Strategic Business Reporting (Sbr-Int) : Syllabus and Study Guide
Strategic Business Reporting (Sbr-Int) : Syllabus and Study Guide
Strategic Business Reporting (Sbr-Int) : Syllabus and Study Guide
Strategic
Business
Reporting
(SBR- INT)
Syllabus and study guide
Contents
1. Intellectual levels .....................................3
2. Learning hours and education recognition
...................................................................3
3. The structure of ACCA qualification ........4
4. Guide to ACCA examination structure and
delivery mode .............................................5
5. Guide to ACCA examination assessment 7
6. Relational diagram linking Strategic
Business Reporting (SBR-INT) with other
exams .........................................................8
7. Approach to examining the syllabus ........8
8. Introduction to the syllabus......................9
9. Main capabilities ...................................11
10. The syllabus ........................................12
11. Detailed study guide............................13
12. Summary of changes to Strategic
Business Reporting (SBR-INT) .................18
For the format and structure of the From 2020, Strategic Professional exams
Corporate and Business Law or Taxation became available by computer based
variant exams, refer to the ‘Approach to examination. More detail regarding what
examining the syllabus’ section of the delivery mode is available in your market will
relevant syllabus and study guide. be on the ACCA global website.
The other Applied Skills examinations With Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills
(PM, TX-UK, FR, AA, and FM) contain a mix exams assessed by computer based exam,
of objective and longer type questions with a ACCA is committed to continuing on its
duration of three hours for 100 marks. These journey to assess all exams within the ACCA
are assessed by a three hour computer- Qualification using this delivery mode.
based exam. Prior to the start of each exam
there will be time allocated for students to be The question types used at Strategic
informed of the exam instructions. Professional require students to effectively
mimic what they would do in the workplace.
The longer (constructed response) question These exams offer ACCA the opportunity to
types used in the Applied Skills exams focus on the application of knowledge to
(excluding Corporate and Business Law) scenarios, using a range of tools including
require students to effectively mimic what word processor, spreadsheets and
they do in the workplace. Students will need presentation slides - not only enabling
to use a range of digital skills and students to demonstrate their technical and
demonstrate their ability to use spread professional skills but also their use of the
sheets and word processing tools in technology available to today’s accountants.
producing their answers, just as they would
use these tools in the workplace. These
assessment methods allow ACCA to focus
on testing students’ technical and application
skills, rather than, for example, their ability to
perform simple calculations.
Time management
ACCA encourages students to take time to
read questions carefully and to plan answers
but once the exam time has started, there
are no additional restrictions as to when
candidates may start producing their
answer.
This diagram shows links between this exam and other exams preceding or following it.
Some exams are directly underpinned by other exams such as Strategic Business Reporting
by Financial Reporting. This diagram indicates where students are expected to have
underpinning knowledge and where it would be useful to review previous learning before
undertaking study.
Students will be examined on concepts, theories, and principles, and on their ability to
question and comment on proposed accounting treatments.
Students should be capable of relating professional issues to relevant concepts and practical
situations. The evaluation of alternative accounting practices and the identification and
prioritisation of issues will be a key element of the exam. Professional and ethical judgement
will need to be exercised, together with the integration of technical knowledge when
addressing business reporting issues in a business context.
The exam also deals with specific professional knowledge appropriate to the preparation and
presentation of consolidated and other financial statements from accounting data, to conform
with accounting standards.
Section A
Section A will consist of two scenario based questions that will total 50 marks. The first
question will be based on the financial statements of group entities, or extracts thereof
(syllabus area D), and is also likely to require consideration of some financial reporting
issues (syllabus area C). Candidates should understand that in addition to the consideration
of the numerical aspects of group accounting a discussion and explanation of these numbers
will also be required. The first question will be worth 30 marks. The second question in
Section A, worth 20 marks, will require candidates to consider the reporting implications and
the ethical implications of specific events in a contemporary scenario.
Section B
Students will be required to answer a further two questions, each worth 25 marks, in Section
B, which may be scenario or case-study or essay based and will contain both discursive and
computational elements. Section B could deal with any aspect of the syllabus but will always
include either a full question, or part of a question, that requires the appraisal of financial
and/or non-financial information from either the preparer’s or another stakeholder’s
perspective.
Current issues
The current issues element of the paper (syllabus area F) may be examined in Section A or
B but will not be a full question; it is more likely to form part of another question.
The aim of the syllabus is to discuss, apply and evaluate the concepts, principles and practices
that underpin the preparation and interpretation of corporate reports in various contexts
including the ethical assessment of managements’ stewardship and the information needs of
a diverse group of stakeholders.
The syllabus for Strategic Business Reporting, assumes knowledge acquired at the
Fundamentals level including the core technical capabilities to prepare and analyse financial
reports for single and combined entities.
The syllabus requires students to examine corporate reporting from a number of perspectives,
not only from the point of view of the preparer of corporate reports, but also from the
perspective of a variety of different stakeholders such as finance providers. The syllabus
further requires the assessment and evaluation of the reporting decisions made by
management and their implications for a range of stakeholders and entities. It also explores
the professional and ethical responsibilities of the accountant to these stakeholders.
The subject matter of the syllabus requires students to have a cohesive understanding of the
IASB’s Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting® and to use the Framework as a basis
for judgement in applying International Financial Reporting Standards in corporate reports.
The syllabus considers both the principles and practices of IFRS® Standards and uses these
principles as a basis for the preparation of the financial statements of single entities and
groups.
The syllabus requires students to reflect on the usefulness of corporate reports to stakeholders
including developments in narrative reporting such as Integrated Reporting and to discuss the
nature of the information that would help stakeholders assess the future prospects of the
entity. This involves the analysis and interpretation of corporate reports, and the provision of
advice on the reporting implications of transactions.
The final section of the syllabus contains outcomes relating to the demonstration of
appropriate digital and employability skills in preparing for and taking the SBR examination.
This includes being able to access and open exhibits, requirements and response options
from different sources and being able to use the relevant functionality and technology to
prepare and present response options in a professional manner. These skills are specifically
developed by practicing and preparing for the SBR exam, using the learning support content
for computer-based exams available via the practice platform and the ACCA website and will
need to be demonstrated during the live exam.
9. Main capabilities
A Apply fundamental ethical and professional principles to ethical dilemmas and discuss
the consequences of unethical behaviour
B Evaluate the appropriateness of the financial reporting framework and critically discuss
changes in accounting regulation
NOTE the learning outcomes in Section C of the syllabus can apply to: single entities,
groups, public sector entities and not-for profit entities (where appropriate)
This diagram illustrates the flows and links between the main capabilities of the syllabus and
should be used as an aid to planning teaching and learning in a structured way.
B The financial reporting b) Discuss and apply the five step model
framework relating to revenue earned from a
contract with a customer.[3]
1. The applications, strengths and
weaknesses of an accounting c) Apply the criteria for recognition of
framework contract costs as an asset.[3]
a) Discuss the importance of the d) Discuss and apply the recognition and
Conceptual Framework for Financial measurement of revenue including
Reporting in underpinning the production performance obligations satisfied over
of accounting standards.[3] time, sale with a right of return,
warranties, variable consideration,
b) Discuss the objectives of financial principal versus agent considerations
reporting including disclosure of and non-refundable up-front fees.[3]
information that can be used to help
assess management’s stewardship of 2. Non-current assets
the entity’s resources and the limitations
of financial reporting.[3] a) Discuss and apply the recognition,
derecognition and measurement of non-
c) Discuss the nature of the qualitative current assets including impairments and
characteristics of useful financial revaluations.[3]
information.[3]
b) Discuss and apply the accounting
d) Explain the roles of prudence and requirements for the classification and
substance over form in financial measurement of non-current assets held
reporting.[3] for sale.[3]
e) Discuss the high level of measurement c) Discuss and apply the accounting
uncertainty that can make financial treatment of investment properties
information less relevant.[3] including classification, recognition,
measurement and change of use.[3]
the criteria for recognition and c) Discuss and apply the circumstances
measurement subsequent to where there may be re-measurement of
acquisition.[3] the lease liability.[3]
e) Discuss and apply the accounting d) Discuss and apply the reasons behind
treatment for borrowing costs.[2] the separation of the components of a
lease contract into lease and non-lease
3. Financial Instruments elements.[3]
a) Discuss and apply the initial recognition e) Discuss the recognition exemptions
and measurement of financial under the current leasing standard.[3]
instruments.[3]
f) Discuss and apply the principles behind
b) Discuss and apply the subsequent accounting for sale and leaseback
measurement of financial assets and transactions.[3]
financial liabilities.[3]
5. Employee benefits
c) Discuss and apply the derecognition of
financial assets and financial liabilities.[2] a) Discuss and apply the accounting
treatment of short term and long term
d) Discuss and apply the reclassification of employee benefits, termination benefits
financial assets.[2] and defined contribution and defined
benefit plans.[3]
e) Account for derivative financial
instruments, and simple embedded b) Account for gains and losses on
derivatives.[2] settlements and curtailments.[2]
f) Outline and apply the qualifying criteria c) Account for the “Asset Ceiling” test and
for hedge accounting and account for fair the reporting of actuarial gains and
value hedges and cash flow hedges losses.[2]
including hedge effectiveness[2]
6. Income taxes
g) Discuss and apply the general approach
to impairment of financial instruments a) Discuss and apply the recognition and
including the basis for estimating measurement of deferred tax liabilities
expected credit losses.[2] and deferred tax assets.[3]
b) Discuss and apply the accounting for c) Discuss and apply the judgements
events after the reporting period.[3] required in selecting and applying
accounting policies, accounting for
8. Share based payment changes in estimates and reflecting
corrections of prior period errors.[3]
a) Discuss and apply the recognition and
measurement of share-based payment d) Identify related parties and assess the
transactions.[3] implications of related party relationships
in the preparation of corporate reports.[3]
b) Account for modifications, cancellations
and settlements of share-based payment D Financial statements of
transactions.[2] groups of entities
9. Fair Value Measurement 1. Group accounting including
statements of cash flows
a) Discuss and apply the definitions of ‘fair
value’ measurement and ‘active
market’.[3] a) Discuss and apply the principles behind
determining whether a business
b) Discuss and apply the ‘fair value combination has occurred.[2]
hierarchy’.[3]
b) Discuss and apply the method of
c) Discuss and apply the principles of accounting for a business combination
highest and best use, most including identifying an acquirer and the
advantageous and principal market.[3] principles in determining the cost of a
business combination.[2]
d) Explain the circumstances where an
entity may use a valuation technique.[3] c) Apply the recognition and measurement
criteria for identifiable acquired assets
10. Reporting requirements of small and and liabilities including contingent
medium-sized entities (SMEs) amounts and intangible assets.[3]
a) Discuss the key differences in d) Discuss and apply the accounting for
accounting treatment between full IFRS goodwill and non-controlling interest.[3]
Standards and the IFRS for SMEs
Standard®.[3] e) Apply the accounting principles relating
to a business combination achieved in
b) Discuss and apply the simplifications stages.[3]
introduced by the IFRS for SMEs
Standard.[3] f) Discuss and apply the application of the
control principle.[2]
11. Other reporting issues
g) Determine and apply appropriate
a) Discuss and apply the accounting procedures to be used in preparing
for, and disclosure of, government consolidated financial statements.[3]
grants and other forms of
government assistance.[2] h) Discuss and apply the implications of
changes in ownership interest and loss
b) Outline the principles behind the of control.[3]
application of accounting policies
and measurement in interim i) Prepare group financial statements
reports.[2] where activities have been discontinued,
or have been acquired or disposed of in
the period.[3]
ACCA periodically reviews its qualification syllabuses so that they fully meet the needs of
stakeholders such as employers, students, regulatory and advisory bodies and learning
providers.
The main areas which have been added to the syllabus are summarised in the table below.
E1e Discuss how integrated reporting For clarity, increased the focus on
improves the understanding of stakeholder perspective rather than
the relationship between detailed knowledge of the Integrated
financial and non-financial Reporting Framework
performance and of how a
company creates sustainable
value
F1c Discussion of solutions to Updating for current issues and clarifying
current issues in financial the scope and include examples such as
reporting digital assets and global events