module specification

AC4002A - Introduction to Accounting (Study Abroad) (2019/20)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2019/20
Module title Introduction to Accounting (Study Abroad)
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 15
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Total study hours 150
 
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
105 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
In-Course Test 40%   In-class test
Coursework 60%   Individual report
Running in 2019/20

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Monday Afternoon

Module summary

This module focuses on the accounting requirements of business organisations for external reporting.  It will examine the financial accounting techniques for sole traders and limited companies . 

Module aims

  1. to enable students to understand the underlying principles of the financial processes and to prepare/construct relevant accounting statements
  2. to enable students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of accounting information systems and how they relate to the decision making uses of financial accounting statements
  3. to enable students to analyse and interpret the financial accounting statements of a limited company
  4. to enable students to understand the context of the professional accountancy framework.

The module also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular:
- academic writing skills;
- communication skills, including oral presentation skills;
- application of knowledge and presenting data
- numeracy/ quantitative
- commercial awareness.

Syllabus

1. cash budgets, the income statement, the statement of financial position, the statement of cash flows
2.  accounting adjustments and double-entry bookkeeping, simple suspense and control accounts
3.  company finance and company accounting statements
4.  interpreting financial statements.
 

Learning and teaching

The learning and teaching strategy for the module is based upon key principles and techniques being introduced in a weekly 1 hour lecture which students then develop and practice using seminar examples.  The week-by-week content of the module runs alongside the topics covered in the core textbook.  Students will use the online resource centre accompanying the textbook which has additional practice questions and answers, flashcard glossaries of key terms, multiple choice questions, PowerPoint slides and a test bank.

Students will be responsible for attempting set questions in advance of seminar groups.  Reflective learning will take place in the evaluation of the appropriateness of professional body frameworks which will be part of the coursework.

Learning outcomes

On completing the module students will be able to :

  1. construct a set of financial accounting statements for a sole trader and a  limited company, highlight the decision making needs of external users of financial reports and understand and implement the underlying concepts and conventions
  2. understand and effectively use the double-entry system of bookkeeping including simple suspense and control accounts
  3. calculate, interpret and understand the limitations of a set of accounting ratios for a limited company

Assessment strategy

The assessment strategy for the module will comprise two elements.  The in-class test will assess basic financial accounting techniques, the coursework will require students to prepare an individual report and construct final accounting statements for a limited company and a reflective essay on the professional accountancy framework. 

Bibliography

Core textbook
Carey M., Knowles C. and Towers-Clark J.   (  2011 )  Accounting a smart approach Oxford University Press
www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/orc/carey/

Additional reading

Weetman, P.  ( 2011 )  Financial and Management Accounting   5th edition  FT Prentice Hall
www.myaccountinglab.com

Financial Reporting Council   www.frc.org.uk

ICAEW    www.icaew.com
ACCA      www.accaglobal.com
CIMA      www.cimaglobal.com

Accountancy Age    www.accountancyage.com