Accounting

What is Accounting A-Level?

Our Accounting A-Level course offers an in-depth exploration into the creation of financial statements, starting from the initial transactions documented in invoices and receipts.
As you progress, you’ll calculate business profits and assess the overall financial health of an enterprise.
This course enables you to interpret these financial data points, make strategic decisions, and provide advice that can enhance a company’s financial outcomes.

What Will You Study on the Accounting A-Level course?

There are two main components to Accounting: Financial Accounting and Management Accounting.

Within Financial Accounting, we will prepare final accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies as well as looking at, amongst other things, bookkeeping techniques for small businesses.

Within Management Accounting we will look at areas such as costing, budgeting and investment appraisal and consider ways in which we can help businesses make decisions.

The course is split into two main sections that prepare our students for the two final exams. All topics work towards these two final exams. All materials are provided, but students will need to come equipped to every lesson with a calculator.

What Next after completing an Accounting A-Level?

The Accounting A-Level course provides a clear pathway to employment, giving students the opportunity to directly enter the workforce or pursue higher education.

Graduates have successfully secured apprenticeships with local firms or joined international companies through dedicated School Leavers’ programmes that offer professional qualifications.

Pursuing a university degree in accounting can open doors to prestigious opportunities.

Notable accounting firms, including KPMG and Ernst & Young offer specialised degree programmes in partnership with renowned universities.

What is the Exam Board for Accounting A-Level?

AQA

Paper 1- Financial Accounting

Written exam: 3hrs

120 marks

50% of A Level

Three compulsory sections:

Section A has 10 multiple choice questions and several short answer questions. The section is worth 30 marks.
Section B has two structured questions each worth 20 marks. The section is worth 40 marks.
Section C has two extended answer questions each worth 25 marks. The section is worth 50 marks.

Paper 2- Accounting for analysis and decision-making (Management Accounting)

Written exam: 3hrs

120 marks

50% of A Level

Three compulsory sections:

Section A has 10 multiple choice questions and several short answer questions. The section is worth 30 marks.
Section B has two structured questions each worth 20 marks. The section is worth 40 marks.
Section C has two extended answer questions each worth 25 marks. The section is worth 50 marks.

What are the Entry Requirements for Accounting A-Level?

To enrol in the A-Level Accounting course at Cardinal Newman, students need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including a grade 6 in both Maths and English Language.

We also offer the flexibility of a Mixed Programme, combining A-Levels and BTEC qualifications, providing options for students regardless of their GCSE outcomes.

What Enrichment is on offer in this subject?

We work closely with the Business department and have many guest speakers throughout the year. We also run a trip to a local Accounting firm called RSM to get an insight into what its like being an accountant. We run a short training course in how to use current accounting software so students can see what accounting is like beyond the classroom.

What other subjects go well with this subject?

Business and Economics A Levels are common subjects studied alongside Accounting, as there is some content that overlaps and this helps give students a really solid knowledge base. Other subjects that go well are Statistics and Maths. However, there is a proportion of the course that relies on good writing skills as there are 25 mark essays students need to form, so any written based A Level is also a good pairing.

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