Governance, Regulation and Compliance

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/E_ACC_GRC

Course Objective

A company has a variety of accounting and governance obligations. This course will focus on the intersection between accounting and governance. This course is about the role of the company in relation to governance, regulation and compliance. We will bring up the positions of directors and accounting professionals with regard to the company's operations and their tasks and responsibilities. We will discuss a selection of topics relating to governance, regulation and compliance and will train you in establishing connections between accounting and governance obligations. After following this course:
- You have knowledge of and insight into the corporate governance of Dutch NV’s and BV’s (bridging theory and practice – knowledge & application);
- You have knowledge of and insight in the problems related to Dutch (capital) companies, i.e capital/asset protection and prudent asset management, liability of directors and auditors (bridging theory and practice – knowledge & application);
- You have knowledge of the subjects relating to governance and regulation & compliance and regulation discussed below (bridging theory and practice – knowledge). The objective of this course is to deepen the participants' knowledge and insight into the workings of companies and juridical issues related to the company as a legal form. This is an essential part of the context in which accounting and control operates (bridging theory and practice – knowledge & application). You should then be able to:
- Analyse accounting and control issues from the relevant dimensions of governance, regulation and compliance (academic and research skills)
- Formulate a reasoned opinion on questions concerning governance, regulation and compliance (academic and research skills)
- reflect on the legal responsibilities of organizations and their management as well as corporate responsibility, compliance, disciplinary law and professional ethics. (broadening your horizon, responsibility).

Course Content

Governance and regulation The basis of the course is company law, where we will focus on the following topics: introduction to European company law and global concepts of company law and governance, corporate governance, capital/asset protection and prudent asset management, liability of directors and auditors. The subjects will focus on Dutch law regarding limited liability companies (NV and BV). Compliance and regulation We will discuss relevant compliance aspects regarding internal and external control: such as financial reporting law, relying on information in fulfilling duties, the chain of responsibility and ESG compliance. Furthermore we will deal with the internal control system especially with regard to exposure to legal risk. Finally we will discuss professional ethics and regulation. The subjects form a basic toolbox of accounting and governance. They are relevant to your career in accounting and control. We will discuss the subjects in a practical way.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, study group

Method of Assessment

Written examination and optional quizzes and/or assignments

Literature

- Documents placed on Canvas

Recommended background knowledge

Basic knowledge of legislation and jurisdiction in the Netherlands