This course is concerned with company accounts. We shall see how the basic profit and loss account and balance sheet is adapted and extended to deal with this type of business organisation. We shall also consider the framework of regulations, legal and otherwise, that prescribe the way in which the accounts of limited companies are prepared and presented.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• explain the accountability requirements imposed on directors
• identify the main differences in accounting for companies as compared with accounting for sole traders
• prepare a set of final accounts including an appropriation account
• discuss the influence of law and the Stock Exchange in determining the the form and content of corporate financial reports
• explain the need for accounting standards in financial reporting

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Main Features of Company Accounts

1.1 Accountability of directors/published accounts

1.2 The Profit and Loss Account

1.3 The Profit and Loss Appropriation Account

1.4 The Appropriation Account and the Duality Convention

1.5 The Balance Sheet

Section 2: The Regulatory Framework

2.1 The Legislative Framework

2.2 The Companies Acts Requirements

2.3 The Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account Formats

2.4 The Directors' Report

2.5 The Auditors' Report

2.6 Stock Exchange Requirements

2.7 The Need for Accounting Standards

2.8 The Response of the Accountancy Profession

Summary

Review Activity

Recommended Reading

Tutor-marked Question Paper

Qualification 1: Accounting for Companies (Byte Size) Certificate

Accounting for Companies (Byte Size) Certificate issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, entitling you to use the letters SAC Cert after your name.

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method via ElearnUK.

When you study through ElearnUK you can quickly access your course material online and submit all of your question papers to your tutor online, using your unique student account. You have access to all of your course material immediately, and when you submit question papers, your tutor sends you an email containing your results and feedback.

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 20 hrs.

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support

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