Accounting

Why study Accounting?

• This course helps students to understand the responsibilities of the accountant and how this impacts on a business and the wider environment.
• Learners will build knowledge and understanding, developing the ability to solve financial problems logically and analyse financial data methodically. You will gain experience in financial analysis and making written recommendations based on scenarios.
• The course suits numerate learners who wish to pursue an A level that will lead to a career using accountancy skills, for example, in banking, insurance, retail, central government, public services or perhaps even your own business.
• Learners will gain core knowledge of financial accounting as well as cost and management accounting.

Why study Accounting at Solihull Sixth Form College?

• You will develop problem solving and analytical skills; and understand the role of an accountant and how their work impacts business decision-making and the wider environment.
• You will learn about the preparation of financial statements and management accounting records, both to meet statutory reporting obligations and in order to support management decisions.
• As well as the performance of a range of calculations and accounting procedures, you will carry out detailed analysis of financial information; report on your findings to a range of stakeholders; reach reasoned conclusions and make recommendations for management decision-making.

Course Outline

The course involves the preparation of financial statements for statutory purposes, and management accounts in support of financial planning and management decisions. There will be both standard classroom and computer room lessons. The two papers sat at the end of this two-year linear course, broadly break down the course into these two areas. Both papers however require learners to interpret and analyse financial information, in order to form reasoned arguments, reach reasonable conclusions and make recommendations.

The course breaks down more specifically into the following topic areas:
• 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

Assessment

Examination (100%)
Coursework (0%)
Examining Board – AQA

There are 2 examination papers, sat at the end of two years, each contributing 50% towards the qualification, totalling 120 marks and lasting 3 hours. Each paper has 3 sections: Section A comprising 10 multiple choice questions and short answer totalling 30 marks; Section B has two structured questions each totalling 20 marks; Section C comprising two extended answer questions each worth 25 marks.

Special Entry Requirements

Learners must achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics. Be aware this is a numerate A level so an aptitude for mathematics is important. In addition, the College’s standard A level entry requirements apply.

Prohibited Options

None. A level Accounting combines very well with Business, Law, Economics and Mathematics or Statistics.

What do our learners go on to do?

It is an outstanding A level option for those considering further study of Accountancy or Financial Management at University and the undertaking of further professional accountancy qualifications, whilst working in industry or accountancy and business advisory practices. The world’s largest Accountancy and Business Advisory firms take students both at the end of their A level studies and following University and provide a plethora of opportunities including Audit and Accountancy services, Forensic Accounting, Corporate Finance, Corporate Recovery and Business Consulting services. Study of accounting therefore opens up a wide variety of options within Business, Banking, Insurance, Corporate Law, and Business Advisory fields. Chief Executive Officers of the FTSE 250 businesses are usually fully qualified Accountants, as well as their Finance Directors, and study of A-level Accounting could well set you on this exciting path.

Cost Implications

None.

This information is correct for September 2024 entry.