EGCSE Accounting 2024-2026 Syllabus

EGCSE ACCOUNTING Syllabus 6896
October/November 2024-2026 Examinations

CONTENTS
Page
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………... 4
Aims …………………………………………………………………………………………………... 4
Prior knowledge and key benefits ………………………………………………………………..... 5
Recognition………………………………………………………………………………………….... 5
Summary of Content ……………………………………………………..………..………………... 5
Assessment Objectives …………………………………………..……………………...………..... 7
Specification Grid ……………………………………………………………………………...…..... 8
Scheme of Assessment………………………………………………………………………..…..... 9
Weighting of Papers ……………………………………………………………………………….....6
Curriculum Content ……………………………………………………………..………………..... 10
Grade Descriptions ………………………………………………………………………..……..... 28
Appendix: International Standards Terminology ……………………………………………….. 30
Appendix: Glossary of Terms .…………………………………………………………...……….. 31
Appendix: Accounting Ratios ……………………………………………………………….……. 33
4
ESWATINI GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION
The Eswatini General Certificate of Secondary Education (EGCSE) syllabuses are designed as two-
year courses for examination in Form 5. Accounting maybe viewed as a career but it also inculcates
life-long skills of financial accountability, be it at work or at home. The spirit of being conscious of our
spending is vital even for personal spending.
The study of basic accounting at secondary schools is useful for those individuals who find themselves
entrepreneurs as a means for survival and it further prepares those who may wish to take accounting
as a career.
All EGCSE syllabuses follow a general pattern. The main sections are:
Aims
Assessment Objectives
Assessment
Curriculum Content
Accounting is an Elective Subject and falls into the Business Education Field of Study.
AIMS
The aims of the syllabus are the same for all candidates. These aims are set out below and describe
the educational purposes of a course in Accounting for the EGCSE Examination. They are not listed
in order of priority.
The aims are to enable candidates to:
1 develop attitudes of accuracy, orderliness, self-reliance, perseverance and critical thinking;

2 develop skills of arithmetic, enquiry, presentation, analysis and interpretation;
3 understand accounting principles, terminologies and procedures;
4 understand and appreciate purposes of accounting on providing information for decision-making
appropriate to business, prospective buyers of businesses and all interested parties;
5 develop an understanding of the implications of failing to keep proper financial records;
6 develop accounting skills to make judgements and take decisions.
5
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND KEY BENEFITS
Learners who are eligible to study EGCSE Accounting (6896) must have successfully completed the
Eswatini Junior Certificate (JC) of Secondary qualification or its equivalent. Candidates who had not
done the Junior Certificate Bookkeeping and Accounts at JC may study the EGCSE Accounting (6896).
Learners benefit from this course in that they learn life-long skills for accounting on how they spend
their income or small businesses they may operate.
RECOGNITION AND PROGRESSION

The EGCSE Qualification is recognised by local universities and colleges, and some institutions outside
Eswatini. The EGCSE Accounting syllabus content gives learners a solid foundation for further study.
Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to enter universities locally and in some other
countries to pursue a wide range of courses. Some candidates increase their chances of acceptance
in universities outside Eswatini by enrolling for the Cambridge International AS, A Levels and or
equivalent qualifications.
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
1. Purpose of Accounting
This section introduces accounting, explains the difference between bookkeeping and
accounting. It justifies the reasons for ascertaining profit and loss in a business. States the
users of a accounting information within and outside the business
2. Accounting principle and policies
Explain the main underlying principles in the preparation of accounting statements and the
implications of accounting principles in financial reporting and recording. It includes; business
entity, duality, money measurement, prudence, realisation, consistency, marketing and historic
cost. It also explains the four policies (i.e., relevance, reliability, comparability and
understandability).
3. Accounting equation
This section explains basic accounting terms: Assets, liabilities and capital (owner’s
equity).understanding of accounting equation and effects of transactions on it, demonstrates the
effects of transactions on assets, liabilities and capital.
4. Source documents and subsidiary books
This section covers recognition and understanding of source documents (invoice, debit note,
credit note, cheque, receipts and statement of account), recording of accounting data in
subsidiary books including value added tax ( cash book, sales journal, purchases journal,
returns inwards and outwards journals, petty cash book and general journal). Explaining and
applying the imprest system of petty cash. Posting ledger entries from subsidiary books, cash
and trade discounts, types of VAT (standard rate and zero rate).
6
5. Double entry
This section covers understanding of the double entry of bookkeeping, processing accounting
data using double entry system, preparing ledger accounts using ‘T’ account format, post
transactions to the ledger (including VAT), balancing ledger accounts and making transfers to
financial statements. Interpret ledger accounts and their balances, the division of the ledger into
sales/debtors ledger, purchases/creditors ledger and nominal/general ledger. Advantages of
dividing the ledger into sections.
6. Verification of accounting records
The section focuses on the trial balance, correction of errors, bank reconciliation and control
accounts.
7. Accounting Procedures
This part covers capital and revenue expenditure and receipts, depreciation and disposal of
non-current assets, accruals and prepayments, irrecoverable debts and provisions and
inventory valuation.
8. Financial Statements
This section focuses on financial statements of a sole trader, partnership, non-trading

organisations and limited liability companies.
9. Specialised accounts
This section focuses on departmental accounts, manufacturing accounts and incomplete

records
10. Interpretation of financial statements
This section covers definition of non-current assets, current assets, intangible assets, working
capital, capital employed, non-current liabilities and current. It also focuses on distinguishing
between profitability and liquidity ratios. Calculation of ratios (gross margin, return on capital
employed current ratio, quick ratio and rate of inventory. Understand the significance of the
difference between gross profit and profit for the year percentage as indicators of business
efficiency. Analysis, interpretation, comment and advice on liquidity, profitability and working
capital. Apply ratios to infer firm comparisons. Make judgements based on performance of two
or more businesses
7
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
Assessment Objectives (AO) in Accounting are:
AO1 Knowledge and Understanding

AO2 Analysis
AO3 Evaluation, Judgement and Decision-Making.
A description of each assessment objective follows.
AO1 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Candidates should be able to:
1. show knowledge and understanding of terms, principles, and accounting procedures;
2. show knowledge and understanding through arithmetic, presentation and
interpretation;
3. apply knowledge and understanding to various accounting situations and problems.
Questions to test this will include words such as: state, define, calculate, list, outline,
write up, record, explain, select.
AO2 ANALYSIS

4. select data which is relevant to specific needs of business;
5. present information in an orderly manner and in appropriate accounting form;
6. analyse information observing accounting procedures.
Questions to test this will include words such as: select, prepare, draw up, compile, display.
AO3 EVALUATION, JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING

7. demonstrate analysis, diagnostic and problem-solving skills;
8. interpret and evaluate accounting information and make reasoned judgements and
decisions based on accounting information.
Questions to test this may require subjective responses and may begin with words such as:
explain, advise, comment, discuss, compare, suggest, recommend, justify and draw
conclusions
8
Specification Grid
The relationship between the assessment objectives and components of the scheme of assessment.
Paper Assessment Objectives
AO1 Knowledge with AO2 Analysis AO3Evaluation,

understanding judgement and
decision-making
1 65% 25% 10%
2 45% 35% 20%
The assessment objectives are weighted to give an indication of their relative importance.The
percentages are not intended to provide a precise statement of the number of marks allocated to
particular assessment objectives.
9
ASSESSMENT
Scheme of Assessment
All papers are compulsory. Candidates must enter for Papers 1 and 2 and are eligible for the award
of Grades A* to G. A description of each paper follows.
Paper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes) consisting of 100 marks

Will be a structured question paper consisting of five or six questions based on topics from the
whole of the syllabus. The questions may include short answer questions and multiple choice
items.
Will be answered on the question paper.
This paper will be weighted at 50% of the final total available marks.
Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes) consisting of 100 marks

Will be a structured question paper consisting of four or five questions based on topics from the
whole of the syllabus.
Will be answered on the question paper.
This paper will be weighted at 50% of the final total available marks.
Weighting of Papers
Paper Weighting
1 50%
2 50%
10
CURRICULUM CONTENT
Candidates will study all topics in the Curriculum Content outlined below.
Appropriate teaching time for the Accounting syllabus should be equivalent to six (6) periods of forty
(40) minutes each over a period of sixty (60) weeks/cycles.
The abbreviation i.e. have contextual meaning in this syllabus. Content which follows an i.e.
must be taught.
1.MEANING AND PURPOSE OF BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING

General Objectives Content (C) Outcome (O)
students can:
Students will learn about: Students will learn to:
1.1 demonstrate C1.1 the concept of bookkeeping and O1.1.1 define bookkeeping
knowledge and accounting i.e: and accounting
understanding of (a) defining bookkeeping and O1.1.2 differentiate between
bookkeeping and accounting bookkeeping and
accounting (b) difference between bookkeeping and accounting
accounts
O1.2.1 state the users of
C1.2 users of accounting information within accounting information
and outside the business i.e: O1.2.2 identify the users of
accounting information
(a) Owner within and outside the
(b) Manager business
(c) Prospective buyer
(d) Financial institution
(e) Government tax and Registrar of
companies
(f) Prospective partner
(g) Potential and existing investors
(h) Trade payables
O1.3.1 identify the uses of
C1.3 uses of accounting information accounting information
within and outside the
business
O1.3.2 explain the uses of
Accounting information
relevant to each user
O1.3.3 explain the purpose of
measuring business
profit and loss
O1.4.1 State the purpose of
ascertaining profit or
loss
C1.4 purpose of measuring business profit or
loss
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2. ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

General Objectives Students will learn about: Students will learn to:
Students can
2.1 demonstrate C2.1. Accounting Principles i.e.: O2.1.1 State and Explain the
knowledge, meaning of each of the
understanding, (a) business entity: appreciate that a accounting principles
application and distinction is made between the
analysis skills of financial transactions of business and O2.1.2 apply the main
Accounting those of its owners. principles underlying
Principles and the preparation of
Policies (b) duality: understand that every accounting statements
transaction has two aspects.
O2.1.3 analyse the
(c) money measurement: know that all implications of
transactions are expressed in accounting principles in
monetary terms e.g. Emalangeni financial reporting and
recording:
(d) prudence: know that revenue should
not be recorded before it is earned, but
foreseeable losses should be taken
into account immediately.
(e) realisation: know that revenue is

recognised as being earned when the
customer incurs a legal liability to pay.
(f) consistency: understand that the same

accounting policy should be applied to
similar items at all times.
(g) matching: know that costs must be

matched against related income
(h) assumed continuity: understand that

accounting assumes that a business
will continue to operate indefinitely.
(i) historical cost: understand that all

assets and expenses are recorded at
cost price.
12
C2.2. Accounting policies i.e.: O2.2.1 state and explain

accounting policies
(a) relevance: understand that financial O.2.2. identify and explain
information is relevant only if it affects the objectives for
the business decisions. selecting accounting
(b) reliability: understand that financial policies.
information is reliable only if it can be
depended upon to represent actual
events and is free from error and bias.
(c) comparability: recognise that a O2.2.3 apply the relevant
financial report can only be compared policies in the
with reports for other periods if preparation of
similarities and differences can be accounting statements.
identified.
(d) understandability: recognise that a
financial report must be capable of
being understood by the users of that
report.
3. ACCOUNTING EQUATION
3.1 demonstrate C3.1 understanding basic accounting O3.1.1 define and use basic
knowledge and terms i.e. accounting terms
understanding of (a) Assets
the effects of (b) Liabilities
transactions in (c) Capital
the accounting
equation C3.2 understanding the accounting equation O3.2.1 state, explain and use
and the effect of transactions on it. the accounting
equation
O3.1.3 state and explain the
C3.3 effects of transactions on assets, effects of transactions
liabilities and capital on assets, liabilities
and, capital
13
4. SOURCE DOCUMENTS AND SUBSIDIARY BOOKS
4.1 demonstrate C4.1 recognising and understanding O4.1.1 state and explain the
knowledge and source documents i.e. functions of source
understanding (a) invoice documents
of source (b) debit note O4.1.2 analyse information in
documents and (c) credit note source documents
subsidiary O4.1.3 distinguish between the
(d) cheque
books different source
(e) receipt documents
(f) statement of account
O4.2.1 state and explain
C4.2 recording accounting data in the functions of subsidiary
subsidiary books including Value books
Added Tax i.e. O4.2.2 present accounting
(a) cashbook information in
(b) sales journal subsidiary books
(c) purchases journal including VAT
(d) returns inwards journal O4.2.3 explain subsidiary
books entries
(e) returns outwards journal
O4.2.4 explain and apply the
(f) petty cash book imprest system of petty
(g) general journal cash concept
O4.3.1 post ledger entries from

the books of original
C4.3 explaining and applying the imprest entry
system of petty cash
O4.4.1 state and explain the
advantages of using
C4.4 posting to the ledger entries from the various subsidiary
the subsidiary books books
C4.4 understanding advantages of using the

various subsidiary books O4.5.1 calculate cash and
trade discounts
C4.5 understanding cash and trade
discounts O4.5.2 differentiate between
cash and trade
discounts
O4.5.3 Calculate invoice price
and amount to be paid
after discounts
O4.6.1 State the definition of

VAT
O4.6.2 State the types of VAT
C4.6 understanding Value Added Tax (VAT) O4.6.3 explain the concept
i.e. VAT
(a) definition
(b) types i.e.
(i) standard rate
(ii) zero rate
14
5. DOUBLE ENTRY
5.1 demonstrate C5.1 double entry i.e. O5.1.1 explain the double entry system of book-
knowledge (a) understanding of the keeping
and double entry system O5.1.2 process accounting data using the
understanding of bookkeeping in double entry system post entries to the
of double posting to the ledger ledger (including VAT)
entry system (including VAT) using
the ‘T’ account O5.1.3 post transactions to the ledger accounts
format. (including VAT)
(b) Posting transactions
to the ledger accounts O5.1.4 prepare ledger accounts using both the
(including VAT. ‘T’ account format and the running
(c) processing balance.
accounting data using
the double entry
system
(d) preparing ledger
accounts using the T’
account format.
C5.2 balancing a ledger O5.2.1 balance ledger accounts as required

account as required and make transfers to financial
and making transfers to statements
financial statements
C5.3 Interpreting ledger O5.2.3 Identify and use the different types of
accounts and their the ledger
balances
C5.4 divisions of the ledger O5.4.1. state and explain advantages of
i.e. dividing the ledger into sections
(i) sales/debtors ledger,
(ii) purchases/creditors
ledger
(iii) nominal/general
ledger
(iv) advantages of
dividing the ledger
into sections
C5.5 interpreting ledger

O5.5.1 interpret ledger accounts and their
accounts and their balances
balances
15
6. VERIFICATION OF ACCOUNTING RECORDS

6.1 display C6.1 understanding of O6.1.1 explain the purpose of preparing a trial
knowledge, The Trial Balance balance
understanding i.e.: O6.1.2 prepare a trial balance from a given list of
and balances and from ledger balances
(a) purpose of
application of O6.1.3 identify and describe errors not revealed by a
preparing a trial
verifying trial balance
balance
accounting O6.1.4 identify and describe errors which affect the
records and trial balance.
(b) preparing a trial
correction of O6.1.5 correct errors by journal entries and post to
balance from a
errors the ledger
given list of
balances and from
O6.1.6 .explain the purpose of a suspense account
ledger balances
O6.1.7 use the suspense account to correct errors
which affect the trial balance
(c) identifying and
O6.1.8 analyse the effect of errors on profit and
describing errors
statement of financial position
not revealed by a
O6.1.9 adjust the profit or loss for an accounting
trial balance
period after the correction of errors
(i) omission
O6.1.10 analyse the effects of correction of errors on
(ii) commission
a statement of financial position
(iii) principle
(iv) original entry
(v) transposition
(vi) complete
reversal of
entries
(vii) compensation
(d) identifying and

describing errors
which affect the
trial balance i.e.
(i) addition
(ii) single entry
(iii) posting wrong
balance
(e) correction of errors

by journal entries
and post to the
ledger
(f) explaining the

purpose of a
suspense account
and use it to
correct the errors
which affect the
trial balance
(g) effect of errors on

profit and
16
statement of
financial position
(h) adjusting the profit
or loss for an
accounting period
after the correction
of errors
(i) effects of
correcting errors
on a statement of
O6.2.1 identify the importance and need for
financial position
reconciling in the cash book and bank
statement balances
C6.2 Bank
Reconciliation O6.2.2 prepare an updated cash book
i.e.:
(a) updating the cash O6.2.3 prepare a bank reconciliation statements
book including both favourable and unfavourable
balances
(b) importance and
need for
reconciling the
cash book and
bank statement
balance
(c) preparing a bank
reconciliation
statement
including both
favourable and
unfavourable O6.3.1 explain the purpose of control accounts
balances O6.3.2 identify sources of information for preparing
C6.3 Control control accounts
Accounts i.e. O6.3.3 prepare sales ledger and purchases ledger
(a) purpose of control control accounts
accounts O6.3.4 calculate credit purchases/sales and other
(b) sources of missing figures
information for
their preparation of
control accounts
(c) sales ledger
control account in
T format
(d) purchases ledger
control account in
T format
17
7. ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES
7.1 demonstrate knowledge C7.1 Capital and revenue O7.1.1 differentiate between
and understanding of expenditure and receipts capital expenditure and
accounting procedures i.e.: receipts
(a) differences between i.e.:
O7.1.2 differentiate between
(i) capital expenditure and revenue expenditure
receipts and receipts
(ii) revenue expenditure O7.1.3 explain the effect of
and receipts capital expenditure and
receipts on profit and
(b) effects on profit and asset
asset valuation of
valuation of incorrect
incorrect treatment
treatment
O7.1.4 explain the effect of
revenue and receipts on
profit and asset
evaluation of incorrect
treatment
C7.2 Depreciation and
disposal of non-current
O7.2.1 explain that
assets i.e.:
depreciation measures
(a) depreciation the partial consumption
of non-current assets
(i) meaning
during its use
(ii) calculating and preparing
O.7.2.2 calculate amounts
accounting entries for the
charged for
operation of depreciation
depreciation using
using straight-line,
straight-line, reducing
reducing and valuation
balance and
methods
revaluation methods.
(b) accounting entries to
O7.2.3 prepare non-current
record the sale of non-
asset and provision for
current assets, including the
depreciation accounts.
use of disposal accounts
O7.2.4 prepare accounting
entries to record the
sale of non-current
assets, including the
use of disposal
accounts.
C7.3 Accruals and

prepayments i.e.:
O7.3.1 explain the importance
(a) understanding the
of matching costs and
importance of matching
revenues
costs and revenues
18
(b) preparing accounting O7.3.2 prepare accounting
entries for accrued and entries for accrued and
prepaid expenses and prepaid expenses
accrued and prepaid
O7.3.3 prepare accounting
income
entries for accrued and
prepaid income
19
C7.4 Irrecoverable debts and O7.4.1 explain the meaning of

provisions i.e.: irrecoverable debts and
provisions
(a) understanding and
preparing accounting O7.4.2 prepare accounting
entries to record entries to record
irrecoverable debts written irrecoverable debts
off written off
(b) understanding and O7.4.3 describe and record
recording of irrecoverable irrecoverable debts
debts recovered recovered
(c) reasons for maintaining a
provision for doubtful debts. O7.4.4 explain the reasons for
(d) making accounting entries maintaining a provision
for the creation of, and for doubtful debts.
adjustments to a provision O7.4.5 make accounting
for doubtful debts entries for the creation
of, and adjustment to, a
provision for bad and
doubtful debts
C7.5 Inventory valuation i.e.:
(a) understanding the basis of O7.5.1 explain the basis of
inventory valuation at the inventory valuation at
lower of cost and net the lower of cost and
realisable value net realisable value
(b) understanding and applying
methods of inventory O7.5.2 state and apply FIFO,
valuation i.e.: LIFO and AVCO
(i) First in first out (FIFO) methods of inventory
(ii) Last in first out (LIFO) valuation
(iii) Average cost (AVCO) O7.5.3 explain and discuss the
(c) effect of an incorrect effect of an incorrect
inventory valuation on gross inventory valuation on
profit, Profit for the year, gross profit for the year,
assets and capital assets and capital
(d) adjustments for drawings of O7.5.4 make adjustments for
inventory drawings of inventory
20
8. PREPARATON OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8.1 C8.1 Sole trader i.e.: O8.1.1 explain advantages and
Demonstrate disadvantages of a sole trader
(a) advantages and
knowledge, business
disadvantage of a sole
understanding
trader business O8.1.2 explain the difference between a
and preparation
(b) the differences between trading business and a service
of financial
service and trading business
statements
businesses
O8.1.3 prepare income statements and
(c) understanding and statements of financial position for
preparing income trading businesses and service
statements and statements businesses using both the horizontal
of financial position for and vertical formats
trading and service
businesses O8.1.4 make adjustments for accruals and
(d) adjustments for accruals prepayments
and prepayments
O8.1.5 make adjustments for provision for
(e) adjustment for provision for depreciation using straight line,
depreciation using straight reducing balance and revaluation
line, reducing balance and method
revaluation method
O8.1.6 make adjustments for irrecoverable
(f) adjustment for
debts and provisions for doubtful
irrecoverable debts and
provision for doubtful debts debts
(g) adjustments for drawings of O8.1.7 make adjustments for drawings of

inventory inventory
C8.2 Partnership i.e. O8.2.1 explain advantages and

(a) advantages and disadvantages of a partnership
disadvantages of a business
partnership business O8.2.2 state and discuss the importance of
(b) the importance and contents contents of partnership agreement
of a partnership agreement
(c) understanding the purpose O8.2.3 state the purpose of an appropriation
of an appropriation account account
(d) preparing income O8.2.4 prepare income statements,
statements, appropriation appropriation accounts and
accounts and statements of statements of financial position for a
financial position partnership business using both the
(e) the treatment of the division horizontal and vertical formats
of the balance of profit or
loss: interest on capital, O8.2.5 show and discuss the treatment of
partners’ salaries, and the division of the balance of profit or
loss: interest on capital, partners’
interest on partners’ loans
salaries, and interest on partners’
and on drawings.
loans and on drawings.
(f) the purpose of, and
difference between capital O8.2.6 state and distinguish between capital
and current accounts and current accounts
(g) partners’ capital and current
O82.6 draw up partners’ capital and current
accounts
accounts
21
(h) prepare partners’ capital and O8.2.7 prepare partners’ capital and current
current accounts in accounts in statement of financial
statements of financial position
position
O8.2.8 make adjustments for accruals and
(i) adjustments for accruals and
prepayments
prepayments
(j) adjustment for provision for O8.2.9 make adjustments for provision for
depreciation using straight depreciation using straight line,
line, reducing balance and reducing balance and revaluation
revaluation method method
(k) adjustment for irrecoverable O8.2.10 make adjustments for irrecoverable
debts and provision for debts and provisions for doubtful
doubtful debts debts
(l) adjustments for drawings of
inventory O8.2.11 make adjustments for drawings of
inventory
C8.3 Non-Trading
organisations i.e.: O8.3.1 state and distinguish between
receipts and payments account and
(a) receipts and payments income and expenditure
account and income and
expenditure O8.3.2 prepare receipts and payments
(b) preparing a subscriptions O8.3.2 Explain the reason for preparing a
account and understanding subscriptions account
reasons for its preparation
(c) preparing accounts for O8.3.4 prepare subscriptions account with
revenue generating debit and credit opening, closing
activities: balances and understand reasons
(i) refreshments for its preparation
(ii) canteen O8.3.5 prepare accounts for revenue
(d) preparing income and generating activities
expenditure accounts and
statements of financial O8.3.6 Prepare and income and
positions expenditure accounts and
(e) adjustments for accruals statements of financial positions
and prepayments
O8.3.7 make adjustments for accruals and
(f) adjustment for provision for
prepayments
depreciation using straight
line, reducing balance and O8.3.8 make adjustments for provision for
revaluation method depreciation using straight line,
(g) understanding and reducing balance and revaluation
calculating accumulated method
fund
22
C8.4 Limited Liability O8.4.1 explain the concept of limited and
Companies i.e.: unlimited liability
(a) limited liability and O8.4.2 distinguish between limited and

unlimited liability unlimited companies; public and
private companies
(b) public and private
companies O8.4.3 explain the distinction between
called up, issued, and paid-up share
(c) called up, issued, and capital
paid-up share capital
O8.4.4 explain the distinction between
(d) share capital i.e: share capital, (preference shares
(i) preference shares and ordinary shares), and loan
(ii) ordinary shares capital (debentures)
(iii) loan capital O8.4.5 explain and prepare income
(debentures) statement, statements of changes in
(e) explaining and preparing equity and statements of financial
income statement, position of limited companies
statements of changes in
equity and statements of O8.3.6 explain the capital structure of a
financial position of limited company comprising
limited companies preference share capital, ordinary
(f) the capital structure of a share capital, general reserve and
limited company i.e.: retained earnings
(i) preference share
capital,
(ii) ordinary share
capital,
(iii) general reserve
(iv) retained earnings
NB:
Candidates will not be
expected to understand
cumulative and non-
cumulative preference shares,
rights issues, share premium
or capital redemption reserve.
However, candidates should
understand the difference
between redeemable and non-
redeemable preference
shares.
23
9. SPECIALISED ACCOUNTS
C9.1 Departmental O9.1.1 calculate apportionment of expenses

Accounts i.e.: between departments
(a) preparing simple O9.2.2 prepare columnar income statements

apportionment of for a business with two
expenses between departments
departments O9.1.3 make adjustments for accruals and
(b) preparing income prepayments
statements for a business O9.1.3 make adjustments for provision for
with two departments depreciation using straight line,
(c) adjustments for accruals reducing balance and revaluation
and prepayments method
(d) adjustment for provision
for depreciation using
straight line, reducing
balance and revaluation
method
C9.2 Manufacturing
Accounts i.e.: O9.2.1 explain the purpose of a
(a) purpose of a manufacturing account
manufacturing account O9.2.2 identify direct and indirect costs
(b) recognising direct and O9.2.3 identify and recognise direct material,
indirect costs direct labour, direct expense, prime
(c) recognising direct cost and factory overheads
material, direct labour, O9.2.4 prepare manufacturing accounts to
direct expense, prime show the prime cost and production
cost and factory cost
overheads
O9.2.5 calculate the unit cost of production
(d) understanding and
reasons for finished O9.2.6 prepare income statements and
statements of financial position for a
goods
manufacturing business
(e) preparation
O9.2.7 make adjustments to financial
manufacturing accounts
statements comprising prepayments,
to show prime cost and
accruals and depreciation
production cost
(f) understanding and
calculating unit cost of
production
(g) income statements and
statements of financial
position for a
manufacturing business
(h) making adjustments to
financial statements
24
comprising prepayments,
accruals and depreciation
C9.3 Incomplete records O9.3.1 prepare opening and closing

i.e.: statements of affairs
(a) opening and closing O9.3.2 calculate the profit or loss for the
statements of affairs year from changes in capital over
time
(b) calculating of the profit or
loss for the year from O9.3.3 calculate purchases, sales, trade
changes in capital over receivables, trade payables and other
time figures from incomplete information
(c) calculating purchases, O9.3.4 apply accounting techniques to arrive

sales, trade receivables, at missing figures: mark up, margin
trade payables and other and stock turnover
figures from incomplete O9.3.5 prepare financial statements from
information incomplete information
(d) Applying accounting O9.3.6 make adjustments for accruals and
techniques to arrive at prepayments
missing figures: mark-up,
margin and inventory O9.3.7 make adjustments for provision for
turnover depreciation using straight line,
reducing balance and revaluation
(e) preparation of financial method
statements from
incomplete information O9.3.8 make adjustments for irrecoverable
debts and provisions for doubtful
(f) adjustments for accruals debts
and prepayments
O9.3.9 make adjustments for drawings of
(g) adjustment for provision inventory
for depreciation using
straight line, reducing
balance and revaluation
method
(h) adjustment for
irrecoverable debts and
provision for doubtful
debts
(i) adjustments for drawings
of inventory
25
10. INTERPRETATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10.1 demonstrate C10.1 Concepts of ratios O10.1.1 identify and define non-current
knowledge and i.e.: assets, current assets and
, understanding intangible assets; working capital,
of assets (a) non-current assets
capital employed, capital owned,
,liabilities, (b) current assets non-current liabilities and current
capital and liabilities
evaluate (c) intangible assets
business (d) working capital
performance
(e) capital employed
(f) capital owned
(g) non-current liabilities
(h) current liabilities
C10.2 Profitability and

liquidity ratios i.e.: O10.2.1 distinguish between profitability
(a) calculating and and liquidity ratios
understanding the O10.2.2 calculate profitability and liquidity
following ratio. i.e. ratios
(i) gross margin O10.2.3 analyse, interpret, advise on
(ii) profit margin liquidity and profitability of a
business
(iii) return on capital O10.2.4 make recommendations and
employed suggestions for improving
(ROCE) profitability and working capital
(iv) current ratio O10.2.5 explain the effect of transactions
(v) quick ratio on working capital
(vi) rate of inventory

turnover
(b) difference between

profitability and liquidity
ratio
(c) Analysing, interpreting,
commenting and
advising on liquidity and
profitability of a
business
(d) Making
recommendations and
suggestions for
improving profitability
and working capital
O10.3.1 explain the significance of
C10.3 Gross profit and profit percentage as indicators of a business’s
for the year i.e.: efficiency
(a) understanding the
significance of the
26
difference between gross
profit and profit for the
year percentage as
indicators of a business
efficiency
(b) analysing, interpreting,
commenting and advising
on liquidity and
profitability of a business
(c) making
recommendations and
suggestions for
improving profitability and
working capital.
C10.4 Inter firm

comparisons i.e:
(a) problems due to factors,
e.g. differing accounting
policies
(b) understanding the effect O10.4.1 explain simple statements
of transaction on working showing comparison of results
capital. between businesses
(c) Understanding simple O10.4.2 apply accounting ratios to inter
statements showing firm comparisons
comparison of results O10.4.3 make judgements based on
between businesses performance of two or more
(d) Applying accounting businesses
ratios to inter firm O10.4.4 explain the problems of inter firm
comparisons comparisons due to factors such
(e) Making adjustments as differing accounting policies
based on performance of
two or more businesses
(f) Understanding the
problems of inter firm
companies due to factors
such as differing
accounting policies.
27
GRADE DESCRIPTIONS
The scheme of assessment is intended to encourage positive achievement by all candidates. Grade
descriptions are provided to give a general indication of the standards of achievement likely to have
been shown by candidates awarded particular grades. The grade awarded will depend on the extent
to which the candidate has met the assessment objectives overall and may conceal weakness in one
aspect of the examination that is balanced by above-average performance on some other.
Criteria for the standard of achievement likely to have been shown by candidates awarded Grades A,
C and F are shown below.
A Grade A candidate has demonstrated the following abilities:
A Knowledge with understanding

• An excellent ability to identify detailed facts, principles and techniques in relation to the content
of the syllabus
• A thorough ability to define the main principles and themes of the syllabus
B Analysis
• Excellent ability to classify and comment on information presented in various forms
• Excellent ability to select and use appropriate data
C Evaluation, judgement and decision-making

• A thorough ability to interpret and evaluate accounting information, draw reasoned conclusions,
and make sound judgements and decisions.
28
A Grade C candidate has demonstrated the following abilities:
A Knowledge with understanding

• A sound ability to identify facts, principles and techniques in relation to the content of the syllabus
• A sound ability to define the main principles and themes of the syllabus
B Analysis
• A good ability to use and comment on information presented in a non-verbal as well as a verbal
manner
• A sound ability to select and use appropriate data

• An ability to interpret and evaluate accounting information, draw reasoned conclusions and
make appropriate decisions.
A Grade F candidate has demonstrated the following abilities:
A Knowledge and understanding

• Some ability to identify specific facts, principles or techniques in relation to the syllabus
• Some familiarity with definitions of the main principles of the syllabus
B Analysis
• Some ability to classify and present data in simple way and some ability to select relevant
information from a set of data
• Some ability to select and use appropriate data

• A rudimentary ability to gather information relating to a particular topic, present itin an ordered
manner, draw some basic conclusions and make basic decisions.
29
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS TERMINOLOGY
The following list has been collated to help Centres prepare for the introduction of international
standards. Centres are encouraged to apply the new terminology to their teaching and learning
materials so that candidates sitting for examination will be aware of the terms.
Current Eswatini/UK usage International usage
Final accounts Financial Statements
Trading and profit & loss account Income statement
Sales Revenue
Purchases Purchases
Cost of goods sold Cost of sales
Stock Inventory (of raw materials and finished goods)
Work in progress Work in progress
Gross profit Gross profit
Sundry expenses Other operating expenses
Sundry income Other operating income
Interest receivable Investment revenues
Interest payable Finance costs
Net Profit Profit (before tax) for the year
Statement of financial position Statement of financial position
Fixed assets Non-current assets

Land and buildings Property
Plant and equipment Plant and equipment
Investments Investment property
Goodwill etc. Intangible assets
Current assets Current assets

Stock Inventory
Debtors Trade receivables
Prepayments Other receivables
Bank and cash Cash (and cash equivalents)
Current liabilities Current liabilities

or
Creditors: amounts due within 12 months
Creditors Trade payables
Accruals Other payables
Loans repayable within 12 months Bank overdrafts and loans
Long term liabilities Non-current liabilities

or
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than
one year
Loans repayable after 12 months Bank (and other) loans
Capital Capital or Equity/ shareholders’ equity
Share capital Share capital
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
It is hoped that the glossary will prove helpful as a guide, i.e., it is neither exhaustive nor definitive. The
glossary has been deliberately kept brief not only with respect to the number of terms included but also
30
to the descriptions of their meanings. Candidates should appreciate that the meaning of a term must
depend in part on its context.
In all questions, the number of marks allocated is shown on the examination paper, and should be used
as a guide by candidates to how much detail to give or time to spend in answering. In describing a
process the mark allocation should guide the candidate about how many steps to include. In explaining
why something happens, it guides the candidate on how many reasons to give, or how much detail to
give for each reason.
ADVISE Write down a suggested course of action in a given situation. Often linked
with “Suggest”.
CALCULATE “Work out”. Often no format specified. Often accompanied by “show

workings”/“show calculations”.
COMMENT Make relevant statements, usually on given figures, or results of calculations.
COMPARE Write down differences between two accounting statements/two

businesses/methods of recording something, etc.
COMPLETE “Fill in”. Often used in relation to tables/sentences/boxes.
DEFINE Write down an explanation of the meaning of an accounting term, for example
“Define depreciation”/“Define current assets”.
DISCUSS Often linked with “Comment”. Write down a reasoned explanation of the
causes/effects of a course of action/the difference between two sets of
figures/two accounting statements, etc.
DISTINGUISH/ Give differences between two accounting statements/two businesses/

DIFFERENTIATE methods of recording something.
DRAW UP Sometimes used in place of “Prepare”. Present something in statement or

account format, etc. Often used in relation to bank reconciliation, statement of
corrected net profit, etc.
ENTER Sometimes used in place of “Make entries”. Record given information in

specified accounts/books/ledgers.
EXPLAIN Give a written account of what something means/why it is done/the outcome

of it, etc., examples include “Explain the entries in an account”/“Explain why a
trader ……….”. Explanation is necessary.
GIVE Sometimes used in place of “State”. Write down. Sometimes used as “Give
two examples………………..”.
LIST Write down information in a number of points - usually no further.
MAKE ENTRIES Record transaction in specified accounts, etc.
NAME Write down the title of, etc. Often used for short one-word answers, for
example “Name a fixed asset”/“Name an example of”.
31
OUTLINE Write down. Often linked to “State”. Give a brief written account of
something, for example “Outline the ways to reduce irrecoverable
debts”/“Outline the imprest system of petty cash”.
PREPARE Present some accounting information in a suitable format, for example

“Prepare final accounts”/“Prepare journal entries”/“Prepare bank
reconciliation statement”.
RECORD Used in place of “Enter” or “Write up”. Make the necessary entries in a set
of accounting records, for example “Record a series of transactions in the
cash book/ledger/books of prime entry”.
SELECT Choose relevant information from that given. Often linked to a further
instruction, for example “Select the relevant information and prepare a
manufacturing account/trial balance”.
SHOW Write down your workings/calculations or write down how an item will
appear in some accounting statement. Often used when requiring
preparation of Statement of financial position extracts/Profit and loss
account extracts, etc.
STATE “Write down”. Often used instead of “Give”. Used when requiring a written
explanation of something, for example “State two ways in which
……..”/“State how a trader can ………”.
STATE AND EXPLAIN Usually requires a little more detail than just “State” and often an
explanation of why/how.
SUGGEST Requiring knowledge to be related to a given situation. Offer explanation

why something occurred/how a situation can be improved/methods
available to deal with a situation, etc.
USING Refer back to some previous information, for example “Using your answer
to part (a), calculate some figure or make suitable comments
which……..”/“State how the trader can………”.
WRITE UP May be used in place of “Prepare”. Often used in connection with ledger
accounts, cash books, books of prime entry, etc.
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS
• Catherine Coucoum. Cambridge IGCSE Accounting. Cambridge University press, ISBN 9781107625327.
• Frank wood and Alan Sangster. Business Accounting. Pearson, ISBN 02737590280.
• Frank wood and Sheila Robinson. Bookkeeping an Accounts. Prentice Hall, ISBN 0273685481.
32
ACCOUNTING RATIOS
Profitability Ratios
(i) Gross margin (gross profit percentage of revenue) = Gross Profit x 100
Revenue
Mark up = Gross Profit x 100
Cost of Sales
(ii) Profit margin (profit for the year percentage of revenue) = Profit for the year x 100
Revenue
(iii) Return on capital employed (ROCE) = Profit for the year before interest x100
Capital Employed
[capital employed = Owner’s capital + long term liabilities]
Liquidity Ratios
(i) Current Ratio = Current Assets (also known as working capital ratio)
Current Liabilities
(ii) Quick Ratio = Current Assets – Inventory (also known as ‘Acid Test’ or ‘Liquid ratio’)
Current Liabilities
(iii) Rate of Inventory Turnover = Cost of Goods Sold (answer given in times)
Average Inventory
33
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EGCSE ACCOUNTING Syllabus 6896

October/November 2024-2026 Examinations

Prior knowledge and key benefits ………………………………………………………………..... 5

Summary of Content ……………………………………………………..………..………………... 5

Assessment Objectives …………………………………………..……………………...………..... 7

Specification Grid ……………………………………………………………………………...…..... 8

Weighting of Papers ……………………………………………………………………………….....6

Curriculum Content ……………………………………………………………..………………..... 10

Grade Descriptions ………………………………………………………………………..……..... 28

Appendix: International Standards Terminology ……………………………………………….. 30

Appendix: Glossary of Terms .…………………………………………………………...……….. 31

Appendix: Accounting Ratios ……………………………………………………………….……. 33

The aims are to enable candidates to:

1 develop attitudes of accuracy, orderliness, self-reliance, perseverance and critical thinking;

RECOGNITION AND PROGRESSION

2. Accounting principle and policies

4. Source documents and subsidiary books

6. Verification of accounting records

This section focuses on financial statements of a sole trader, partnership, non-trading

This section focuses on departmental accounts, manufacturing accounts and incomplete

10. Interpretation of financial statements

Assessment Objectives (AO) in Accounting are:

AO1 Knowledge and Understanding

A description of each assessment objective follows.

AO1 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Candidates should be able to:

AO3 EVALUATION, JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING

Candidates should be able to:

Paper Assessment Objectives

AO1 Knowledge with AO2 Analysis AO3Evaluation,

1 65% 25% 10%

2 45% 35% 20%

Paper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes) consisting of 100 marks

Will be answered on the question paper.

Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes) consisting of 100 marks

Will be answered on the question paper.

1.MEANING AND PURPOSE OF BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING

2. ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

(e) realisation: know that revenue is

(f) consistency: understand that the same

(g) matching: know that costs must be

(h) assumed continuity: understand that

(i) historical cost: understand that all

C2.2. Accounting policies i.e.: O2.2.1 state and explain

O4.3.1 post ledger entries from

C4.4 understanding advantages of using the

O4.6.1 State the definition of

C5.2 balancing a ledger O5.2.1 balance ledger accounts as required

C5.5 interpreting ledger

6. VERIFICATION OF ACCOUNTING RECORDS

(d) identifying and

(e) correction of errors

(f) explaining the

(g) effect of errors on

C7.3 Accruals and

C7.4 Irrecoverable debts and O7.4.1 explain the meaning of

(g) adjustments for drawings of O8.1.7 make adjustments for drawings of

C8.2 Partnership i.e. O8.2.1 explain advantages and

(a) limited liability and O8.4.2 distinguish between limited and

C9.1 Departmental O9.1.1 calculate apportionment of expenses