1. Explain core accounting concepts and terminology, used in business organisations.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Apply basic financial accounting principles to support the preparation of basic financial statements.

Application & Problem-Solving; Digital Literacy

3. Interpret financial performance and position using introductory ratio analysis.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration; Application & Problem-Solving

4. Communicate financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders.

Communication

Assessment 1: Financial Literacy Workbook

Format: Structured workbook

This assessment develops your foundational accounting knowledge and practical skills. You will explain key accounting concepts and prepare basic financial statements through structured, scaffolded tasks designed to build confidence and understanding.Embedded Formative Feedback Opportunities include:

Guided practice exercises completed during workshops, with immediate tutor feedback

Incremental workbook tasks, allowing feedback on earlier sections to inform later work

Worked examples and model answers discussed in class to support understanding

Opportunities for clarification and feedback during scheduled support sessions

These formative activities support confidence-building and ensure students are prepared for the analytical demands of Assessment 2.

Assessment 2: SME Financial Analysis Report

Format: Report

This assessment evaluates your ability to interpret real SME financial information and communicate financial insights clearly for non‑financial decision‑makers. You will analyse published accounts from Companies House and explain performance, position and implications for management.Embedded Formative Feedback Opportunities include:

Case selection and data sourcing workshop, with tutor guidance on appropriate SME choice and data reliability

In-class formative activities on ratio interpretation, supporting analytical confidence

Draft structure or analysis checkpoints, where students can receive feedback on approach, clarity and use of financial evidence

Peer discussion activities, focusing on explaining financial insights to non-financial audiences

These formative opportunities support progression from technical understanding to applied financial analysis and professional judgement.

This module introduces you to core accounting and financial literacy skills required by all future managers, regardless of business specialism. You will develop confidence in understanding and using basic financial information, including accounting concepts, financial statements and simple performance measures. The focus is on interpretation and communication rather than technical accounting training, enabling you to read, question and explain financial information drawn from real UK SMEs.

By the end of the module, you will be able to use financial information to support informed managerial decision‑making.

Purpose and users of accounting information

Introduction to financial statements and the accounting equation

Double-entry bookkeeping principles

Preparing simple income statements and balance sheets

Cashflow awareness and cashflow statements (introductory level)

Introduction to ratio analysis and financial performance indicators

Interpreting SME financial statements

Using Companies House data

Financial literacy for managerial decision-making

Ethical use and communication of financial information

Accounting and Financial Literacy is designed to help you confidently understand and use financial information in business contexts. You will learn how to read financial statements, interpret performance and communicate financial insights, developing essential skills for future managerial and professional roles.

You will learn through a combination of interactive workshops, guided practical activities and facilitated discussions. Workshops focus on step‑by‑step practice using accounting data and financial information, while seminars support discussion, interpretation and clarification of key ideas. Learning activities use real SME examples to help you apply concepts in a practical context. Digital tools are used to support calculation, analysis and professional presentation. These approaches are designed to support progressive achievement of the module learning outcomes by building understanding, application and confidence.

Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in the module, with students encouraged to explore extensive online resources, digital libraries, and the module’s Blackboard system. This independent study component fosters digital literacy and research proficiency, allowing students to consolidate their learning at their own pace while preparing for assessments.

Accessibility & Inclusivity:

Scaffolded learning activities, worked examples, multiple assessment formats and inclusive teaching materials support students with diverse educational backgrounds and levels of numerical confidence.

Simulation & Authentic Learning: Use of real SME financial data and Companies House accounts replicates authentic managerial tasks. Practical workshops simulate managerial tasks ensuring learning is applied, realistic and professionally relevant.

Employability, Enterprise & Professional Practice: Develops essential financial skills required across business roles, enhancing graduate employability and managerial competence.

Sustainability: Introduces financial sustainability concepts, including cashflow management, long-term viability and responsible financial decision-making.

Academic, Digital & Research Skills: Builds confidence in using financial data sources, spreadsheets and public financial databases to support analysis and reporting.

Employability framework

This module supports early employability development by building confidence in financial literacy, data‑informed decision‑making and professional communication. You will practise interpreting financial information, questioning performance and explaining financial implications to non‑financial stakeholders, supporting readiness for business, marketing, HR, events and entrepreneurial roles.

Atrill, P. & McLaney, E. (2024) Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists. 12th Edition. Pearson.

Franklin, E. & Dyson, J. (2025) Accounting and Finance for Non-Accounting Students. 11th Edition. Pearson.

Sangster, A. & Gordon, L. (2025) Frank Wood’s Business Accounting: An Introduction to Financial Accounting. 6th Edition. Pearson.

Seal, W., Rohde, C., Garrison R.H. & Noreen E.W. (TBC) Management Accounting. 7th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.

Companies House (UK) guidance and published accounts.

Spreadsheet software for accounting and financial analysis tasks

Companies House database and published SME accounts