Why should I study Accounting?

Accounting is an interesting and challenging subject which will give you an insight into the preparation and techniques needed to produce financial accounts as well as the role of accounting in business decision making. The course is of interest to anyone wishing to pursue a career in accounting or who wishes to know more about the financial side of business management.

What will I study?

AS Units

Unit 1: Introduction to Financial Accounting

• Purposes of accounting
• Accounting records: subsidiary books and ledger accounts
• Verification of accounting records
• Trading and profit and loss accounts and balance sheets including simple adjustments.

This represents 50% of the total AS Level marks.

Unit 2: Financial and Management Accounting

• Types of business organisation
• Accounting concepts
• Further aspects of the preparation of the final accounts and balance sheets of sole traders
• Internal final accounts of limited companies
• Ratio analysis and the assessment of business performance
• Introduction to budgeting and budgetary control
• The impact of ICT in Accounting.

This represents 50% of the total AS Level marks.

A2 Units

Unit 3: Further Aspects of Financial Accounting

• Sources of finance
• Incomplete records
• Partnership accounts
• Published accounts of limited companies
• Stock valuation

This represents 50% of the total A Level mark.

Unit 4: Further Aspects of Management Accounting

• Manufacturing costs
• Marginal, absorption and activity based costing
• Standard costing and variance analysis
• Capital investment appraisal
• Budgeting: further considerations
• Other factors affecting decision making: social accounting.

This represents 50% of the total A Level mark.

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements plus at least a C in GCSE Maths. Two GCSE subjects at grade B or above would be an advantage.

What skills do I need?

• The ability to interpret, analyse and evaluate numerical information.
• The ability to handle simple numerical concepts.
• Ability to problem solve.
• A willingness to learn layouts and procedures.

How will I be taught?

A range of teaching methods will be used to encourage your learning. Lessons will involve paired and group work challenges, exam practice with particular emphasis on perfecting technical skills. The course is also supported by on line materials.

How is the course assessed?

Each unit at AS is assessed by a 1½ hour written examination. This requires you to calculate and construct accounts and to be able to problem-solve.
Each unit at A2 Level is examined by 2 two hour examinations.

What will this course prepare me for?

A head-start with career paths within accountancy, and many business degree courses which enable you to progress to a whole range of careers

Private Study

As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?

Calculator

Examining Board

AQA

Accounting is for you if

You like solving problems, are hard-working and interested in "maths for business".

Accounting is not for you if

You just like doing sums, don'tlike exams, or want an easy subject.

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