Summary

Accounting is the language of business, and being able to speak that language will benefit you, whether you choose to start your own business or work for somebody else. Accounting complements other subjects, particularly business, economics and law.

A large aspect of the course is looking at financial accounting. Therefore, the course enables students to develop their understanding of how different organisations develop and maintain their financial records, as well as measure expenditure, profit and loss.

At AS level, we look at the financial accounting system, particularly bookkeeping and how to prepare the financial statements of sole traders and limited companies. These are the income statement, used to calculate the profit or loss that the business has earned in the year, and the statement of financial position, used to show the financial position of the business.

At A2, we consider the financial statements of partnerships and expand on the limited company knowledge from AS by studying the published accounts of companies. Finally, we look at management accounting – how to calculate the costs of a product and use information for decision-making.

How will I know how I am doing?

The AS level (end of Year 1) consists of a single three-hour exam in three sections: ten multiple-choice questions, four structured answers using information and numbers provided, and two extended questions.

The A-level (end of Year 2) consists of two three-hour exams, as above: one on financial accounting and one on management accounting.

What do I need to join?

You will need to achieve five grades 4 to 9 in your GCSEs, including English and Maths.

What can I do next?

Learners who take A-level Accounting can progress onto university to study accounting, or any business-related courses where their accounting knowledge will be invaluable. Alternatively, they can move straight into a career in accounting, study for AAT (Institute of Accounting Technicians)exams or begin their full professional qualifications with the ICAEW (Chartered Accountants) ACCA (Certified Accountants) or CIMA (Management Accountants).