AS / A2 Accounts

WHY TAKE ACCOUNTING?
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 Accounts provides you with the key principles in financial decision making. These are the things that underpin every business decision and how such decisions affect the profit of the business.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
The course covers the basic principles of accounting and bookkeeping. You will be able to produce accounts that show the profit made by business organisations and interpret the accounts. You will also learn to use management accounting techniques to make decisions.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
You do not need any previous knowledge of business or accounting. All types of people do well in accounts. Many maths, business and science students find accounting highly enjoyable. You will develop expertise in key areas of finance and develop the skills to make key decisions in business and advise others.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS 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.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Two exams in each year, one in January and one in May / June. There is no coursework on this course.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Accounting students can attend various trips. You also have talks by professional accounting bodies like CIMA where you meet accountants and find out about different accounting careers. Accountancy students will also take part in the Pricewaterhouse Accounting Challenge in Manchester.

STUDENT IN PROFILE - ADAM BARLOW
Former High School - Birchwood
Adam came to Priestley from Birchwood High School with eight strong GCSE qualifications. In his final year he went onto to land four straight A grades in his four A-Levels; Business, Sport & PE, Accounts and Maths. At the end of his College stay, he subsequently went onto join leading firm Price Waterhouse Cooper as a Trainee Accountant on their Headstart scheme.

STUDENT IN PROFILE - SEAN HUGHES
Former High School - Birchwood
A former pupil at Birchwood High School, Sean arrived at Priestley with a very impressive 10 GCSEs including 6 A grades. At Priestley he went onto complete A-Levels in Accounting, Law and Business, obtaining the required grades to allow him to pursue a University place. He was subsequently able to enrol at Manchester University to study a BA Honours Degree programme in Management and Information Systems.