This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
In financial accounting, reporting and analysis it is imperative to establish the link between business and accounting and demonstrate the value of accounting expertise. You'll learn how to prepare, read and interpret financial information with a view to becoming a future business manager rather than an accountant. We'll demonstrate double-entry bookkeeping and will show you how to prepare financial statements from a trial balance and adjust the figures given by acting on information given in a short scenario.
This offers an introduction to accounting for students with limited or no prior knowledge of the subject. Upon completion of the module, you’ll have the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare, interpret and analyse key financial statements, with a focus on the income statement, balance sheet and cashflow statement. You’ll also learn how accounting principles can be applied to planning, control and decision-making to assist managers in running their business organisations and delivering success.
The total study time for this module is 150 hours incorporating online e-learning, work-based experience and private study.
Main assessment methods
Individual practical accounting report based on a case study (2500 words) – 60%
2 x VLE multiple choice tests (20% each)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the link between financial accounting systems and business activities for a variety of organisations.
- Describe the role and limitations of financial reporting in providing useful information to decision makers.
- Produce financial statements from trial balance for sole traders and limited companies incorporating post trial balance adjustments.
- Illustrate the various influences on the financial reporting process and how they impact on the annual report and accounts of UK listed companies, in particular, and why there is a need for regulating the practice of financial reporting.
- Analyse a set of financial statements and be able to explain the limitations of techniques of analysis.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent writing skills on management and accounting issues.
- Plan work, manage time and study independently.
- Retrieve and communicate information from a variety of sources.
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