Accounting
| Exam Type: | Linear 2 year A-Level |
| Exam Board: | AQA |
About the Course
You will gain an understanding of the double entry model and accounting principles and concepts as these form the foundation of all financial accounting techniques. You will need to demonstrate quantitative skills that are relevant to the subject. Accounting students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the formulae used for computations, carry out computations and use the results of computations to inform judgements, solve problems and make decisions.
You will develop your ability to write effectively so that you can report to stakeholders, make logical arguments and provide sound judgements based on analysis of available evidence and take account of financial and non-financial factors. You will need to keep up to date with financial news including announcements concerning the performance of leading UK businesses, and be given the opportunity to investigate their published accounts.
It is expected that students should have achieved at least a GCSE Grade 6 in English and Mathematics and feel comfortable working with figures. No prior knowledge of Accounting is required although a GCSE in Business Studies would be helpful and if studied should be at Grade 6.
- An introduction to the role of the accountant in business
- Types of business organisation
- The double entry model
- Verification of accounting records
- Accounting concepts used in the preparation of accounting records
- Preparation of financial statements of sole traders
- Limited company accounts
- Analysis and evaluation of financial information
- Budgeting
- Marginal costing
- Standard costing and variance analysis
- Absorption and activity based costing
- Capital investment appraisal
- Accounting for organisations with incomplete records
- Partnership accounts
- Accounting for limited companies
- Interpretation, analysis and communication of accounting information
- The impact of ethical considerations
| Exam title | Subject Content | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Sections 1–8, 14–18 of the subject content | written exam: 3 hours |
| Paper 2 | Sections 1–3, 8–13, 17–18 of the subject content | written exam: 3 hours |
As long as money makes it go round, the world will need its accountants. Sure, accountants and finance professionals have to move with the times and stay up-to-date, but the profession is unlikely to expire anytime soon.
Accountants record, classify, summarise, interpret and communicate the financial information about a business. You can apply this to any company, in any field, industry, sector – you name it. Better still, you could be working across a number of industries. You can progress to accounting or finance at University or pursue one of the many apprenticeships that are available in accounting.
