Derivatives and Hedging for Accountants FLEXCAST

Overview

A derivative is a financial product that derives its value based on an underlying asset, liability, or other variable (such as an interest rate, foreign currency, or commodity price). Derivatives have become very popular tools for ‘hedging’ (i.e. reducing) financial risk; they have also become an increasingly standard item on big companies’ balance sheets. Yet understanding how derivatives and hedging work, what they are used for, and how they can affect the bottom line of a business has proven to be a significant challenge for the accounting and auditing industries. This course provides an ‘accountant-friendly’ overview of financial risk management and derivative instruments. This overview focuses on the various types of risk that impact financial markets today, as well as the four major categories of derivatives commonly used to hedge these risks (i.e. forwards, futures, swaps, and options).

Highlights

Introduction to derivatives and hedging. Forwards futures. Swaps. Options.

Prerequisites

None.

Designed For

CPAs, auditors, consultants, and financial and managerial professionals.

Objectives

Recognize the various types of risk that impact financial markets, noting defining characteristics and examples. Identify proper financial risk management practices. Cite examples of tools used to manage financial risk, noting the basic types of derivative instruments and their usage. Cite examples of forward contracts, noting their unique characteristics. Identify appropriate hedging practices using forward contracts. Calculate the payoff from a forward contract. Calculate forward prices, noting the effects of arbitrage on forward pricing.

Preparation

None.

Notice

This is a FlexCast (no exam required) and may be viewed only Monday - Saturday, 5am - 5pm PT. You may take up to one year from the date of purchase to complete the course. Pause your FlexCast and resume at a convenient day during the hours above. Partial credit for 2+ credit courses: If you are unable to complete the course in one sitting, partial credit can be awarded (minimum of one credit). To earn the remaining credits, you must return later and start the course from the beginning. Use chat to ask questions of a subject matter expert during the program.