Cambridge CIE IGCSE Accounting - Independent learning course
Accounting is a really interesting subject, which many young people interested in business and finance enjoy learning about.  Accounting is often referred to as 'the language of business' and careers in accountancy can be rewarding, pay very well, and people with good accounting knowledge are in high demand by employers!
 
Aims of the CIE IGCSE Accounting syllabuses:
The aims are to enable students to develop:
• knowledge and understanding of the principles and purposes of accounting for individuals, businesses, non-trading organisations and society as a whole
• an understanding of accounting concepts, principles, policies, techniques, procedures and terminology
• improved skills of numeracy, literacy, communication, enquiry, presentation and interpretation
• improved accuracy, orderliness and the ability to think logically
• an excellent foundation for advanced study.
 
Topics covered in the course:
1.  The fundamentals of accounting ( This section introduces the subject by explaining the difference between book-keeping and accounting. The role of accounting in providing information and the purposes of measuring business profit and loss are also explored. Basic accounting terms and the accounting equation are introduced)
2. Sources and recording of data (The core topic of this section is the double entry system of book-keeping and how this is applied in the preparation of ledger accounts. The division of the ledger is considered. Business documents and their use as sources of information are also included. Consideration is given to the procedures for processing information in books of prime entry.)
3. Verification of accounting records (This section concentrates on the use of trial balances, bank reconciliation statements and control accounts as means of verifying accounting records. The procedures for the correction of errors are also covered.)
4. Accounting procedures (Within this section, consideration is given to the importance of distinguishing between capital and revenue expenditure and receipts. Non-current assets are further explored in terms of accounting for depreciation and disposals. Procedures to record adjustments for accruals and prepayments, irrecoverable debts, provision of doubtful debts and the recovery of debts written off are included. Inventory valuation, and its impact on financial statements, is also covered.)
5.  Preparation of financial statements (The focus of this section is the preparation of financial statements, including year-end adjustments, for different types of businesses (sole traders, partnerships and limited companies). Consideration is also given to the financial statements of clubs and societies and manufacturing businesses. The procedures employed when only incomplete records are available are also covered.)
6. Analysis and interpretation (This section introduces the calculation and the interpretation of the main accounting ratios. The use of ratios in inter-firm comparison is also included. Consideration is also given to the uses of accounting information by interested parties. The limitations of accounting statements are also explored.)
7. Accounting principles and policies (The main accounting principles are introduced together with how they are applied in accounting records and statements. Consideration is also given to the influence of international accounting standards and the selection of accounting policies.)
 
Textbook:
It is highly recommended that learners buy this textbook as the companion for this course: Cambridge Igcse And O Level Accounting (Cambridge Igcse & O Level)Baptista, June; StimpsonISBN 10: 1510421211 / ISBN 13: 9781510421219Published by Hodder Education, 2018 
This textbook contains the detail needed to cover the details of the syllabus and the textbook itself is not included as part of this course.
 
Which syllabus is covered by this course:
This course suits both the Cambridge CIE IGCSE Accounting - 0452 or the Cambridge CIE IGCSE Accounting - 0985 syllabus.
 
 
(Please note that courses do not include exam registration, exam fees, or exam entry; that needs to be arranged by you, in your country, at a local exam centre - these can usually be found via local schools (including private and fee-paying), the British Council, or the CIE 'find an exam centre' webpage)