Interested in money, business and how organisations make decisions? This accounting and finance course is for students aged 16 to 18.

V Levels are new vocational qualifications, starting from September 2027. Each V Level is the same size as one A Level, so you can combine it with A Levels to build a study programme that suits your interests and career plans. At Activate Learning, you’ll study this V Level alongside two A Levels.

The V Level in Accounting and Finance teaches you to interpret, analyse and evaluate financial information, and use it to help organisations make good decisions. You’ll combine accounting principles, financial analysis and ethics, building a strong foundation for higher education, apprenticeships and careers in accounting, finance and business.

What you'll learn

On this accounting course, you’ll learn how all kinds of organisations use financial information, from small businesses and charities to limited companies and the public sector.

Topics include:

Accounting principles and concepts, including how double-entry bookkeeping works

Reading and interpreting financial statements, such as profit and loss and balance sheet information

Calculating and interpreting financial ratios, profit margins and cash flow

Budgets, costs and break-even analysis

Comparing financial options and deciding whether an investment is worthwhile

Ethics, governance and regulation in accounting and finance

Sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors

Digital accounting systems, spreadsheets, cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI) in finance

Presenting financial information clearly to different audiences

You’ll also develop valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, numerical reasoning, decision-making, ethical reasoning and communication.

How you'll learn and be assessed

This finance and accounting course is classroom-based. You’ll work through realistic business scenarios and case studies, applying what you learn to the kinds of financial decisions organisations face every day.

Assessment:

40% external assessment (exams)

60% practical assessment (simulated workplace tasks, portfolio projects and skills-based demonstrations)

Progression

After completing this V Level, you could go on to university to study accounting, finance, business, economics or a related subject. You could also progress to a higher or degree apprenticeship in accounting and finance [link], taking your first steps towards a professional career in the field.