Introduction to Accounting and Finance

The Introduction to Accounting and Finance module (ACCT07017) introduces students to the role and purpose of accounting and finance functions within business environment.  It is intended that students understand the contents of the statement of financial position (Balance sheet), and the statement of financial performance (Profit and loss statement). This step enables students to take lessons on how to conduct financial analysis and interpretation of results. The financial accounting part of the module is covered at this stage.

The module makes progress to learning selected topics from Financial Management. The foundations of time value of money, strategic investment appraisal techniques and decision rules, alternative sources of financing short and medium term as well as strategic investment plans are analysed and recommendations to accept or reject an investment, accordingly. Furthermore, other core topics from financial management such as the cost of capital and capital structure, and dividends are studied. Working capital management involving cash, inventory, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are included. Topics from Management Accounting areas that are useful for management decision purposes: breakeven analysis and marginal costing, in addition to standard costing and variance analysis are covered at a fundamental level. In studying these topical areas, students are expected to obtain good level of fundamental understanding in relation to financial management and strategic financial decisions as well as useful tools used in making management decisions.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the contents of financial statements namely the statement of financial position, statement of profit and loss, and cash flow statement
• Analysing and interpreting financial statements, determining financial health of a business, engage with a business individually and develop applied knowledge
• Develop understanding on principles and importance of managing working capital, sources of financing, cost of capital, proportion of debt to equity, and relationship between gearing and risk
• Develop fundamental understanding on methods of investment appraisal & making accept/reject decisions on proposed investments
• Understand and apply breakeven and variance analyses, marginal and standard costing, methods that are helpful for business management decision

This is an SCQF Level 7 module and upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits.

 

Delivery 

This module will be delivered at Paisley and Lanarkshire campuses (timetable to be confirmed):

• Tuesday (Paisley): 10am to 12pm tutorial
• Friday (Lanarkshire): 1pm to 3pm lecture 

 

Course presenter

This module will be delivered by Dr Kenbata Bengassa.

 

Funding

This course may be available on a fully funded basis to some delegates.  Further details, including regarding eligibility, are available under Funding Support.

If you have any questions, please contact us at cpd@uws.ac.uk. 

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.  If you do not meet this criteria, please enquire here.

 

Graduate Apprenticeship

In addition to being available on a CPD basis, this module is part of our fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship - BA (Hons) Business Management.

Our Business Management GA has been developed in collaboration with industry leaders to support aspiring business managers and leaders to develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to underpin business growth, innovation and increased productivity.

For further information, please contact apprenticeships@uws.ac.uk