AS / A2 Accounts

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
There is continuing demand from employers of all sizes for staff who have accounting knowledge. Not just as accountants but as managers. Accounting is not just about number crunching - it is about making effective decisions on the basis of the information available. Taking decisions is the most valuable business skill and the reason why so many accountants are at the top. If you are interested in a career in management and accounting then AS accounts provides you with the key principles in financial decision-making.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The AS course covers the basic principles of accounting and book-keeping. You will be able to produce accounts that show the profit made by business organisations and interpret the data. In A2 you will also learn to use management accounting techniques to make decisions and develop your first year skills to produce company accounts.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You will study 2 modules on the AS course (year 1). A one hour exam is sat in January and then a two hour exam in May. In the A2 you will study a further 2 modules and also sit a two hour exam in January and then a 90 minute exam in June.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
You must enjoy solving problems and learning new skills. You do not need to be fantastic at maths but you do need a grade C or above at GCSE. Many leading accounting firms insist on applicants having GCSE English and Maths at grade B or above.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Traditionally students have progressed to studying accounting or business at university and then secured a training place with an employer. Recently there has been a trend for major firms to recruit students with suitable A levels directly to trainee accountants programmes. These combine work experience and on the job training with regular tuition at specialist colleges. Most offer the opportunity to additionally acquire a degree as well as an accountancy qualification.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Accounting students can attend various trips including a visit to Parliament. You also have talks by professional accounting bodies like CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW. Here you meet accountants and find out about different careers. The College has very good links with major employers who conduct presentations on campus. Accountancy students also take part in the ICAEW accounting challenge in Liverpool.