ACCA FA Examiner’s Report: September 2024–August 2025

The ACCA FA Examiner’s Report for September 2024–August 2025 shares the examining team’s observations from the marking process. It highlights strengths and weaknesses in candidate performance and provides advice for future exam preparation.

The report covers both compulsory sections of the Financial Accounting exam. Section A contains 35 objective test questions, while Section B contains two multi-task questions.

ACCA FA Examiner’s Report Overview

The report highlights the following areas for candidates preparing for the Financial Accounting exam:

The report also recommends using the specimen exam, additional multi-task questions and practice tests to become familiar with the computer-based exam format.

Section A: Questions Highlighted in the FA Examiner Report

The report discusses six Section A questions that candidates found particularly challenging.

1. Bank General Ledger and Error Corrections

One question required candidates to calculate the corrected balance of a bank general ledger after identifying errors in recorded entries.

The report explains that debit entries increase the bank balance, while credit entries decrease it. Candidates needed to review each entry and determine whether it had been correctly recorded.

After the necessary corrections, the balance carried forward was $2,371.

2. Profit Margin, ROCE and Asset Turnover

Another question tested the relationship between return on capital employed (ROCE), asset turnover and profit margin.

The report explains that ROCE can be expressed as the product of asset turnover and profit margin. Using the figures provided, the profit margin was calculated as 33.3% for 20X9 and 39.8% for 20X8. Therefore, the profit margin had decreased in 20X9.

3. IAS 10 Events After the Reporting Period

A multiple-response matching question tested candidates’ knowledge of IAS 10 Events After the Reporting Period.

All four statements presented in the question were true. The report notes that many candidates incorrectly selected some false options because they assumed the question should contain a mixture of true and false statements.

4. Goodwill on Acquisition

Another question required candidates to calculate goodwill arising from the acquisition of a subsidiary.

The calculation involved purchase consideration, the fair value of non-controlling interests and the subsidiary's net assets at acquisition. The correct goodwill figure was $320,000. The report states that the calculation was relatively straightforward and was generally handled well by candidates.

5. Accrual Accounting and Financial Statements

A further question tested key accounting principles and concepts.

The report confirms that accrual accounting recognises income and expenses when they are earned or incurred, rather than based only on when cash is received or paid. It also distinguishes the statement of profit or loss, which presents financial performance for an accounting period, from the statement of financial position, which shows assets, liabilities and equity at a specific point in time.

6. Bank Reconciliation

The final Section A example focused on bank reconciliation.

Candidates had to determine which items required adjustment in the bank general ledger and which should be dealt with through the reconciliation process. The corrected closing bank balance was $19,500.

The report highlights that bank errors and unpresented cheques do not require adjustment in the bank general ledger, while omitted bank charges and a cancelled customer cheque required adjustments.

Section B: FA Examiner’s Report Feedback

Section B assesses candidates’ understanding and ability to prepare financial statements. Questions may involve single-entity financial statements, statements of cash flows or consolidated financial statements. Some questions may require only extracts along with analysis or adjustments.

1. Single Entity Financial Statements

Candidates should be familiar with the presentation of financial statements under IFRS Accounting Standards. The report notes that candidates may need to identify the correct placement of ledger amounts or select appropriate statement titles.

Candidates should also understand relevant journal entries and adjustments, including depreciation calculations. The report advises attempting numerous practice questions to develop proficiency in accounts preparation and the double-entry system.

2. Single Entity Statement of Cash Flows

The FA Examiner’s Report highlights the importance of knowing the format of the statement of cash flows and selecting appropriate headings.

Candidates should understand the effect of working capital movements when using the indirect method. They should also know how to calculate tax and dividends paid. Profit or loss on disposal should be adjusted within operating activities, while cash received from disposal is shown as an investing cash inflow.

3. Consolidated Financial Statements

For consolidated financial statements, candidates may need to calculate goodwill and complete selected parts of the statement of financial position or statement of profit or loss.

The report highlights several important points. The assets and liabilities of the parent and subsidiary are added together on a line-by-line basis. The investment in the subsidiary is eliminated, and goodwill is added. The subsidiary's share capital and share premium are excluded, with only the parent company's balances included.

For the consolidated statement of profit or loss, revenue and expenses are added together in full. Subsidiary results should be time-apportioned when control is acquired during the year. Intra-group sales and purchases, as well as unrealised profit in closing inventories arising from intra-group trading, should also be eliminated.

ACCA FA Examiner’s Report September 2024-August 2025: Download PDF

The official PDF contains examiner feedback on key Financial Accounting topics, question formats and preparation guidance. Candidates can use it alongside specimen exams and practice questions to understand the examining team's expectations.

Download the ACCA FA Examiner’s Report PDF

FA Examiners' Feedback: Preparation and Exam Technique

The FA examiners’ feedback highlights a few practical preparation and exam techniques that can help candidates approach the examination with greater confidence.

• Prepare Across the Entire Syllabus: The examination covers the full syllabus, so candidates should revise all syllabus areas thoroughly.

• Plan Revision Carefully: Create a structured revision timetable and allocate sufficient time to each topic.

• Attempt All Questions: Candidates are advised to attempt every question in the examination.

• Practise Different Question Formats: Use the specimen exam, additional multi-task questions and practice tests to become familiar with different question types.

• Get Comfortable With Computer-Based Exams: Regular practice can help candidates become more comfortable with the computer-based examination format.

The ACCA FA Examiner’s Report for September 2024–August 2025 provides useful insights into common challenges and the areas candidates need to strengthen. Reviewing the feedback on financial statements, cash flows, consolidation, ratios and accounting concepts can help candidates focus their preparation more effectively. Regular practice, thorough coverage of the syllabus, familiarity with different question formats and effective time management can help candidates approach the ACCA FA examination with greater confidence.