IGCSE Accounting Topics by Exam Board: Full List

Are you trying to revise for IGCSE Accounting but aren’t sure exactly what topics you need to know? Maybe you’ve seen different lists online, or your notes feel incomplete. 

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Especially when you want to revise with confidence and avoid surprises in the exam.

This guide gives you the full, exam-board-specific topic lists for Cambridge, Edexcel and OxfordAQA — taken directly from their most recent official syllabuses. You’ll also learn how each board assesses you and how to use these topic lists to revise strategically.

Save My Exams has supported thousands of students through clear revision notes, practice questions, and past papers. This article brings that same clarity to your topic coverage — so you always know exactly what to revise.

Key Takeaways

• You’ll find accurate and up-to-date topic lists based on the latest official syllabuses for Cambridge, Edexcel and OxfordAQA.

• The list uses exact syllabus wording, grouped clearly so you understand the structure.

• You’ll see how each exam board assesses you (paper format, focus areas, theory vs calculations).

Why Topic Lists Matter for IGCSE Accounting

Accounting combines practical skills with theory. You need to understand double entry, financial statements and ratios — but you also need to explain concepts, ethics, and limitations. Because the syllabus is broad, missing even one area can cost marks.

Have you ever revised for ages only to realise you overlooked a topic? A clear, exam-board-specific list solves that problem immediately.

Each exam board groups topics differently, uses different wording, and tests skills in different ways. So, following the correct specification ensures your revision is targeted, efficient and complete.

Cambridge IGCSE Accounting (0452)

1. The fundamentals of accounting

• The purpose of accounting

• The accounting equation

2. Sources and recording of data

• The double entry system of bookkeeping

• Business documents

• Books of prime entry

3. Verification of accounting records

• The trial balance

• Correction of errors

• Bank reconciliation

• Control accounts

4. Accounting procedures

• Capital and revenue expenditure and receipts

• Accounting for depreciation and disposal of non-current assets

• Other payables and other receivables

• Irrecoverable debts and allowance for irrecoverable debts

• Valuation of inventory

5. Preparation of financial statements

• Sole traders

• Partnerships

• Limited companies

• Manufacturing accounts

• Clubs and societies

• Incomplete records

6. Analysis and interpretation

• Calculation of accounting ratios

• Interpretation of accounting ratios

• Inter-business comparison

• Stakeholders and their use of accounting information

• Limitations of accounting statements

7. Accounting principles and policies

• Accounting concepts and policies

• Ethical considerations, technology and sustainability

Assessment structure

• Paper 1: Multiple Choice — 1 hr 15 min, 30%

• Paper 2: Structured Questions — 1 hr 45 min, 70%

Both papers examine content from the whole syllabus, so comprehensive revision is essential.

Use Save My Exams’ Cambridge resources, including past papers and revision notes. 

Edexcel IGCSE Accounting (4AC1)

Topic 1: The accounting environment

• Types of business

• Stakeholders

• Accounting concepts

• Technology in accounting

• Professional ethics

Topic 2: Introduction to bookkeeping

• Business documents

• Books of original entry

• Ledger accounting

• Capital and revenue expenditure

• Depreciation and disposal

• Irrecoverable debts and provisions

• Other receivables and payables

Topic 3: Introduction to control processes

• Trial balance

• Control accounts

• Error correction and suspense accounts

• Bank reconciliation

Topic 4: Preparation of financial statements

• Income statement

• Statement of financial position

• Partnership accounts

• Manufacturing accounts

• Incomplete records

• Accounting ratios

Topic 5: Accounting for end-of-period adjustments

• Depreciation

• Provisions

• Accruals and prepayments

• Other receivables and payables

Useful resources from Save my Exams:

• Edexcel Specification Summary 

• Edexcel Past Papers 

• Edexcel Revision Notes 

Assessment structure

• Paper 1: 4AC1/01 (Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting) — 2 hrs, 66.7%

• Paper 2: 4AC1/02 (Financial Statements) — 1 hr 15 min, 33.3%

Paper 1 focuses on Topics 1–3, but Paper 2 can include elements from earlier topics, so broad revision is essential.

OxfordAQA IGCSE Accounting (9215)

OxfordAQA groups topics into broad “areas of study,” giving teachers flexibility.

Topic Areas

• Sources and recording of data

• Verification of accounting records

• Development of the accounting model

• Preparation of financial statements

• Interpretation, analysis and communication of financial information

Assessment

• Paper 1 — 1 hr 45 min — 50%

• Paper 2 — 1 hr 45 min — 50%

Both papers include structured questions and real-world scenarios. If you enjoy applying concepts to new situations, OxfordAQA’s approach might suit you.

How to Use These Topic Lists in Your IGCSE Accounting Revision

A topic list is powerful — but only if you use it intentionally. Here’s how to make it work for you.

1. Use it as a revision checklist

Print the list for your exam board. Tick topics as you revise. It feels satisfying, and it ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Match topics to exam papers

For example:

• Edexcel Paper 1 focuses on Topics 1–3.

• Cambridge Paper 2 includes extended scenarios on any topic.

Matching topic → paper helps you practise effectively.

3. Separate theory from calculation

Some topics need writing and explanation (e.g. ethical considerations, concepts). Others need accuracy and repetition (e.g. ledgers, ratios, depreciation). Balancing both keeps your revision well-rounded.

4. Use Save My Exams resources

Why learn alone when you can revise using:

• Past Papers (practice under exam conditions)

• Model Answers (see what examiners expect)

• Revision Notes (simplified explanations)

• Topic Questions (practice per topic)

Try linking each topic to a specific set of past paper questions.

5. Review difficult topics more often

If you struggle with control accounts or error correction, revisit those more frequently. Short, regular practice helps more than one long cramming session. Save My Exams offer their own Target Test feature for the CIE accounting course, which is a great approach to identify areas of weakness.

6. Use worked examples

Seeing each step of a calculation builds confidence. Save My Exams has worked examples for many key accounting topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the same accounting topics covered in all IGCSE exam boards?

All boards cover the core accounting fundamentals, but they label and group topics differently. Cambridge has more detailed subtopics, Edexcel splits content into five structured topics, and OxfordAQA uses broader areas. So it’s essential to revise from the correct specification.

How can I check which exam board I’m following?

You can check your school timetable, ask your teacher, or look at the front of your textbook. It will say “Cambridge 0452,” “Edexcel 4AC1,” or “OxfordAQA 9215.” Once you know, use the topic list from that exam board only.

What’s the best way to revise accounting calculations?

Start with rules and worked examples. Once you understand the method, practise timed questions. Use Save My Exams Past Papers and topic questions to build confidence. Short, spaced practice helps accuracy grow quickly.

Where can I find past paper questions by topic?

Use Save My Exams’ Past Papers for your exam board. Match questions to the topic list in this article — for example, by practising a set of ratio questions after studying “Analysis and Interpretation.”

Final Thoughts

A clear topic list gives you control over your revision. Whether you’re studying Cambridge (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab) or OxfordAQA (opens in a new tab), knowing exactly what to learn means you revise with purpose, not guesswork.

Use the lists often. Practice consistently. And remember — every topic you tick off builds your confidence and prepares you for success.

References

1. Cambridge IGCSE 0452 Accounting syllabus for examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (opens in a new tab)

2. International GCSE Accounting Specification (opens in a new tab)

3. International GCSE Accounting (9215) | OxfordAQA International Qualifications (opens in a new tab)