Cambridge (CIE) A Level Accounting specification (9706)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Accounting exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Accounting specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Accounting (9706) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting syllabus engages learners with the application and relevance of accounting in real-world settings. It encourages interest in the ethical responsibilities and evolving role of the accountant. Students develop skills in recording, analysing, and communicating financial and management information to aid decision-making. The course supports progression to further study and careers in accounting and finance, equipping students with the ability to think critically, use accounting conventions confidently, and make informed recommendations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the key accounting concepts such as duality, consistency, business entity, and planning and control, promoting ethical awareness and responsible practice in financial reporting.
Subject content breakdown
1 Financial accounting (AS Level)
- Business entities: sole traders, partnerships, limited companies; advantages, disadvantages, and financing.
- Accounting system: double entry, books of prime entry, ledgers, trial balance, concepts and computerised systems.
- Non-current assets: capital vs revenue expenditure, depreciation (SL, RB), disposals, valuation and revaluation.
- Reconciliation: errors and corrections, suspense accounts, trial balance limitations, bank reconciliations, control accounts.
- Financial statements: preparation for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies with adjustments.
- Analysis and communication: users of financial information, profitability/liquidity/efficiency ratios.
2 Cost and management accounting (AS Level)
- Costs: classification, traceability, cost behaviours, inventory valuation (FIFO, AVCO), JIT principles.
- Traditional costing: unit/job/batch costing, absorption costing (OARs, under/over-absorption), marginal costing (contribution, break-even), CVP analysis.
3 Financial accounting (A Level)
- Advanced financial statements: partnerships (changes, goodwill), clubs/societies, manufacturing accounts, companies (IAS-compliant formats).
- Regulatory and ethical issues: key IASs (e.g. IAS 1, 2, 7, 10, 16, etc.), ethics in accounting, auditing responsibilities, stewardship.
- Business acquisition and merger: accounting for mergers, goodwill, preparing post-merger financial statements.
- Computerised systems: data transfer, accuracy and security.
4 Cost and management accounting (A Level)
- Activity based costing (ABC): cost drivers, allocation, pricing decisions.
- Standard costing: variance analysis (materials, labour, overheads, sales), performance improvement.
- Budgeting: types of budgets, flexible budgeting, reconciliations, behavioural impacts.
- Investment appraisal: payback, ARR, NPV, IRR; limitations, non-financial factors.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 1 hour, 30 marks
- 30 questions from AS content
- Focus on financial and cost accounting
- Assesses knowledge and analysis
Paper 2: Fundamentals of Accounting
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks
- Four structured questions from AS content
- Mix of financial and cost accounting
- Assesses knowledge, analysis, evaluation
Paper 3: Financial Accounting
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks
- Three structured questions from A Level content
- Builds on AS knowledge
- Assesses knowledge, analysis, evaluation
Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting
- 1 hour, 50 marks
- Two structured questions from A Level content
- Builds on AS knowledge
Assesses knowledge, analysis, evaluation
- Calculators allowed; formulae must follow appendix specifications.
- Papers use international accounting formats and terminology.
- Questions requiring recommendations must be justified with balanced reasoning.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Accounting isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
Share this article