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Two New Books from Kaplan to Help Students

Examiners’ reports show that certain aspects of auditing and analysing corporate reports are tripping up students in accountancy exams. To help, two new books which provide targeted support in these specific areas have been launched by Kaplan Publishing, the specialist provider of accountancy materials.

Written by experienced examiners, the new books are the latest in Kaplan’s Student’s Guide series which sheds light on key topics that have proved to be stumbling blocks for students in exams. They can be used as study or revision aids, or as reference books.

“These books will help you pass your accountancy exams because they cover the specific areas that have wrong-footed other students in the past,” said Michael Smith, Head of Learning Solutions at Kaplan Publishing. “Written by subject experts in a student-friendly, down-to-earth style, they are practical and engaging books that bring the subjects to life in a clear and easy-to-read format.”

The two new titles are:

A Student’s Guide to Auditing, by Alan Lewin, a chartered accountant with auditing experience who has been a chief examiner, specialising in audit for 14 years, and who has taught auditing for 25 years. The 318-page book covers issues such as the rationale behind auditing; the ethical principles; the objectives of an audit; quality control; documentation; planning an audit; assessing risks; how to complete an audit; audit evidence; analytical procedures; internal audit and understanding the audit report. It contains practical examples, overviews, mind-maps, summaries, illustrations, ‘need to learn’ topics and a revision chapter summarising the main sections of the International Standards on Auditing. Written to help students pass exams in auditing, it will also be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of what an audit department does and the role of an auditor.

Alan Lewin said: “It is the practical application of the theoretical knowledge that trips up many students of auditing, usually because they lack real life experience and understanding of what an audit is and why it is carried out. Using colourful case examples of audits all the way through, this book gives you the context and insight you need.”

He added: “Whereas books on auditing can be dry, theoretical tomes with no pictures or diagrams, this is a pictorial, readable account that makes auditing interesting. By providing an insight into the real world of auditing, this book will assist any student who wants to pass professional or university exams in auditing but who has no practical work experience. Going into an exam armed with the additional background knowledge and application from this book should help you significantly.”

The second book is A Student’s Guide to Analysing Corporate Reports, by Paul Robins, who is a former university lecturer and a professional accountancy examiner who runs bespoke courses for accountants on continuing professional development. The 192-page book covers issues such as the structure of financial statements; profitability analysis; liquidity and gearing; efficiency analysis and working capital management; investor-based analysis and non-financial analysis. It contains a practical scenario that students might encounter in their examination as well as past exam questions with illustrative answers. Written to help students pass accountancy exams where they need to analyse and interpret corporate reports, it will also be of value to non-specialists who want to understand what a set of accounts can - and can’t - tell you about corporate performance.

Paul Robins said: “I’ve been involved in the exam processes of each of the three major chartered accountancy bodies in the UK and it’s true to say that, across the board, questions on interpretation and analysis tend to be less well answered than ones where you can simply apply a set procedure. The problem for many students is they don’t really analyse the reports. They calculate a few ratios and say whether they’ve gone up or down. That isn’t analysing. You have to look at the scenario you’re given and use your common sense. For example, if you’re commenting on how much stock a company has, you need to think what type of business it is, whether it’s a retail organisation or a construction company. This book will help students to improve the way they answer these questions.”

Kaplan Publishing has already released two titles in its Student’s Guide series: A Student’s Guide to International Financial Reporting Standards, by Clare Finch, and A Student’s Guide to Group Accounts, by Tom Clendon.

The company will be launching a fifth book in the series on 1 September 2010: A Student’s Guide to Writing Business Reports, by Zoe Robinson & Stuart Pedley-Smith.

All books are priced at £25 and can be purchased online from Kaplan Publishing or Amazon. They are also available in leading bookshops.

Michael Smith added: “As a publisher and training provider, Kaplan helps around 60,000 students a year to pass major accountancy qualifications. Our Student’s Guide books provide a colourful, accessible and well-written explanation of essential accountancy themes. They’ll provide practical and constructive help to any students who want to improve their chances of passing their exams.”

Reviews of these two new books will follow soon.

Mark Ellis
AccountancyStudents