Full Time AS/ A2 Accounting

Accounting AS/A2

Entry Requirements
The nature of the course does involve figures and the manipulation of them and therefore a grade C in GCSE Maths is seen as the minimum to start the course.

Course content
The aim of the course is to enable you to develop skills of communication, presentation, analysis, interpretation, application and evaluation of accounting information.
AS: Year 1
You will learn the fundamentals of record-keeping and the purposes, techniques and consequences of effective financial accounting. You will consider how financial accounting helps in the measuring, monitoring and planning of successful business operations. You will study business ownership, control, profitability, performance and budgeting.
Unit 1: Purpose of accounting; accounting records, verifying accounts, profit and loss accounts and balance sheets.
Unit 2: Types of business organisation; accounting concepts; accounts and balance sheets of sole traders and limited companies; introduction to budgeting and budgetary control and the impact of ICT in accounting.
A2: Year 2
You will develop an understanding of financial accounting techniques for businesses without a complete accounting system, for partnerships and for limited companies.
You will study in greater depth how accounting techniques aid business management and decision-making. You will look at costing, capital investment, budgeting and sources of finance as well as considering social accounting issues.
Unit 3: Sources of finance; incomplete records; partnership accounts; published accounts of limited companies; accounting standard and stock valuation.
Unit 4: Manufacturing accounts; marginal, absorption and activity based costing; standard costing and variance analysis and capital investment appraisal.

How Will I Be Assessed?
For AS there are 2 x 1 hour written examinations and for A2 there are 2 x 2 hour papers. There is no coursework.

What Could I Do Next?
Accounts can be seen as a starting point for further study in this subject at university or a route to many specialist areas in the world of finance. Those thinking of self-employment would also find the course beneficial because of the practical nature of its content.

Are There Any Special Expenses?
None.