Distance Learning
Study Programme
2017
F3/FFA: Financial
Accounting
Contents
Welcome to your course ....................................................................................................... 3
MyKaplan – access to all your learning resources................................................................. 4
Course materials: Tuition ...................................................................................................... 6
Course materials: Revision ................................................................................................... 8
Additional study resources .................................................................................................... 9
Contact us........................................................................................................................... 10
Examination Format ............................................................................................................ 12
Your course assessments................................................................................................... 14
Study plan........................................................................................................................... 15
Study plan: Premier courses ............................................................................................... 16
Study plan: Standard plus courses...................................................................................... 25
Study plan: Standard courses ............................................................................................. 34
Preparing for the real CBE .................................................................................................. 43
Welcome to your course
Welcome to Kaplan Distance Learning.
We’re really pleased that you have chosen to study with us. Our primary objective is to help
you achieve success in your examinations. In the following guide we'll explain the range of
learning resources available to you as part of your course, and the support that you can get
from your tutors.
This Distance Learning Study Programme also includes an introductory overview of the
subject to get you started, as well as introducing the tutors who will be on hand throughout
your studies to help you with your queries.
Although it is entirely up to you how to use these resources, this Study Programme
recommends how to organise your studies on a weekly basis to ensure that you cover all of
the content and use the resources in the best way.
Before you get started on your studies, please do ensure that you have registered with
ACCA and have been provided with a student number, as you will need this to be able to
enter for any exams. Please send us details of your ACCA registration number, as
ACCA requires us to send them details of Kaplan students. For further information
about registration please click here.
Wherever you see text which is underlined, click it to jump directly to the information that you
need.
We hope that you will enjoy studying online with us - and remember, if you need any
support, we're here to help.
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©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
3
MyKaplan – access to all your learning resources
All of the resources available with this course can be located in MyKaplan.
MyKaplan is a personalised online study space for our students. It provides easy access to
your learning resources, along with course management tools to help you manage your
learning. It provides you with a platform for effective and efficient learning and ensures you
get the most from your studies; in fact, it contains everything you should need to help you
organise and manage your time, including:

personalised calendar showing course dates, key dates throughout the course and
real exams

reminders list showing key dates

facilities to get in touch with your tutor or discuss your course in a relevant Kaplan
community.
You should have received guidance on logging on to MyKaplan after enrolling with us, but if
you need this resending please contact the technical help team using the details on the
Contact us page.
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©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
4
Your Kaplan resources
We provide three levels of distance learning course for ACCA, and what you see in
MyKaplan will depend on the type of course on which you have enrolled.
We’ve set out the resources available for you below – if you have enrolled on Standard or
Standard Plus and would like to upgrade that’s fine, just Contact us.
Premier
Standard
Plus
Standard
Distance Learning Study Programme



Study Text



Pocket Notes



Exam Kit



Online knowledge check tests for each key syllabus
area



Online Interim and final assessments



Video tutorials on critical key topics, one per
syllabus group


Practical questions and debriefs, one per syllabus
group


Short revision videos, one per syllabus group

Mobile quizzes, flashcards and videos. (Apple and
Android)

Online mock exam

ACCA Practice Tests



Tutor support



©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
5
Course materials: Tuition
This document sets out your learning resources, your study
plan, and your guide to the chapters in the Study text.
Study Programme
As one of ACCA’s 3 Approved Content Providers, your Kaplan
ACCA Study Text is the foundation for your studies. It is
designed by our expert tutors and reviewed by the ACCA
examining team, to ensure that the depth and breadth of its
content are to the highest standard of quality.
Study Text
In relation to the Study Text, there is also an important
‘materials update’ section here. This includes any updates or
amendments that need to be made to your materials, and is
where you can check for any errors that may have been
identified so far. If you do come across anything that you’re
unsure of, that isn’t showing on the list, then please do contact
the tutors.
These are online multiple choice tests that enable you to test
your knowledge on a topic, with immediate results provided.
Your weekly study planner advises when to attempt each of the
tests.
Knowledge Checks
Your study resources include Interim and Final assessments.
These are available in an online format, to replicate the style of
the actual exam as far as possible.
Assessments
For each group of learning outcomes in your ACCA syllabus for
this paper, you have a video tutorial.
Some of these will be longer and more detailed, as they relate
to topics which are key to your understanding of this subject.
Tuition Tutorials
For each group of syllabus learning outcomes, you will also
have a short quiz to check your understanding, as well as a
question debrief for you to listen to, to enable you to assess
how well you will be able to apply your knowledge.
Assessment Tests
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
You could try answering these questions before you listen to
the debriefs and compare your answer with that of the tutor.
6
As a part of your course you have access to a team of excellent
tutors here at Distance Learning.
We will include further detail on your tutors, and how to access
support, a little later in the Study Programme.
Tutor support
Mobile Application
You can now study and build your memory and skill at answering
questions using our mobile application (for Apple and Android
devices). See submission deadlines, receive alerts and get easy
access to study resources; available offline to help studying
whilst on the move.
Pulse a
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©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
7
Course materials: Revision
The Exam Kit is a bank of exam standard questions. You should
work through as many of these questions as possible to prepare
you for the actual exam.
Exam Kit
The Pocket Notes (a highly visual revision aid) are revision
products that contain summarised syllabus content.
Pocket notes
There is a revision tutorial for each group of syllabus learning
outcomes, which will guide you through the main areas for your
revision.
Revision tutorials
You have access to an online mock exam, designed to replicate
the actual exam conditions as far as possible.
Mock Exam
ACCA practice tests in the format of the real Computer Based
Exam.
ACCA practice tests
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©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
8
Additional study resources
As well as the core learning resources mentioned in the previous section, we also provide
you with the following additional resources to help you throughout your studies.
As a Kaplan Distance Learning Student you will have access to
a discussion board on MyKaplan that allows you to share your
experiences of studying ACCA subjects with other similar
learners from around the world.
Your support tutors will also post any information you may find
MyKaplan Discussions useful during your studies.
Access Kaplan Financial Knowledge Bank if you are a little rusty
on topics covered in earlier papers.
Kaplan Financial
Knowledge Bank
Please note this is not a substitute for reading the Study Text as
it does not cover the whole syllabus but it is a good source of
reference. It can also be used to recap a simple topic by doing a
quick search on a topic.
The ACCA's website holds a wealth of information in its student
area. This should be your first point of reference for all that is
available and new from ACCA.
ACCA website
The website enables you to enter for your exams and view your
results online. It keeps you up to date with news and
forthcoming events.
As an ACCA student you will be emailed the ACCA’s magazine,
Student Accountant, on a regular basis.
Student Accountant
Magazine
This is a really helpful magazine as it contains technical articles
and useful information about the ACCA qualification. Look
particularly for exam notices and technical articles relating to
your paper, particularly any by the examining team.
You should also read the business pages of a quality daily or
Sunday newspaper to broaden your commercial and financial
awareness. We recommend the following websites as they do
not require a subscription fee:
Newspaper
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
BBC Guardian Independent The Observer
9
Contact us
How to contact your tutors
There may be times during your revision when you don’t understand the point being
made or have a more detailed query on an exam question. If you require any help on
the topics covered in your course, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your
online tutor as follows:
Tutor support
Monday to Thursday
8.00 – 21.00
Friday
8.00 – 17.30
Saturday/Sunday/UK
Public Holidays
9.00 – 13.00
Contact:
academicsupportACCA-FA@kaplan.co.uk
Live Chat via MyKaplan (Premier Students)
Request a Callback via MyKaplan (UK Only)
Please note we answer all academic support queries as soon as possible, but this should
be no later than 4 hours after you contact us within our support hours. UK public holidays do
not count as working days for this service level agreement.
How to contact Student Services
We pride ourselves on having not only the best tutors, but the best course material and
support services to help you achieve exam success as swiftly as possible; if you have
queries regarding the submission or return of your script, extension of your course
etc please contact us as follows:
Student services
Monday to Friday
8.30 – 21.00
Saturday/Sunday/UK
Public Holidays
8.30 – 17.30
Contact:
+44 (0) 1612 597400
studentservices@kaplan.co.uk
(administrative and assessment queries)
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
10
How to contact MyKaplan Support
If you need help with online access, for example, content not loading or missing content
please contact us as follows:
MyKaplan technical support
Contact:
MyKaplanSupport@kaplan.co.uk (for
MyKaplan technical issues)
0800 988 7760 (UK only)
+44 (0) 161 2597 400 (International)
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©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
11
Examination Format
F3 acts as the basis for further studies within Paper F7, Financial Reporting and Paper P2,
Corporate Reporting.
The ACCA have stated the aim of the paper is to develop knowledge and understanding of
the underlying principles and concepts relating to financial accounting and technical
proficiency in the use of double-entry accounting techniques, including the preparation of
basic financial statements.
The examination is a two hour paper with a pass mark of 50%. The exam will consist of:
Number of marks
35 two-mark questions
70
Two 15-mark questions
30
100
Total time allowed: 2 hours
The exam may be taken as a written paper or a computer based exam (CBE). Note that the
written paper will no longer be available in the UK and Ireland from June 2015, and will be
eventually be withdrawn in all countries. You can check the availability of the written paper in
a country at this link.
You will find useful information on sitting the Computer Based Exam in the document ‘CBE
Guidance” on your MyKaplan account. There is no limit to the number of times you can
attempt the CBE.
Performance Objectives
This paper relates to the following ACCA performance objectives:
1 Professionalism and ethics
6 Record and process transactions and events
7 Prepare external financial reports
8 Analyse and interpret financial reports
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Examination Technique
You can take a CBE at any time during the year – you do not need to wait for March, June,
September and December exam sessions. However, do not attempt a CBE until you have
completed all the study material relating to it. Do not skip parts of the syllabus.
For a CBE demonstration and the lists of ACCA accredited CBE centres, see the ACCA
website.
When sitting a CBE, make sure that you are fully familiar with the software before you start
answering the questions.
With CBEs the questions are displayed on the screen and answers are entered using the
keyboard and mouse. All of the questions are of objective testing type, the most common of
which is multiple choice. Other types of objective questions may include true/false, matching
pairs of text and graphic, sequencing and ranking, labelling diagrams and numeric entry.
Answer every question. If you do not know the answer you do not lose anything by
guessing. Don’t panic if you realise you answered a question incorrectly. You can always go
back and change the answer.
You must remember when reading this Guide that the Study Text is written specifically for
the examination and covers the various topics of the ACCA official syllabus  if a topic
wasn’t required for the exam we would not have included it in the Study Text.
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©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
13
Your course assessments
As part of your Kaplan course you will have access to two online assessments. Please note
that there are no deadlines for attempting these assessments; you can do them
whenever you feel ready.
You can find the assessments in the folders called “Interim Assessment” and “Final
Assessment” within your MyKaplan resources.
Please note that these assessments have been designed to replicate the ACCA’s online
exam environment as far as possible, and so attempting these will give you a good idea of
what to expect in your actual CBE. Kaplan students who Study assessments typically
perform better in the real exams. Ideally the assessments should be done at one sitting
under timed exam conditions.
We know this does not always happen, and in principle there is no problem with your doing
questions with the Study Text open. If this helps you to learn, that’s fine, just bear in mind
that you are not allowing yourself to experience the time and thinking pressures that you will
face in the exam hall.
After you have attempted the assessment, look through your results to identify where you
have won or lost marks. Return to your weaker areas and try to improve on anything
highlighted in the Interim Assessment when you attempt the Final Assessment. In this way
you should be able to measure real progress.
If you need help with assessments, particularly in analysing where you may have gone
wrong, please do contact the tutors.
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
14
Study plan
In the previous pages of this Study Programme we have described the range of resources
available to you – but how do you go about putting them together and getting started with
your studies?
We have prepared this study plan to help you with structuring your studies. Within it we will
recommend a good approach for you to follow on a weekly basis. The plan will advise which
materials you should be using at which point; and also when to attempt the online tests and
assessments. There are, of course, no restrictions on how fast or slow you want to work
through the material, aside from the exam date itself, and so if you prefer you can form your
own plan based on the time you have available. Please do attempt the topics in the order
suggested within the plan here though, and make a note of the assessment submission
deadlines to ensure that you have these marked and receive the feedback.
Please do remember to contact your tutor team if you need help at any point as you work
through the weekly plans.
Choose the course that you enrolled on to view your weekly study plans:
Standard
Standard Plus
Premier
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©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
15
Study plan: Premier courses
Week one
In this first week you should familiarise yourself with how your online course operates –
you’re doing this now, by reading the material in the ‘Distance Learning Study Programme’.
The material covered this week will give you a general overview of the entire subject; it
describes some of the basic background to financial accounting and moves on to explain
where accounting standards come from and how they develop (the regulatory framework). It
also introduces the ‘Framework’ which lays down the fundamental concepts on which
accounting regulations are based. This Framework is crucial to understand and appreciate.
Please then work through the content as outlined in the table below:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name and study sequence
Pre Course Work
So you think you know ….
So you think you know basic maths
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 1
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 2
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework
Video Tutorial
Intro to accounting and the regulatory
framework:
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework
Video Tutorial
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Conceptual framework
Intro to accounting and the regulatory
framework:
Regulatory framework
The IASB Framework
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Week two
During this week you will cover the important topic of double entry bookkeeping. This is a
vital chapter which builds upon your understanding of the duality concept. You need to have
a thorough understanding of double entry to be able to progress through the rest of the
chapters.
In the second week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 3
Double entry
bookkeeping and
recording basic
transactions
Video Tutorial
Double entry and recording basic
transactions
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 4
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 5
Double entry
bookkeeping and
recording basic
transactions
Assessment
Double entry and recording basic
transactions
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Double entry and trial balance
Double entry
bookkeeping and
recording basic
transactions
Knowledge Check
Test
Double entry bookkeeping and recording
basic transactions
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Week three
In this week you will begin to learn about some of the key account balances: inventory and
noncurrent assets. The noncurrent assets chapters cover one of the biggest balances in
many business’ accounts. They are very important and very examinable. It is also an area
that will come up again and again throughout your studies and for that reason you should
ensure a good understanding now which in due course you will build upon in your F7 and P2
studies.
In the third week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 6
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 7
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 8
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 9
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Inventory
Non-current assets
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Week four
Over the course of this week you will be studying some of the other important account
balances within the financial statements and then move on to look at the chapter on capital
structure, which provides background information on the way in which a company may raise
finance.
In the fourth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 10
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 11
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 12
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 13
Financial
reporting
standards
Video Tutorial
Financial reporting standards
Financial
reporting
standards
Assessment
Financial reporting standards
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Accruals and prepayments
Knowledge Check
Tesy
Reporting standards
Financial
reporting
standards
Bad and doubtful debts
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Week five
During this week you will cover control account reconciliations, bank reconciliations and also
the trial balance and suspense accounts. These are all important chapters, and highly
examinable topics.
After completing this you will then have covered the necessary chapters and syllabus
content to be able to attempt your Interim Assessment. There are detailed notes about your
assessments earlier on in this Study Programme if you’re unsure about what to do here, and
remember you can contact your tutors if you need any help at all.
In the fifth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 14
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 15
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 16
Controlling the
accounting
system
Video Tutorial
Controlling the accounting system
Controlling the
accounting
system
Assessment
Controlling the accounting system
Controlling the
accounting
system
Knowledge Check
Tesy
The accounting system
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Week six
The chapters you will be covering this week will start to consolidate your learning so far. You
will also consider the reconstruction of accounts where accounting records have not been
kept or have been lost. It is another good test of your understanding of double entry and as
such is relatively examinable.
In the sixth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Preparing
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 17
Preparing
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 18
Preparing
financial
statements
Video Tutorial
Preparing financial accounts
Preparing
financial
statements
Assessment
Preparing financial statements
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Basic limited company accounts
Preparing
financial
statements
Knowledge Check Test
Preparing financial statements
Interim
Assessment
Interim Assessment
Interim Assessment Test
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Week seven
In this week you will start by looking at the topic of cash flows. This is an important chapter –
again it is a topic which you will meet again at the F7 and P2 levels. Cash is one of the most
important balances to a company – without it, bills cannot be paid and the company may be
liquidated. Finally, you will move on to look at the interpretation of financial statements, using
ratio analysis.
In the seventh week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Statement of
cash flows /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 19
Statement of
cash flows
Video Tutorial
Statement of cash flows
Statement of
cash flows
Assessment
Statement of cash flows
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Basic cash flow statements
Statement of
cash flows
Knowledge Check
Statement of cash flows
Interpretation of
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 20
Interpretation of
financial
statements
Video Tutorial
Interpretations of financial statements:
Interpretation of
financial
statements
Assessment
Interpretation of financial statements
Interpretation of
financial
statements
Knowledge Check Test
Interpretation of financial statements
Ratios and analysis
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
22
Week eight
The final two chapters from the text look at the principle of group accounts and
consolidation. This is a key topic area.
After working through these two chapters, you have now covered all of the tuition chapters
from the Study Text.
In the eight week please Study the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 21
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 22
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Video Tutorial
Company accounts & consolidated
financial statements:
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Assessment
Company accounts and consolidated
financial statements
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Knowledge Check Test
Consolidated financial statements
Preparation of published accounts
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
23
Weeks nine - ten
On completion of all chapters of the Study Text, you are in a position to commence revision.
Aim to be at this position around 2/3 weeks before the real CBE. Your key resources now
are the Pocket Notes, the Exam Kit, and the ACCA Practice Tests.
The Pocket Notes are a really useful tool to review what you have covered in the Study
Text. Begin by looking through the relevant Pocket Notes followed by attempting questions
on that area from the Exam Kit.
As the emphasis in the Revision phase is to switch to question practice on exam standard
questions, work out a revision plan for the areas of the syllabus you are going to revise and
then aim to complete the questions in that section. The Exam Kit is split into the ACCA
syllabus areas, so make sure that you cover all areas as you revise.
Again, remember that when you practise a batch of questions, you must time yourself. You
must get used to working under pressure and making sure that you can have a really good
attempt at most of the questions in the time allowed.
Testing your knowledge forms an essential part of your distance learning course. We have
included a pilot exam and practice simulation questions at the back of your Exam Kit as well
as the three ACCA Practice tests, for you to attempt under exam conditions after completing
all of the study modules i.e. without looking at your Study Text or notes, and allowing a
maximum of 2 hours to complete all the questions.
There are detailed notes about your assessments earlier on in this Study Programme, if
you’re unsure about what to do here. Remember to contact your tutors if you need any help
at all.
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Final Assessment
Final Assessment
Final Assessment test
Course Information
CBE Guidance
CBE Guidance
Syllabus topic area
Pocket Notes
Pocket Notes
Syllabus topic area
Video Tutorials
Revision Tutorials
Exam Kit
Exam Kit
Exam Kit
Mock Exam
Mock exam
Mock exam
Practice Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 1
Practice Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 2
Practice Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 3
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
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Study plan: Standard plus courses
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name and study sequence
Pre Course Work
So you think you know ….
So you think you know basic maths
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 1
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 2
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework
Video Tutorial
Intro to accounting and the regulatory
framework:
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework
Video Tutorial
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Conceptual framework
Intro to accounting and the regulatory
framework:
Regulatory framework
The IASB Framework
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
25
Week two
During this week you will cover the important topic of double entry bookkeeping. This is a
vital chapter which builds upon your understanding of the duality concept. You need to have
a thorough understanding of double entry to be able to progress through the rest of the
chapters.
In the second week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 3
Double entry
bookkeeping and
recording basic
transactions
Video Tutorial
Double entry and recording basic
transactions
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 4
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 5
Double entry
bookkeeping and
recording basic
transactions
Assessment
Double entry and recording basic
transactions
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Double entry and trial balance
Double entry
bookkeeping and
recording basic
transactions
Knowledge Check Test
Double entry bookkeeping and recording
basic transactions
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
26
Week three
In this week you will begin to learn about some of the key account balances: inventory and
noncurrent assets. The noncurrent assets chapters cover one of the biggest balances in
many business’ accounts. They are very important and very examinable. It is also an area
that will come up again and again throughout your studies and for that reason you should
ensure a good understanding now which in due course you will build upon in your F7 and P2
studies.
In the third week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 6
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 7
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 8
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 9
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Inventory
Non-current assets
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
27
Week four
Over the course of this week you will be studying some of the other important account
balances within the financial statements and then move on to look at the chapter on capital
structure, which provides background information on the way in which a company may raise
finance.
In the fourth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 10
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 11
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 12
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 13
Financial
reporting
standards
Video Tutorial
Financial reporting standards
Financial
reporting
standards
Assessment
Financial reporting standards
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Accruals and prepayments
Knowledge Check
Reporting standards
Financial
reporting
standards
Bad and doubtful debts
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
28
Week five
During this week you will cover control account reconciliations, bank reconciliations and also
the trial balance and suspense accounts. These are all important chapters, and highly
examinable topics.
After completing this you will then have covered the necessary chapters and syllabus
content to be able to attempt your Interim Assessment. There are detailed notes about your
assessments earlier on in this Study Programme if you’re unsure about what to do here, and
remember you can contact your tutors if you need any help at all.
In the fifth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 14
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 15
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 16
Controlling the
accounting
system
Video Tutorial
Controlling the accounting system
Controlling the
accounting
system
Assessment
Controlling the accounting system
Controlling the
accounting
system
Knowledge Check Test
The accounting system
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
29
Week six
The chapters you will be covering this week will start to consolidate your learning so far. You
will also consider the reconstruction of accounts where accounting records have not been
kept or have been lost. It is another good test of your understanding of double entry and as
such is relatively examinable.
In the sixth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Preparing
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 17
Preparing
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 18
Preparing
financial
statements
Video Tutorial
Preparing financial accounts:
Preparing
financial
statements
Assessment
Preparing financial statements
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Basic limited company accounts
Preparing
financial
statements
Knowledge Check
Preparing financial statements
Interim
Assessment
Interim Assessment
Interim Assessment Test
Preparing limited company financial
accounts
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
30
Week seven
In this week you will start by looking at the topic of cash flows. This is an important chapter –
again it is a topic which you will meet again at the F7 and P2 levels. Cash is one of the most
important balances to a company – without it, bills cannot be paid and the company may be
liquidated. Finally, you will move on to look at the interpretation of financial statements, using
ratio analysis.
In the seventh week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Statement of
cash flows /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 19
Statement of
cash flows
Video Tutorial
Statement of cash flows
Statement of
cash flows
Assessment
Statement of cash flows
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Basic cash flow statements
Statement of
cash flows
Knowledge Check
Test
Statement of cash flows
Interpretation of
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 20
Interpretation of
financial
statements
Video Tutorial
Interpretation of financial statements:
Interpretation of
financial
statements
Assessment
Interpretation of financial statements
Interpretation of
financial
statements
Knowledge Check Test
Interpretation of financial statements
Ratios and analysis
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
31
Week eight
The final two chapters from the text look at the principle of group accounts and
consolidation. This is a key topic area.
After working through these two chapters, you have now covered all of the tuition chapters
from the Study Text.
In the eight week please complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 21
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 22
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Video Tutorial
Company accounts & consolidated
financial statements:
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Assessment
Company accounts and consolidated
financial statements
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Knowledge Check Test
Consolidated financial statements
Preparation of published accounts
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
32
Weeks nine - ten
On completion of all chapters of the Study Text, you are in a position to commence revision.
Aim to be at this position around 2/3 weeks before the real CBE. Your key resources now
are the Pocket Notes, the Exam Kit, and the ACCA Practice Tests.
The Pocket Notes are a really useful tool to review what you have covered in the Study
Text. Begin by looking through the relevant Pocket Notes followed by attempting questions
on that area from the Exam Kit.
As the emphasis in the Revision phase is to switch to question practice on exam standard
questions, work out a revision plan for the areas of the syllabus you are going to revise and
then aim to complete the questions in that section. The Exam Kit is split into the ACCA
syllabus areas, so make sure that you cover all areas as you revise.
Again, remember that when you practise a batch of questions, you must time yourself. You
must get used to working under pressure and making sure that you can have a really good
attempt at most of the questions in the time allowed.
Testing your knowledge forms an essential part of your distance learning course. We have
included a pilot exam and practice simulation questions at the back of your Exam Kit as well
as the three ACCA Practice tests, for you to attempt under exam conditions after completing
all of the study modules i.e. without looking at your Study Text or notes, and allowing a
maximum of 2 hours to complete all the questions.
There are detailed notes about your assessments earlier on in this Study Programme, if
you’re unsure about what to do here. Remember to contact your tutors if you need any help
at all.
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Final Assessment
Final assessment
Final assessment Test
Course
Information
CBE Guidance
CBE Guidance
Syllabus topic area
Pocket Notes
Pocket Notes
Exam Kit
Exam Kit
Exam Kit
Practise -Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 1
Practise -Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 2
Practise -Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 3
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
33
Study plan: Standard courses
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name and study sequence
Pre Course Work
So you think you know ….
So you think you know basic maths
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 1
Intro to
accounting and
the regulatory
framework / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 2
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
The IASB Framework
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
34
Week two
During this week you will cover the important topic of double entry bookkeeping. This is a
vital chapter which builds upon your understanding of the duality concept. You need to have
a thorough understanding of double entry to be able to progress through the rest of the
chapters.
In the second week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 3
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 4
Double entry and
recording basic
transaction /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 5
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Double entry and trial balance
Double entry
bookkeeping and
recording basic
transactions
Knowledge Check
Test
Double entry bookkeeping and recording
basic transactions
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
35
Week three
In this week you will begin to learn about some of the key account balances: inventory and
noncurrent assets. The noncurrent assets chapters cover one of the biggest balances in
many business’ accounts. They are very important and very examinable. It is also an area
that will come up again and again throughout your studies and for that reason you should
ensure a good understanding now which in due course you will build upon in your F7 and P2
studies.
In the third week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 6
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 7
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 8
Financial
reporting
standards / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 9
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Inventory
Non-current assets
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
36
Week four
Over the course of this week you will be studying some of the other important account
balances within the financial statements and then move on to look at the chapter on capital
structure, which provides background information on the way in which a company may raise
finance.
In the fourth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 10
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 11
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 12
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 13
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Accruals and prepayments
Knowledge Check Test
Reporting standards
Financial
reporting
standards
Bad and doubtful debts
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
37
Week five
During this week you will cover control account reconciliations, bank reconciliations and also
the trial balance and suspense accounts. These are all important chapters, and highly
examinable topics.
After completing this you will then have covered the necessary chapters and syllabus
content to be able to attempt your Interim Assessment. There are detailed notes about your
assessments earlier on in this Study Programme if you’re unsure about what to do here, and
remember you can contact your tutors if you need any help at all.
In the fifth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 14
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 15
Controlling the
accounting
system / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 16
Controlling the
accounting
system
Knowledge Check Test
The accounting system
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
38
Week six
The chapters you will be covering this week will start to consolidate your learning so far. You
will also consider the reconstruction of accounts where accounting records have not been
kept or have been lost. It is another good test of your understanding of double entry and as
such is relatively examinable.
In the sixth week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Preparing
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 17
Preparing
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 18
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Basic limited company accounts
Preparing
financial
statements
Knowledge Check Test
Preparing financial statements
Interim
Assessment
Interim Assessment
Interim Assessment test
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
39
Week seven
In this week you will start by looking at the topic of cash flows. This is an important chapter –
again it is a topic which you will meet again at the F7 and P2 levels. Cash is one of the most
important balances to a company – without it, bills cannot be paid and the company may be
liquidated. Finally, you will move on to look at the interpretation of financial statements, using
ratio analysis.
In the seventh week you should complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Statement of
cash flows /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 19
Online Tutorials
So you think you know
Financial Reporting
Basic cash flow statements
Statement of
cash flows
Knowledge Check Test
Statement of cash flows
Interpretation of
financial
statements /
Study Text
Study text
Chapter 20
Interpretation of
financial
statements
Knowledge Check Test
Interpretation of financial statements
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
40
Week eight
The final two chapters from the text look at the principle of group accounts and
consolidation. This is a key topic area.
After working through these two chapters, you have now covered all of the tuition chapters
from the Study Text.
In the eight week please complete the following:
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 21
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Study text
Chapter 22
Company
accounts &
consolidated
financial
statements / Study
Text
Knowledge Check Test
Consolidated financial statements
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
41
Weeks nine - ten
On completion of all chapters of the Study Text, you are in a position to commence revision.
Aim to be at this position around 2/3 weeks before the real CBE. Your key resources now
are the Pocket Notes, the Exam Kit, and the ACCA Practice Tests.
The Pocket Notes are a really useful tool to review what you have covered in the Study
Text. Begin by looking through the relevant Pocket Notes followed by attempting questions
on that area from the Exam Kit.
As the emphasis in the Revision phase is to switch to question practice on exam standard
questions, work out a revision plan for the areas of the syllabus you are going to revise and
then aim to complete the questions in that section. The Exam Kit is split into the ACCA
syllabus areas, so make sure that you cover all areas as you revise.
Again, remember that when you practise a batch of questions, you must time yourself. You
must get used to working under pressure and making sure that you can have a really good
attempt at most of the questions in the time allowed.
Testing your knowledge forms an essential part of your distance learning course. We have
included a pilot exam and practice simulation questions at the back of your Exam Kit as well
as the three ACCA Practice tests, for you to attempt under exam conditions after completing
all of the study modules i.e. without looking at your Study Text or notes, and allowing a
maximum of 2 hours to complete all the questions.
There are detailed notes about your assessments earlier on in this Study Programme if
you’re unsure about what to do here, and remember you can contact your tutors if you
need any help at all.
MyKaplan Folder
Learning resource
Name
Final Assessment
Final assessment
Final assessment Test
Course
Information
CBE Guidance
CBE Guidance
Syllabus topic area
Pocket Notes
Pocket Notes
Exam Kit
Exam Kit
Exam Kit
Practise -Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 1
Practise -Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 2
Practise -Tests
Practice Tests
Practice Test 3
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
42
Preparing for the real CBE
Make sure in the final days of revision you get plenty of sleep and try and stay calm (easier
said than done!) Keep practising questions but don’t wear yourself out.
Reminder of exam technique skills for a CBE exam:
Generally multiple choice exams are a question of practice. The more you do the better off
you will be. There are only so many variations on a theme!
With questions that involve calculations (numbers), if possible work your own answer out
carefully before looking at the possible options. Remember the wrong answers have been
carefully chosen assuming that you will have made a common error in your learning or your
workings.
If you really can’t decide between two possible answers, it is better to guess than to submit
no answer at all.
With questions that involve definitions or statements, always try to rule out 2 of the more
obvious distracters first. This will improve your odds to 50:50!
Read the question very carefully. A slight change in emphasis can change the requirements
of the answer completely.
BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR STUDIES!
 Back
©Kaplan Financial Distance Learning
43