Tax and Auditing Department

The students learn to understand the current financial and tax policy debate and how to master their first applications of tax law. In addition, they familiarize themselves with the main types of corporate taxes, work on simple problems, and learn about obligations and rights in the taxation process.

The students already know the basics of determining profit. Building on their knowledge in the field of commercial balance sheets, they will improve their ability to identify the main approach and valuation problems in the tax balance sheet and to solve them in compliance with the objectives of balance sheet policy.

The students are introduced to the principles of orderly computer-supported accounting systems and the use of specialized software. They have the possibility to acquire a certificate (driver’s license for Datev).

Building on previously acquired knowledge in tax theory, students learn the basics and structuring options of income-based taxes such as income tax, corporate income tax and trade tax. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the EY Tax Challenge.

In the International Accounting option, students learn to prepare individual and consolidated financial statements in accordance with international accounting standards (IFRS), while taking the accounting policy objectives under consideration.

In the Auditing option, students learn the basics of auditing annual financial statements and other audits. The audit approach and the procedure for auditing annual financial statements, including risk assessment, are explained and discussed using case studies.

In this course, students deepen their knowledge of financial and tax accounting and annual financial statements.

In Tax I, the focus is on income-based taxes such as income tax, corporate income tax, and trade tax, particularly in regard to business income.

In the Tax IIa module, students deepen their knowledge of procedural tax law and the fundamentals of criminal tax law in relation to the German Fiscal Code and Code of Procedure for Fiscal Courts.

Tax IIb covers VAT and inheritance tax as well as valuation law. Here students are able to make recommendations on how to optimize structures with regard to taxation.

Building on the other modules, the module Tax IIIa presents the tax consequences of a reorganization and discusses them on a case-by-case basis.

With international tax law, Tax IIIb offers students a global perspective of the legislative situation.

In the Exam Prep Course, students are brought up to date in previously covered tax areas using current German Federal Fiscal Court rulings.

Students learn the correct examination techniques for the tax consultant exam based on adjustments made after a tax audit.

During these classes, students learn about Audicon’s IDEA data analysis software and how to use it in the field.

In Regulations and Ethics of the Profession, students learn about the rights and obligations of the profession of tax consultant and auditor.

Students expand their knowledge in the areas of consolidated financial statements, financial statement analysis and methodological accounting issues. In addition, economics topics are taught in English.

Students deepen their knowledge of audit documentation, reporting the results of audits and quality assurance standards in auditing practices. Students discuss case studies and the International Standards on Auditing in English.

In Auditing VI, students learn how to carry out legally mandated and other special purpose audits independently and properly. Another focus is on the critical assessment and discussion of existing external quality control systems, public auditor oversight and the enforcement of proper accounting. In addition, students acquire knowledge of IT systems relevant for accounting so they are able to understand the impact of IT on the annual financial statements and their auditing.

Building on students’ previous knowledge, this module deals with the financially relevant areas of the German Civil Code (BGB) and the German Commercial Code (HGB) using a case-based approach.

In Law II, students learn about corporate law in detail, enabling them to make and justify decisions on the choice of company form.

In Law III, students acquire business law expertise on various group structures and are familiarized with reorganization law. Insolvency law is also part of this module.

In this tutorial, all legal fields of the first three semesters are updated and repeated.

Students understand the regulatory objectives of capital market and takeover law, know the disclosure obligations, and are able to assess the legal consequences of breaches of duty. They deepen their basic knowledge of European law and are able to analyze and evaluate the interactions between national and European authorities.

In the Anglo-American Law module, you will learn English legal terminology, equipping you to later advise international clients.