Managing Finance I

Managers and employers at all levels need to be competent at a level of financial management.

This course is designed to help students understand the financial aspects required to run the business/department. No prior knowledge is required.

The aim of the course is to provide an understanding of the principles and processes of financial management to non-specialist users. At the conclusion of this module, students should have a better understanding of the basic principles of book-keeping and accounting, specifically:

• the recording of transactions in the books of account
• the preparation of a trial balance
• the valuation of assets for accounts purposes
• the preparation of manufacturing, trading and profit and loss accounts and balance sheets
• the preparation of cash budgets.

The course is open to all, no prior qualifications are necessary.

Learning and teaching

The course covers:

• an introduction and double entry book-keeping
• cash book and subsidiary books
• cash book and trial balance
• sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
• asset valuations, accruals and prepayments
• manufacturing, trading and profit and loss account, appropriation account and balance sheet
• cash budget/cash flow and source and application of funds
• introduction to consolidated accounts
• published accounts
• recapitulation and a conclusion.

Coursework and assessment

The assessment for this module consists of written answers to three exercises designed to test the students' knowledge of the subjects covered in the course. There will be one exercise approximately every three sessions, and the first exercise is completed as a class exercise.

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.

Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.

Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

Reading suggestions

• Pendlebury, M and Groves, R 2003. 6^th edition, Company Accounts, Analysis, Interpretations and Understanding, London: Thomson Books
• Attrill, P, Harvey, D and McLaney, E, 2000, Accounting for Business, Butterworth Heinemann
• Thomas, A, 2009, 6^th edition, Introduction to Financial Accounting, McGraw Hill Publishing Co.
• Barrow, C, 2001, Financial Management for Small Businesses, Kogan Page
• Burrow, P, 2001, The Best Laid Business Plans - How to write them, How to pitch them, Virgin Business Guides published by Mackays of Catham plc
• Burns, P 2006, 2^nd edition, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Chippenham, Anthony Rowe Ltd

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.