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Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures

An Interactive 10-Day Training Course

Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures

An In-depth Guide for Oil and Gas Professionals

NASBA
Classroom Schedule
Date Venue Fees
27 Apr - 08 May 2026 Dubai $ 11,900
18 - 29 May 2026 Kigali $ 11,900
15 - 26 Jun 2026 Istanbul $ 11,900
03 - 14 Aug 2026 London $ 11,900
24 Aug - 04 Sep 2026 Dubai $ 11,900
12 - 23 Oct 2026 Lisbon $ 11,900
23 Nov - 04 Dec 2026 Dubai $ 11,900
28 Dec - 08 Jan 2027 London $ 11,900
04 - 15 Jan 2027 Dubai $ 11,900
15 - 26 Mar 2027 London $ 11,900
Online Schedule
Date Venue Fees
18 - 29 May 2026 Online $ 7,900

Course Summary

The Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures training course provides in-depth knowledge of upstream petroleum contracts, their key legal and fiscal terms, and how to negotiate and manage them effectively. Participants explore the practical application of different contract types including production sharing, service, concession, and joint operating agreements, gaining clarity on essential contractual constructs and negotiation frameworks. The training course also develops participants’ understanding of accounting and auditing standards, policies, and practices relevant to upstream petroleum companies, helping improve the relevance, reliability, and strategic use of financial information.

Across ten days of focused learning, professionals will strengthen their ability to analyse upstream contractual structures, benchmark performance using publicly available data, and apply best practices in internal audit planning, control, and reporting. Emphasis is placed on integrating technical contract knowledge with practical accounting and auditing skills critical to financial stability and improved organisational performance. The Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures training course equips delegates to contribute strategically to organisational success within the upstream petroleum sector.

Skills & Competencies

From this Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures training course, participants will develop the following key skills and competencies:

  • Upstream petroleum contract analysis
  • Fiscal and legal negotiation capability
  • Accounting standards application (IFRS)
  • Internal auditing process proficiency
  • Financial reporting reliability enhancement
  • Strategic performance benchmarking

Modules

This training course is split into the following modules:

Module I - Upstream Petroleum Contracts

Module II - Upstream Petroleum Accounting

Key Learning Outcomes

At the end of Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures training course, you will learn to:

  • Gain a full understanding of different types of upstream petroleum contracts.
  • Incorporate best contractual terms and approaches to negotiation.
  • Understand accounting and auditing standards, policies, and practices used in the upstream sector.
  • Improve relevance and reliability of financial reports to meet user needs.
  • Efficiently plan, control, and record audit assignments in line with best practices.

How You Will Learn

Participants will gain comprehensive understanding through structured presentations by experienced practitioners and interactive sessions designed to broaden participants’ perspectives. The methodology includes negotiation exercises, case studies from the upstream petroleum sector, group discussions, and practical exercises to ensure delegates leave with transferable skills and up-to-date knowledge of international practices.

Who should Attend?

This training course is designed for professionals involved in petroleum contracts management, finance, accounting, and audit roles, especially within the upstream oil and gas sector.

This Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

  • Senior contract negotiators and managers
  • Legal managers and legal counsel
  • Corporate accountants and financial controllers
  • Treasury officers and management accountants
  • Internal, external, and joint venture auditors
  • Commercial, financial, and project management personnel
  • Government regulators and auditors
Course Outline

Module I: Upstream Petroleum Contracts

Day 1

Introduction and Overview of Upstream Petroleum Contracts

This day introduces participants to the upstream oil and gas industry, the legal framework for contracts, and fundamental terminology. It covers contract formation principles and industry structure. The topics covered will include:
  • Brief Overview of the O&G Industry
  • Oil and Gas Terminology
  • The Legal Framework to Upstream Contracts
  • Introduction to Contract Formation
  • Key Oil and Gas Terminology
  • Oil and Gas Industry Structure
  • Relationship between Different Players in the Oil and Gas Industry
  • Phases of the Oil and Gas Industry
  • Oil and Gas Contract Fundamentals and Legal Principles
  • Territorial Water, Continental Shelf and United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Day 2

Contracting in The Upstream Sector: Ownership and Licensing

This day examines ownership of reserves, licensing agreements, and host government roles, including concession and joint venture frameworks. The topics covered will include:
  • Ownership and Exploitation of Reserves
    • The ABCs of Petroleum Contracts: License-Concession Agreements, Joint Ventures, and Production-sharing Agreements
    • Characteristics of Upstream Contracts
    • Commercial Realities of the Oil and Gas Business
    • Agreement with Resource Holders
    • Ownership of Oil and Gas
    • Risk Service Contracts (RSCs)
    • Grant of Rights by Resource Holder
  • Host Country's Legal and Regulatory Framework and Fiscal Regime - Stabilization
    • Role of Host Government
    • Key Issues in International Oil and Gas Contracts
    • Negotiation Framework and Strategy - Objectives of Host Countries / NOCs and IOCs
  • Host Government‘s Role in Upstream (Exploration & Production (E&P)) Agreements
    • Overview of Upstream Operations and E&P Agreements (types and trends by region)
    • Key Differences between Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), Concessions, Service Contracts and JV Contracts
    • Role of Host Government in Upstream Contracts
Day 3

Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) & Joint Operating Agreements (JOA)

This day focuses on production sharing contract financial terms and the structure of joint operating agreements. The topics covered will include:
  • Commercial Terms in Licensing and Concession Agreements
    • Fiscal Arrangements, License Fees
    • Five Key Financial Aspects to a PSC:
    • Royalty, The R factor
    • Cost Oil
    • Profit Oil
    • Taxation
    • Bonuses, Penalties
    • PSC – Cash Flow Distribution
    • PSC – CF Distribution Example – Year N+1
    • Comparison of Fiscal Systems
  • Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs)
    • What is a Joint Operating Agreement (JOA)?
    • Nature, Aim and Functions of a Joint Venture
    • Government Approval
    • Key Areas of the JOA
    • Purpose and Scope: Participating Interests
Day 4

Service Contracts, Farm-In and Farm-Out and Unitization - Risk Bearing and Non- Risk Bearing Service Contracts

This day explores participation agreements, interests allocation, and unitization practices critical to flexible upstream operations. The topics covered will include:
  • Participation Agreements (Farm-in and Farm-out)
    • Agreements for Farm-ins and Farm-outs
    • Nature of the Farm-out
    • Subject Matter of the Farm-out
    • Interest Assigned and Reserved
    • Assignment of Interest
  • Unitization and Unit Operating Agreements (UUOAs)
    • What is unitization?
    • Unitization in Practice
    • Government Approval
    • Transboundary Unitization
Day 5

Negotiating Production Sharing Contracts

This day covers negotiation strategy, government take, dispute resolution, and stabilisation clauses, reinforced through simulations. The topics covered will include:
  • Government Take
  • Production Share and Cost Recovery
  • Local Content
  • Force Majeure
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Stabilization and Renegotiation Provisions
Negotiation Simulation Exercise
  • Negotiation a PSA with a Government Entity
  • Objective: The objective is to establish what can be achieved in the meeting, what preparation is needed for it and what strategy should be adopted and then to pursue this strategy
  • Feedback Session
Negotiation of Oil and Gas Disputes
  • Importance of Negotiation in Oil and Gas Business
  • Disadvantages of Competitive or Positional Negotiation
  • Principled Negotiation between the Parties to Achieve Best Results

Module II: Upstream Petroleum Accounting

Day 6

Major Accounting & Auditing Issues in the Upstream Petroleum Sector

This day introduces the key accounting and auditing challenges facing the upstream petroleum sector and explores the impact of financial fluctuations on strategic development. The topics covered will include:   

  • The Latest Accounting & Auditing Issues Facing the Sector
  • The Impact of Commodity Prices, Currency & Interest Rate Fluctuations and Political and Environmental Developments
  • The Impact of Financial and Accounting Issues on Strategic Development and Growth within the Sector
  • The Annual Reports & Financial Statements of Leading International Petroleum Companies
  • An Overview of IFRS in Relation to Upstream Oil & Gas Accounting
  • The Role of Auditing
Day 7

Accounting for Revenue & Costs in the Upstream Petroleum Sector

This day focuses on revenue recognition under IFRS, cost accounting methods, and profitability evaluation specific to upstream operations. The topics covered will include:  

  • Revenue Recognition & IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers
  • Costs in Acquisition, Exploration, Development and Production
  • IFRS 6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Assets
  • Accounting Approaches - The "Successful Efforts" (SE) Method or the "Full Cost" (FC) Method
  • Break Even Oil, Cost Oil & Profit Oil
  • Evaluating Profitability of Leading International Oil & Gas Companies
Day 8

Accounting for Assets in the Upstream Petroleum Sector

This day develops skills in asset accounting, including depletion, depreciation, and IFRS treatment of provisions and financial instruments. The topics covered will include:   

  • Reserves & Resources
  • IAS 16: Property, Plant and Equipment
  • Depletion, Depreciation & Amortisation (“DD&A”)
  • IAS 36: Impairment of Assets
  • IAS 37 – 39 : Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, Intangible Assets and Financial Instruments
  • Evaluating the Assets & Reserves of Leading International Petroleum Companies
Day 9

Creative Accounting, Corporate Governance & Auditing

This day examines creative accounting, governance roles, and the responsibilities of audit committees and internal audit processes. The topics covered will include:   

  • Creative Accounting
  • Corporate Governance
  • Published Financial Statements
  • The Role of the Board & Audit Committee
  • External Auditing - Reporting to investors in the Oil & Gas industry
  • Internal Auditing - Defining and Developing the Internal Audit Process
Day 10

The Internal Audit Function

This day focuses on establishing internal audit capabilities and conducting thorough audit examinations leading to effective control and reporting. The topics covered will include:   

  • Establishing the Roles & Staff within the Internal Audit Department
  • The Various Types of Audits
  • Planning & Commencing Internal Audit Examinations
  • Controls & Substantive Tests
  • Communicating Audit Findings
  • The Audit Exit Conference Meeting & Post-Audit Reviews
Certificates
  • On successful completion of this training course, GLOMACS Certificate will be awarded to the delegates.
  • Continuing Professional Education credits (CPE): In accordance with the standards of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, one CPE credit is granted per 50 minutes of attendance.
Providers and Associations

Endorsed Education Provider

NASBA

In Association With

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NASBA

Customisation & In-House Delivery

Delivering this training course in-house enables organisations to align petroleum contract and financial audit learning with their specific operational, fiscal, and regulatory environments. Customisation ensures that content reflects local contract frameworks, industry practices, and organisational priorities, enhancing relevance and practical impact for teams involved in upstream petroleum operations.

Why Choose Saudi GLOMACS?

Saudi GLOMACS is the official Saudi Arabian division of GLOMACS International (glomacs.com), delivering internationally recognised training courses both within Saudi Arabia and across international locations. Our training courses are aligned with the highest professional and institutional standards, supported by a strong understanding of the professional landscape in Saudi Arabia and access to global expertise.

Saudi GLOMACS enables professionals and organisations to strengthen leadership, capability, and long-term excellence through consistently high-quality learning experiences.

Official Saudi Presence

Official Saudi Arabian division of GLOMACS with established global credibility.

International Benchmarks

Internationally benchmarked training courses aligned with professional best practices.

Trusted Across Sectors

Trusted by professionals and institutions across public and private sectors.

Flexible Delivery

Training courses delivered within Saudi Arabia and across international locations.

Additional Benefits of this course for Organisations and Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Organisations & Professionals in KSA will have the following additional benefits from this Upstream Petroleum Contracts, Accounting & Auditing Policies and Procedures training course:

  • Enhanced ability to negotiate and administer upstream petroleum contracts
  • Improved financial reporting and audit function performance
  • Strengthened risk awareness and mitigation capability
  • Higher confidence in benchmarking industry performance
  • Better alignment of accounting practice with IFRS for hydrocarbon sectors
  • Greater strategic contribution to organisational growth and stability
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Frequently Asked Question

No. Saudi GLOMACS delivers courses in Saudi Arabia and internationally, including delivery across Europe and Asia. This allows organisations and professionals to access training both locally and abroad.

No. While governance and leadership are part of the portfolio, Saudi GLOMACS delivers training across the entire business and professional lifecycle, including administrative, technical, legal, regulatory, and sector-specific training.

No. Our training courses are delivered globally through international locations and online platforms, enabling participants from Saudi Arabia and around the world to learn together. This global delivery approach ensures exposure to diverse perspectives, international best practices, and cross-cultural insights while maintaining strong relevance to regional and organisational needs.

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Yes. Saudi GLOMACS designs and delivers bespoke in-house training tailored to organisational objectives, sector requirements, and workforce needs. Training can be delivered in Saudi Arabia or internationally, depending on requirements.

Yes, in-house and customised strategy training courses are available to support organisations seeking tailored strategic capability development. These courses can be aligned with your industry context, organisational challenges, and long-term strategic objectives.

For further details or to discuss customisation requirements, you may call or WhatsApp +966 (54) 286 8546 or email [email protected] . You can also submit a detailed enquiry through our in-house training page at: https://sa.glomacs.com/in-house-seminars

If you would like further information about these training courses, our team is available to provide professional guidance and support. We are pleased to assist with course selection, the registration process, and any other related enquiries.

For personalised assistance or detailed enquiries, please contact our team on +966 (54) 286 8546 or email us at [email protected]

Courses delivered in Saudi Arabia are adapted to reflect local regulatory frameworks, organisational structures, sector conditions, and professional expectations. This ensures training is relevant, practical, and aligned with Saudi workplace realities.

GLOMACS has been delivering professional training for over thirty years, with courses delivered across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other international markets.

Saudi GLOMACS combines three decades of global training experience with a clear focus on Saudi market relevance. This allows it to deliver training that is both internationally credible and locally applicable, across a broader range of disciplines than niche or single-focus providers.

Saudi GLOMACS is a Saudi-based professional training provider delivering courses tailored to the Saudi market and applicable internationally. It operates within the global GLOMACS framework and draws on more than three decades of international training experience.

Saudi GLOMACS offers professional training across a wide range of disciplines, including administration, leadership and management, governance and regulation, law, oil and gas, energy, engineering, finance, digital technologies, and sector-specific specialisations.

Training supports professionals across all career stages, from operational roles to specialist and senior responsibilities.

Participants include professionals from public sector, semi-government, and private sector organisations, across a wide range of roles and industries. Attendees range from administrative and operational professionals to technical specialists, managers, and senior decision-makers.

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