with differentiated grading based on practical tasks and learning outcomes of each course (tests, self-reflections, exams e.t.c)

The courses takes place at EBS’s modern campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3. Students have access to ergonomic classrooms, the EBS library, and the cloud-based Canvas learning platform. The study process is supported by online tools such as Canvas and MS Teams. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.