ZIMBABWE

MINISTRY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

PRINCIPLES OF
ACCOUNTING SYLLABUS

FORMS 1 - 4

2015 - 2022

Curriculum Development and Technical Services

P. O. Box MP 133
Mount Pleasant
Harare

©All Rights Reserved

2015
Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education wishes to acknowledge the following for their valued contribution
in the production of this syllabus:

• The National Principles of Accounting Syllabus Panellist

• Representatives from Universities and College

• Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development

• Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC)

• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF )

• United Nations Education, Scientific and ultural Organization (UNESCO)

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..................................................................................................................................... i

CONTENTS.......................................................................................................................................................... ii

1.0 PREAMBLE.................................................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 PRESENTATION OF SYLLABUS.................................................................................................................. 2

3.0 AIMS............................................................................................................................................................... 2

4.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE SYLLABUS............................................................................................................... 2

5.0 METHODOLOGY AND TIME ALLOCATION........................................................................................... 2

6.0 TOPICS........................................................................................................................................................... 3

7.0 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE.............................................................................................................................. 4

8.1 COMPETENCY MATRIX.............................................................................................................................. 11

8.2 FORM 2........................................................................................................................................................... 14

8.3 FORM 3........................................................................................................................................................... 18

8.4 FORM 4........................................................................................................................................................... 21

9.0 SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT.......................................................................................................................... 25

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

1.0 PREAMBLE ages learners to be involved in practical work such as starting

and running income generating projects

1.1 Introduction 1.4. Assumptions

The Principles of Accounting learning area is designed for It is assumed that learners:
forms 1 – 4. The syllabus intends to equip learners with
accounting skills, concepts and principles which they can apply • have basic knowledge of mathematics.
to collect, classify, summarise and present financial statements • are aware of the need to record and keep financial records
required to make decisions for different types of business in a business.
• have the general knowledge about businesses and com-
enterprises including small to medium enterprises. The sylla-
merce.
bus enables learners to apply theory and practical aspects of • have prior knowledge of ICT.
accounting and also lays a foundation for further studies in
related accounting areas.
1.5. Cross Cutting Themes

1.2 Rationale Principles of Accounting is a learning area that will encompass

and address the following cross cutting issues:-
The indigenisation policy of Zimbabwe encourages school
leavers to create own employment and apply enterprising skills. • enterprise
• information and communication technology (ICT)
The basic concepts of accounting will help learners to be crit-
• financial literacy
ical thinkers, financial investigators, financial controllers and • team work
providers of relevant and informative data for decision making • gender equity
purposes. The syllabus aims to impact knowledge and under- • children’s constitutional rights.
standing of the business and finance as well as inculcating the • health issues
spirit of good business ethics (Unhu/Ubuntu/Vumunhu) in • disaster risk management
• environmental issues
the learners. Knowledge of this subject is a gateway to career
• guidance and counselling
development in the areas of financial accounting, manage- •Unhu/Ubuntu/Vumunhu (norms and values)
ment accounting, taxation, auditing and forensic investigation
among others.

The Principles of Accounting syllabus enables learners to devel-

op skills in:

• problem solving
• systematic, analytical and critical thinking
• summarising, interpretation and evaluation
• decision making
• conflict resolution
• leadership
• communication
• technology and innovation
• enterprise
•compliance
• research and presentation.

1.3. Summary of Content

This learning area intends to equip the learner with basic

accounting skills and concepts necessary in the keeping of
proper books of accounts that will enable him or her to prepare
financial statements for different enterprises such as small to
medium enterprises, sole proprietors, companies, partnerships
and not for profit making organisations. The syllabus encour-

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

2.0. PRESENTATION OF SYLLABUS 4.7 use accounting ratios to assess business performance
4.8 make use of computers in accounting.
The Form 1 – 4 Principles of Accounting Syllabus is presented
as a single document. It contains the preamble, aims of the 5.0. METHODOLOGY AND TIME
syllabus, objectives, methodology, time allocation and the
list of topics to be covered. The syllabus also suggests a list of
ALLOCATION
resources that could be used during the learning and teaching
process. There is a continuous evaluation and assessment of the 5.1. Methodology
student’s performance from forms 1 - 4. The syllabus consists
of both theoretical and practical assessment. Theory has 70% For effective teaching and learning of Principles of Accounting,
whilst practical assessment has 30%. More detail is provided on the following approaches and principles shall be used:
Section 9 (Assessment) of this Syllabus.
a) Learner centred approach- teach students how to
think, solve problems, evaluate evidence and analyse
3.0. AIMS arguments. To achieve this, it is suggested that learner
centred instructions, objectives, pedagogy and teaching
The syllabus aims to enable learners to: methods such as group discussions, presentations and
research should be used.
b) Multi sensory approach- be sensitive to the learner’s
3.1 Understand the nature, concepts and principles of sense of sight, taste, smell , touch , hearing and move-
accounts. ment. Allow the learner to visualise and examine
3.2 Develop enterprise skills that will assist them to be accounting information.
self-reliant. c) Individualisation principle- avoid discrimination of
3.3 Instil the spirit of Unhu/Ubuntu/Vumunhu (good learners.
d) Concreteness principle- use specific figures and facts.
business ethics) when performing business transac-
Avoid being vague, general, theoretical and make use of
tions. real facts.
3.4 Apply practical accounting skills, techniques and
procedures in the preparation of financial state-
ments for sole proprietors, partnerships, companies
and not for profit making organisations.
3.5 Interpret the financial statements for the benefit of
users.
3.6 Appreciate the use of computers in accounting.

4.0. OBJECTIVES OF THE

SYLLABUS
Learners should be able to:

4.1 explain the nature, concepts and principles of accounts

4.2 identify the various types of business enterprises and
the users of financial information.
4.3 explain and distinguish between income and expen-
diture, cash and profit, assets and liabilities as well as
capital and revenue expenditure
4.4 start and run small projects.
4.5 demonstrate the spirit of Unhu/Ubuntu/Vumunhu
(good business ethics) when performing business
transactions.
4.6 prepare financial statements for sole proprietors,
partnerships, companies and not for profit making or-
ganisations using the relevant accounting concepts,
principles, techniques and procedures.

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

5.2. Suggested Learning and Teaching Tools

The following are suggested learning and teaching tools that

might be used:

• Case studies
• Discussions
• Resource persons
• Role play sessions
• Information and communication technology tools such a
computers and videos,.
• Research groups
• Educational tours
• Group presentations and participation
•Team building

5.3. Time Allocation

For adequate coverage of this syllabus, the following allocation

is recommended:

Forms 1 and 2: 6 periods per week with at least two double

lessons (one double lesson reserved for practical)

Forms 3 and 4: 8 periods per week with 3 double lessons (one

double lesson reserved for practical)

6.0. TOPICS

• Introduction to Principles of Accounting

• The Accounting Cycle
• Data Processing Methods – Manual, Electronic
• Source Documents
• Subsidiary Books
• The Ledger
• Trial Balance and Errors
• Accounting Concepts
• End of Year Financial Statements
• End of Year Adjustments
• Capital And Revenue Expenditure
• Control Accounts
• Bank Reconciliation
• Accounting Ratios
• Single entry and Incomplete records
• Not for Profit Making Organisations (Non Trading Con-
cerns)
• Departmental Accounts
• Manufacturing Accounts
• Partnership Formation: End of Year Financial Statement
• Company Accounts
• Business Ethics

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

7.0. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

TOPIC FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4
Introduction to prin- • Definition of terms
ciples of accounting such as business, ac-
counting, transaction,
bookkeeping, capi-
tal, assets, liabilities,
income, expenses and
profit
• Types of business
activities: trading,
manufacturing and
provision of services
• Types of business
organisations:
-sole proprietors such
as . vendors, small to
medium enterprises
-partnerships
-limited companies.
• Importance of ac-
counting.
• Users of accounting
information such as
households, managers,
banks and proprietors

Accounting cycle • Accounting cycle:

-transactions
- source documents
-subsidiary books
-ledger
-trial balance
- financial statements

Data processing • Manual method • Manual method

methods • Electronic method • Electronic method

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

7.0. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

TOPIC FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4
Source documents • Source documents
and their significance:
- receipts
- cheques
- invoices
- debit notes
- credit notes
- vouchers
- bank statements
- statements of account

Subsidiary books • Subsidiary books: • Use of books of origi- • Use of the general
- 2 column cash book nal entry: journal
- sales journal - 3 column cash book • Interpretation of
- purchases journal - general journal entries in the general
- sales returns journal - petty cash book journal
- purchases returns • Interpretation of
journal entries in subsidiary
- interpretation of en- books.
tries in the subsidiary
books

Ledger • Classification of • Classification, posting • Classification posting

entries, posting and and balancing ledger and balancing ledger
balancing ledger accounts accounts
accounts • Use of folio numbers • Types of the ledger :
• Interpreting ledger • Types of ledgers and - trade receivables
accounts the ledger accounts ledger
• Interpretation of - trade payables ledger
ledger accounts -general ledger
• Use of folio columns
• Interpretation of
ledger accounts

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

7.0. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

TOPIC FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4
Trial balance and • Trial balance • Trial balance and • Correction of errors • Effect of errors on
errors - purpose errors • Suspense account profit
- preparation - purpose • Correction of the trial • Adjustments on gross
- preparation balance and net profit
- errors • Revised statements of
- Profit
- financial position
(extracts)

Accounting Concepts • Concepts:

- matching/ accrual
- prudence
- going concern
- consistency
- historical cost
- double entry

of year financial • Income statement • Income statement.

statements • Statement of financial • Statement of financial
position position.
• Interpretation of
financial statements

of year adjustments • Prepayments and • Closing entries

accruals • Accounting for de-
- for income and preciation :
expenses (ledger ac- - straight line method
counts not required) - reducing balance
• Depreciation: method
- causes and methods -revaluation method
- reducing balance • Disposal of non-cur-
method rent assets
- straight line method • Accruals and prepay-
ments
-ledger accounts of
income and expenses

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

7.0. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

TOPIC FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4
End of year • Provisions for:
adjustments - doubtful debts
- discounts allowable
• Income statement and
statement of financial
position

Capital and • Definitions of capital • Accounting for

Revenue and revenue expendi- capital and revenue
Expenditure ture expenditure in financial
• Differences and iden- statements
tification of capital and • Effects of incorrect
revenue expenditure classification on:
- profit
- non-current assets
- working capital items

Control accounts • Control accounts:

- purposes
- types
- preparation
• Sources of informa-
tion
Bank reconciliation • Bank reconciliation • Bank reconciliation
statement: statement and errors
- definition • Updated cash book
- importance • Treatment of bank
- preparation overdraft
- causes of differences • Causes of differences
between cash book between cash book bal-
balance and bank state- ance and bank balance
ment balance

Bank • Profitability ratios:

reconciliation - mark up
Accounting ratios - margin

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

7.0. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

TOPIC FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4
Bank - net profit
reconciliation percentage
Accounting ratios • Liquidity ratios:
- current ratio
- quick ratio
- rate of inventory
turnover

Single entry and • Statement of affairs

Incomplete records - opening and closing
capital.
• Missing figures
- sales
- purchases
- expenses
- gross profit
- net profit
- drawings
• Financial statements

Not for Profit Making • Key terms:

Organisations - surplus
- deficit
- accumulated fund
- subscriptions
• Receipts and pay-
ments accounts
• Income and expendi-
ture accounts
• Statements of financial
position

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

7.0. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

TOPICS FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4
Departmental • Departmental trading
accounts accounts:
- purpose
- preparation
• Combined profit and
loss accounts
• Apportionment of
expenses according to
given basis

Manufacturing • Manufacturing ac-

Accounts counts:
- direct cost
- indirect costs
- prime costs
- work in progress
• Income statements
• Statements of finan-
cial position

Partnerships • Formation of partner-

formation ships
• Advantages and dis-
advantages of partner-
ships
• Income statements
• Appropriation ac-
counts
• Statements of finan-
cial position
• Current accounts
• Capital accounts

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

7.0. SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

TOPIC FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4
Company Accounts • Definition of terms:
- shares
- debentures
- authorised share c
apital
- issued share capital
- called up share capital
- paid up share capital
- shareholders’ funds
- dividends
- general reserves
- retained profits
• Statements of Changes
in Equity
• Statements of financial
position (extract).

Business Ethics • Ethics introduction

- professionalism
- integrity
- confidentiality
- competence
- objectivity
- compliance

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8.0. COMPETENCY MATRIX

8.1 FORM 1
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED
Learner should be (Skills, Attitudes and LEARNING RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Introduction to • Define accounting • Definition of terms • Defining accounting • Braille
Principles of terms such as business, ac- terms. • ICT tools
Accounting • state the different counting, transaction, • Explaining account- • Local business organi-
types of business bookkeeping, capi- ing terms. sations
activities and organi- tal, assets, liabilities, • Identifying the differ-
sations income, expenses and ent types of business
• explain different profit. activities and organi-
types of business activ- • Types of business sations.
ities and organisations activities: trading, • Discussing different
• distinguish the dif- manufacturing and types of business activ-
ferent types of business provision of services ities and organisations.
organisations • Types of business • Stating examples
• explain the impor- organisations: of different types of
tance of accounting -sole proprietor such business activities and
• identify the users of as vendors, small to organisations in the
accounting informa- medium enterprises local community.
tion - partnerships • Discussing the dif-
- limited companies. ferences in the types of
• Importance of ac- business organisations.
counting. • Explaining the
• Users of accounting importance of account-
information such as ing.
households, managers, • Listing users of ac-
banks, proprietors counting information.
• Discussing uses of ac-
counting information.
• Visiting local busi-
ness organisations.

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.0. COMPETENCY MATRIX

8.1 FORM 1

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT( SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be Skills , Attitude and LEARNING RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Accounting cycle • define the accounting • Accounting cycle: • Explaining account- • Braille
cycle. -transactions ing cycle. • ICT tools
• memorise the stages - source documents • Defining the account- • Local business organi-
involved in the ac- - subsidiary books ing cycle. sations
counting cycle - ledger • Memorising the
• illustrate the stages - trial balance stages. involved in the
involved in the ac- - financial statem ents accounting cycle.
counting cycle • llustrating the stages
• explain the stages in- involved in the ac-
volved in the account- counting cycle.
ing cycle • Explaining the stages
• reproduce the ac- involved in the ac-
counting cycle counting cycle.
• Reproducing the
accounting cycle.

Processing • define data process- • Manual method • Defining data pro- • ICT tools
ing terms • Electronic method cessing terms.
• state the methods • Naming the methods
used to process ac- of processing data.
counting data • Comparing manual
• list the advantages and electronic methods
and disadvantages of of data processing.
each method • Stating merits and de-
• apply manual meth- merits of each method.
ods in processing data • Using manual meth-
ods in data processing.

Subsidiary books • name the subsidiary • Subsidiary books: • Naming the subsidi- • Source documents
books - 2 column cash book ary books. • ICT tools
• describe the use of - sales journal • Explaining the use of • Braille
subsidiary books subsidiary books. • Books of accounts

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.0. COMPETENCY MATRIX

8.1 FORM 1

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED LEARN- SUGGESTED

Learners should be (Skills, Attitude and ING RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Subsidiary books • label the columns of • Subsidiary books: • Labelling the columns • Source documents
the subsidiary books - purchases journal of the subsidiary books. • ICT tools
• classify transactions - sales returns journal •Classifying transac- • Braille
• record transactions in - purchases returns tions. • Books of accounts
subsidiary books journal • Illustrating the
• explain the entries in • Interpretation of columns of subsidiary
the subsidiary books entries in the subsidiary books.
books • Matching transactions
with subsidiary books.
• Entering transactions
in subsidiary books.
• Interpreting entries in
the subsidiary books

Ledger • Classify transactions • Classification, posting • Classifying transac-

before posting to the and balancing ledger tions before posting to
ledger accounts the ledger.
• Label the different col- • Interpreting ledger • Labelling the different
umns of the ledger accounts columns of the ledger.
• Post entries from • Posting entries from
subsidiary books to the subsidiary books to the
ledger showing folio ledger showing folio
numbers numbers
• Balance the ledger • Identifying trans-
accounts actions for different
• Classify ledger ac- ledger accounts.
counts • Preparing ledger
• Interpret ledger accounts
accounts • Balancing ledger
accounts.
• Classifying ledger
accounts
• Explaining the entries
in the ledger accounts
•Interpret accounts

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8.0. COMPETENCY MATRIX

8.1 FORM 1
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED
Learners should be (Skills, Attitude and LEARNING RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Balance • define a trial balance • Trial balance • Defining a trial • ICT tools
• explain the purpose - purpose balance. • Braille
of a trial balance - preparation • Discussing the • Ledger accounts
• construct a trial importance of a trial
balance balance.
• Extracting a trial
balance

8.2 FORM 2

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGETSED

Learners should be (Skills, Attitudes and LEARNING RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Subsidiary books • define trade and cash • Use of books of origi- • Defining trade and • Source documents
discount nal entry: cash discounts. • Books of accounts
• calculate trade and - 3 column cash book • Calculating trade and • ICT tools
cash discount - general journal cash discounts. • Braille
• explain the purpose - petty cash book • Discussing the pur-
of the petty cash book • Interpretation of pose of the petty cash
• record transactions in entries in subsidiary book.
appropriate books books • Entering transactions
• interpret the entries in appropriate subsidi-
in the subsidiary books ary books.
• Explaining the entries
in the books.

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8.2 FORM 2
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGETSED
Learners should be (Skills, Attitude and LEARNING RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Ledger • define the ledger • Classification, posting • Defining the ledger. • Source documents
• post entries from and balancing ledger • Posting entries to the • Books of accounts
subsidiary books to the accounts ledger. • ICT tools
ledger • Use of folio numbers • Balancing ledger • Braille
• balance ledger ac- • types of the ledgers accounts.
counts and ledger accounts • Naming the types of
• state the types of • Interpretation of ledgers.
ledgers ledger accounts • Classifying ledger
• classify ledger ac- accounts.
counts • Interpreting ledger
• explain the entries in accounts.
the ledger accounts

Balance and errors • prepare a trial bal- • Trial balance and • Drawing up a trial • ICT tools
ance errors: balance. • Braille
• explain purposes -purpose • Explaining purpose • Local business
of preparing a trial -preparation of preparing a trial
balance. -errors balance.
• state errors that are • Naming errors not
not revealed by a trial affecting trial balance
balance agreement.
• explain each of the • Describing each of
errors the errors.
• Preparing Trial
Balances from infor-
mation collected from
local businesses

Year financial state- • define income state- • Income statements • Discussing the • ICT tools
ments ments • Statements of finan- purpose of income • Financial statements
• explain the need for cial position statements. • Braille
income statements • Preparing income
• draw up income statements.
statements • Explaining what
• define statements of statements of financial
financial position position are.
• prepare statements of • Drawing up a
financial position statement of financial
position.

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8.2 FORM 2
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES Learn- UNIT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED
ers should be able to: CONTENT(Skills, LEARNING RESOURCES
Attitude and Knowl- ACTIVITIES AND
dege) NOTES
• Preparing finan-
cial statements from
information from local
businesses
Year adjustments • define accruals and • Prepayments and • Defining accruals • Non-current assets
prepayments accruals and prepayments. • ICT tools
• show adjustments for - for income and • Showing adjust- • Braille
accruals and prepay- expenses (ledger ac- ments for accruals and
ments in end of year counts not required). prepayments in end of
financial statements. • Depreciation: year financial state-
• define depreciation - causes and methods ments.
• state causes of depre- - reducing balance • Defining deprecia-
ciation method tion.
• calculate deprecia- - straight line method • Stating causes of
tion using the given depreciation.
methods • Calculating depreci-
ation using the given
methods

Capital and revenue • define capital expen- • Definitions of capital • Defining capital ex- • Non-current assets
expenditure diture and revenue and revenue expendi- penditure and revenue • Consumable items
expenditure ture expenditure. • Braille
• differentiate capital • Differences and iden- • Discussing differenc-
expenditure from reve- tification of capital and es between capital ex-
nue expenditure revenue expenditure penditure and revenue
expenditure.
• Classifying capital
and revenue expendi-
ture

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.2 FORM 2
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES Learn- UNIT CONTENT SUGGETSED SUGESTED
ers should be able to: (Skills, Attitude and LEARNING RESOURCES
Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Reconciliation • define bank reconcil- • Bank reconciliation • Defining a bank rec- • Copies of bank state-
iation statements statements: onciliation statements. ments
• state the causes of - definition • Discussing the • Cash book
differences between - importance importance of a bank • Braille
cash book and bank - preparation reconciliation state-
statement balances - causes of differences ment.
• explain the impor- between cash book • Listing the causes
tance of bank reconcil- and bank statement of differences in cash
iation statements balances. book and bank state-
• prepare bank recon- ment balance.
ciliation statements • Drafting bank recon-
ciliation statements

Profit Making Organ- • define key terms • Key terms: • Defining key terms. • Resource persons
isations • describe receipts and - surplus • Describing the pur- • ICT tools
payments accounts - deficit pose of not for profit • Braille
• draw up receipts and - accumulated fund making organisations.
payments accounts -subscriptions • Preparing receipts
• prepare simple in- • Receipts and pay- and payments ac-
come and expenditure ments accounts counts.
accounts • Income and expendi- • Drawing up in-
• draft statements of ture accounts come and expenditure
financial position • Statements of finan- accounts.
cial position • Constructing state-
ments of financial
position.
• Preparing financial
statements of not for
profit making. organ-
isation in their local
environment

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8.3 FORM 3

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be (Skills, Attitude and LEARNING ACIVI- RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) TIES AND NOTES
Processing • apply manual meth- • Manual method. • Applying manual • ICT tools
ods of processing data • Electronic method methods of processing • Braille
• demonstrate the use data.
of electronic methods • Practising the use of
computers.

Subsidiary books • state the uses of the • Use of the general • Listing the uses of the • ICT tools
general journal journal/journal proper. general journal. • Braille
• prepare journal • Interpretation of • Entering transactions
entries entries in the general in a general journal.
• explain the entries in journal. • Interpreting the
the general journal entries in the general
• post journal entries journal.
• Posting journal
entries

Ledger • define the term • Classification, posting • Defining the term • ICT tools
account. and balancing ledger account. • Braille
• classify ledger ac- accounts. • Classifying ledger
counts • Types of the ledger : accounts.
• post entries from - trade receivables • Posting entries to the
subsidiary books to ledger ledger.
appropriate divisions of - trade payables ledger • Distinguishing
the ledger. -general ledger transactions for trade
• explain the entries in • Use of folio columns. receivables, trade
the ledger accounts. • Interpretation of payables and general
• use reference ledger accounts ledgers.
numbers in the folio • Analysing the
columns entries in the ledger
• interpret the final bal- accounts.
ances in the accounts. • Explaining the final
balances in the ac-
counts.
• Recording reference
numbers in the folio
columns.

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8.3 FORM 3

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be (Skills, Attitude and LEARNING ACIVI- RESOURCES
able to: Knowledge) TIES AND NOTES
Capital and • define revenue and • Accounting for • Defining revenue • ICT tools
revenue capital expenditure capital and revenue ex- and capital expendi- • Braille
expenditure • classify expenditure penditure in financial ture.
into revenue or capital statements • Discussing differenc-
expenditure • Effects of incorrect es between capital and
• show revenue and classification on: revenue expenditure.
capital expenditure - profit • Recording of revenue
appropriately in the - non-current assets and capital expendi-
financial statements - working capital ture in the financial
• state the effects of in- statements.
correct classification of • Discussing effects of
expenditure on profit, incorrect classification
non-current assets and of expenditure.
working capital

Control accounts • define control ac- • Control accounts: • Giving definition of • ICT tools
counts - types control accounts. • Braille
• state the purposes of - purposes • Discussing uses of
control accounts - preparation control accounts.
• name the types of • Sources of informa- • Naming types of
control accounts tion control accounts.
• identify sources of • Discussing sources
information for control of information for
accounts control accounts.
• prepare control • Constructing control
accounts accounts.

Reconciliation state- • identify causes of • Bank reconciliation •Identifying causes of • ICT tool
ments and errors differences between statements and errors differences between • Braille
cash book and bank • Updated cash book cash book and bank
balances balances.
• draw up an updated
cash book

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.3 FORM 3
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES Learn- UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED
ers should be able to: (Skills, Attitude and LEARNING RESOURCES
Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
• identify errors in the • Treatment of bank • Discussing errors in •ICT tool
cash book and bank overdraft cash book and bank •Braille
statement • Causes of differences statements.
• prepare bank recon- between cash book • Preparing an updated
ciliation statement and bank balances cash book to correct
errors in the cash
book.
• Drawing up bank
reconciliation state-
ments

Departmental ac- • state the purpose of • Departmental trad- • Discussing purpose • Departmental stores
counts departmental trading ing accounts: of departmental ac- • Resource person
accounts - purpose counts • ICT tools
• prepare departmental - preparation • Apportioning ex- • Braille
trading accounts in • Combined profit and penses appropriately
columnar form loss account. among departments
• apportion expenses • Apportionment of • Preparing depart-
appropriately among expenses according to mental financial
departments given basis. statements
• draw up a combined • Conducting educa-
profit and loss account tional tours to depart-
• prepare statements of mental stores
financial position

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.4 FORM 4
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT SUGGESTED LEARN- SUGGESTED
Learners should be CONTENT (Skills, ING RESOURCES
able to: Attitude and Knowl- ACTIVITIES AND
edge) NOTES
Balance and errors • recognise the effect • Effect of errors on • Discussing the effect • ICT tools
of errors on profit profit of errors on profit. • Braille
• explain the effect of • Adjustments on • Calculating adjusted
errors on profit gross and net profit gross profit or net profit.
• adjust gross or net • Revised statements • Drafting revised state-
profit after correcting of : ments of profit.
errors - profit • Drawing up state-
• prepare statements - financial position ments of financial
of financial position (extracts) position (extracts).
(extracts) after correc-
tion of errors

Accounting ratios • memorise profitabil- • Profitability ratios • Memorising profitabil- • ICT tools
ity and liquidity ratio - mark up ity and liquidity ratio • Braille
formulae - margin formulae.
•compute profitability - net profit percentage • Discussing profitabili-
and liquidity ratios • Liquidity ratios ty and liquidity ratios.
• apply profitability - current ratio • Calculating liquidity
and liquidity ratios - quick ratio and profitability ratios.
to arrive at missing - rate of inventory • Using profitability and
figures turnover liquidity ratios to arrive
at missing figures.

Entry and • define terms • Statements of affairs • Defining terms. • ICT tools
Incomplete Records • calculate opening -opening and closing • Calculating opening • Braille
and closing capital capital. and closing capital.
using statements of • Missing figures • Preparing statements
affairs -sales of affairs.
• calculate missing - purchases • Calculating purchas-
figures - expenses es, sales, expenses,
• draw up end of year - gross profit gross profit, net profit,
financial statements - net profit inventory, drawings and
- drawings income
-income • Drafting financial
• Financial statements statements.

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.4 FORM 4

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should be CONTENT (Skills, LEARNING RESOURCES
able to: Attitude and ACTIVITIES AND
Knowledge) NOTES
Profit Making • state sources of in- • Sources of income • Listing sources of • ICT tools
Organisations come for not for profit • Subscriptions ac- income. • Resource persons from
making organisations counts • Drafting a subscrip- clubs and societies
• deduce missing • Missing figures tions accounts. • Braille
figures • Trading accounts • Calculating missing
• compile trading • Income and expen- figures.
accounts for profit diture accounts • Drawing up a trading
making projects. • Statements of finan- accounts.
• construct subscrip- cial position • Preparing income and
tions accounts with expenditure account.
adjustments • Compiling statements
• prepare an income of financial position.
and expenditure
accounts
• draw up a state-
ments of financial
position

Manufacturing • define terms used • Manufacturing • Explaining terms • ICT tools

Accounts in manufacturing accounts used in manufacturing • Braille
accounts - direct costs accounts.
• classify manufactur- - indirect costs • Classifying. manufac-
ing costs - prime costs turing costs
• prepare manufac- - work in progress • Drafting an income
turing accounts • Income statements statement.
• draw up income • Statements of finan- • Drawing up a state-
statements. cial position ment of financial
• draft statements of position.
financial position • Calculating factory
cost of production.
• Distinguishing
between direct and indi-
rect costs

Partnerships • define a partnership. • Formation of part- • Defining a partner- • ICT tools

• state reasons for the nerships ship. • Braille
formation of partner- • Advantages and • Discussing the for-
ships disadvantages of part- mation and types of
nerships partnerships

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.4 FORM 4
CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED
Learners should be CONTENT (Skills, LEARNING RESOURCES
able to: Attitude and ACTIVITIES AND
Knowledge) NOTES
Partnerships • outline the impor- • Income statements • Debating on advantag- • Resource person
tance and contents of • Appropriation ac- es and disadvantages of • ICT tools
a partnership agree- counts partnerships. • Braille
ment • Statements of finan- • Drawing up appropri-
• prepare appropria- cial position ation accounts
tion accounts • Current accounts • Drafting current ac-
• prepare current • Capital accounts counts for partners and
accounts and capital capital accounts
accounts • Compiling statements
• draw up statements of financial position.
of financial position • Conducting educa-
showing current tional tours
accounts within or
outside the statement

Company accounts • define terms used in • Definition of terms: • Explaining terms used • ICT tools
company accounts - shares in company accounts. • Resource persons
• outline components - debentures • Discussing the differ- • Braille
of the capital struc- - authorised share ences between ordinary • Print media
ture of a company capital and preference shares,
• state advantages of - issued share c apital share capital and loan
forming a company - called up share capital
• prepare statements capital • Preparing statements
of changes in equity - paid up share capital of changes in equity.
• draft statements - shareholders’ funds • Preparing statements
of financial position - dividends of financial position(ex-
(capital structure - general reserves tracts)
extract) - retained profits • Discussing the com-
- statement of changes ponents of the capital
in equity structure of a company
• Statements of • Conducting educa-
financial position tional tours
(extracts).

Business Ethics • define business • Ethics introduction • Defining business •ICT tool
ethics. ethics • Braille

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

8.4 FORM 4

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES UNIT CONTENT SUGGESTED SUGGESTED

Learners should (Skills, Attitude LEARNING RESOURCES
be able to: and Knowledge) ACTIVITIES AND
NOTES
Business Ethics • identify the pro- - professionalism • Identifying the • ICT tool
fessional ethics in - integrity professional ethics in • Braille
accounting - confidentiality accounting • Print media
• explain business - competence • Explaining business
ethics - objectivity ethics
• apply business - compliance • Applying business
ethics in day to day ethics in day to day
business transac- business transactions
tions

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

9.0. SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT stakeholders.

15. use appropriate accounting techniques to check the

9.1. Assessment accuracy of accounting records through bank reconcilia-
tions, the trial balance and control accounts.
Principles of accounting will be assessed using continuous and 16. compare the methods of data processing , listing their
summative assessments. The syllabus’ scheme of assessment advantages and disadvantages.
is grounded on the principle of inclusivity. Arrangements,
accommodations and modifications should be made in both
continuous and summative assessments to enable candidates
with special needs to be catered for.

9.2. Assessment Objectives

By the end of the 4 years of secondary education, principles of

accounting learners should be able to:

1. apply knowledge of accounting concepts in the prepara-

tion of financial statements.

2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of double

entry book keeping in the preparation of ledger accounts
using either “T” account format, running balance for-
mat or balanced journal. format.

3. demonstrate knowledge of terms used in all the stages of

the accounting cycle.

4. use appropriate accounting techniques in deducing

missing information.

5. perform accurate calculations of accounting data and

present the information in a logically acceptable manner.

6. use accounting ratios to analyse accounting information.

7. interpret accounting information to make informed

decisions.

8. apply skills and knowledge acquired to given real life

situations.

t
9. apply a culture of honesty, in egrity and transparency
when conducting business transactions.

10. recognize the importance of keeping accounting records

in the business world.

11. match source documents to their subsidiary books.

12. compare the activities of various business organisations

and non-trading concerns.

13. explain the activities of the sole proprietors small to me-

dium enterprises, partnerships and limited companies.

14. outline the importance of accounting information to

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

Assessment of learner performance in Principles of Accounting

Assessment of Learner Performance in Principles of Accounting

Continuous Assessment Summative Assessment

Projects Theory Practicals 10% Paper 1 Paper 2

Profiling
10% `10%

Profiling Continuous assessment

Mark = 30% Examination Mark =30%

Exit Profile
FINAL M ARK

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

9.3. SPECIFICATION GRID

Continuous Assessment (30%)

LEVEL ASSESSMENT TASK FREQUENCY WEIGHTING

FORM 1 Theory Test 1 per term 5%
Practical Assignment 1 per term
Project 1 per term
FORM 2 Theory Test 1 per term 5%
Practical Assignment 1 per term
Project 1 per term
FORM 3 Theory Test 1 per term 10%
Practical Assignment 1 per term
Project 1 per year
FORM 4 2 Practical Assignments 10%
Project
Total 30%

Summative Assessment (70%)

PAPER DESCRIPTION DURATION MARKS PAPER WEIGHTING

WEIGHTING
1 Multiple Choice 1 1/2 hours 40 20% 70%
Questions
2 Structured Ques- 1 1/2 hours 100 50%
tions

Paper 1 comprises of 40 multiple choice questions with four options per question and candidates are expected to answer all.

Paper 2 consists of 5 compulsory structured questions carrying 20 marks each and candidates are expected to answer
all.

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

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Principles of Accounting Syllabus Forms 1 - 4

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