Accounting

What is the subject about? 

Leaving Certificate accounting provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills in accounting and financial management necessary for managing personal and basic company accounts. It is concerned with the preparation, recording, extraction, presentation and analysis of financial information for the purpose of making economic decisions. The learning experiences in accounting develop students’ organisational, logical thinking, planning and problem-solving skills for their future life, work and study. It also develops their numeracy skills within the context of business and enterprise. 

Topics studied: 

– The Conceptual Framework of Accounting 

– The Regulatory Framework of Accounting (H.L.) 

– Accounting Records, including double entry bookkeeping, control and suspense accounts 

– Sole Traders 

– Company Accounting 

– Specialised Accounts, including manufacturing and club accounts. 

– Incomplete records 

– Cash flow Statement 

– Analysis and Interpretation of Financial Statement 

– Management Accounting 

– Information Technology and Computer Applications in Accounting 

How is the subject assessed? 

Accounting can be taken at Higher Level or Ordinary Level 

  1. I. Written examination (100%) 

The Leaving Certificate Accounting exam is three hours at Higher and Ordinary level. The paper is divided into three sections: 

  • Section 1: Financial Accounting – 120 marks (30%) Students are required to do either Q1 or two questions from Q2, Q3, Q4. 
  • Section 2: Financial Accounting – 200 marks (50%) Students are required to attempt any two questions from Q5, Q6, Q7. 
  • Section 3: Management Accounting – 80 marks (20%) Students are required to attempt one question from Q8, Q9.

Additional comments 

– Students who like the accounts section of Business Studies or who like working with figures may find this subject appealing. 

– The course is numerically based but theory and procedures must be learned also. 

– Junior Cycle Business Studies would be desirable to have taken at Junior Certificate though not compulsory. 

Career Opportunities 

– Banking 

– Insurance 

– Administration 

– Owing a business 

– Management 

– Auctioneering 

– Law 

– Accountancy