SBL STARTS JUNE 19TH

KATHLEEN REGAN’S SBR

JUNE EXAM TIPS

ACCA EXAM CALENDAR

ACCA EXAMS SEPTEMBER /DECEMBER

2018

CITY COLLEGES STUDENT 1st IN WORLD

IRISH ACCOUNTANCY AWARDS 2018

Darran FlanaganACCA P7 June 2017 exams 1st Placed in Ireland5th Globally75%

Lyndsey PhelanACCA F6 June 2017 exams 2nd Placed in Ireland9th Globally88%

Welcome

Owen O’ReillyHead of Professional Accountancy SchoolF1, P1 & P3 and SBL lecturer

REFER A FRIENDCLAIM €50

OPEN DAYS

€50 credit towards your ACCAcourses at City Colleges

12th June 2018 13th & 14th August 2018

Dear Student,

Welcome to City Colleges, proud winner of the Irish Accountancy Awards, Excellence in Education and Training Award, 2018 and a great choice for your ACCA exam preparation. What an exceptional year 2018 has been so far for City Colleges – not only did we receive a prestigious award, we are also celebrating an incredible sequence of ACCA results achieved by students at City Colleges. 2017 and 2018 has featured multiple ‘First placed in Ireland’ by City Colleges’ students.

In the last eight sittings in P3 (up to March 2018) half of all ‘First in Ireland’ students were from City Colleges, including a first and fourth in the world in the last two sittings. In addition the Top Affiliate in Ireland 2017 was also a City Colleges’ student. You can join our roll of successful students by accessing our convenient and flexible course options at City Colleges for your September and December 2018 exam preparation.We’ve also included tips for your upcoming June exams and a handy calendar of ACCA dates to keep you on track in your progression. Our brand new Strategic Business Leader (SBL) programme starts this June 19th for the September exams, replacing the current P1 & P3 papers. On page three we give you a run down of what that entails.

As always we are leading the way with our accessible and convenient online class options. At City Colleges all our live classes from South Great George’s Street in Dublin’s city centre are also streamed live and recorded. No matter where you are over the coming summer months, you need never again miss a class or an explanation. Study anytime, anywhere… You can even ask questions live online during the class!It is the best of all worlds and a great advantage for our students. Our dedicated team includes Shaun Browne (F8, P7), Mel Kilkenny (F6, F9 and P6), Martin Corboy (F2, F5, P5), Dr Barry Smith (F7), and Garret Mulvin (P4). SBR (P2) with Kathleen Regan is now on Wednesday nights. Student pass rates in Kathleen’s class are exceptionally high (80% pass rate March 2017). The team also includes the excellent Georgina Skehan (F3) and Eoghan Casey (F4).

Drop in to our Open Days on the 12th June 2018, and, 13th & 14th ofAugust 2018 to meet our team, chat about your ACCA journey and get the benefit of our experience in the ACCA arena. We look forward to meeting you at City Colleges.

Jason Lynch (first in the world in P3 in March 2018) with Stephen O’Flaherty, Chairman, ACCA Ireland

and Owen O’Reilly from City Colleges

IRISH ACCOUNTANCY AWARDS 2018

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OUR LATESTPRIZEWINNERS

Darran FlanaganACCA P7 June 2017 exams 1st Placed in Ireland5th Globally75%

Hazel HouriganACCA F687% June 2017 exams

Highly recommended!Online classes with top professors ...fantastic!

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P4 and P5 ‘First in Ireland’

Sept 2017

SBL

Paula Ieremie 1st in Ireland - F6 Dec 2017

with Mel Kilkenny

James Maxfield 1st in Ireland - P4 Sept 2017

with Owen O’Reilly

Aurelija Brazyte 1st in Ireland - P5 Dec 2017

with Owen O’Reilly

Theresa Hatton 1st in Ireland - P5 Sept 2017

& ACCA Top Affiliate in Ireland 2017 with Philip Burke

Strategic Business Leader – are you ready?It’s finally here. Strategic Business Leader (SBL) the replacement for P1 and P3 makes its debut in the September exam sitting. SBL is the culmination of a process in which ACCA identified the skills and capabilities required to work in a rapidly changing working environment. This new exam is a professional qualification that allows students to demonstrate a range of practical leadership competences and reflects a syllabus containing all the key technical, professional and leadership skills that employers are seeking from their best candidates. The good news is you now do one less exam.That is good news! However, SBL is a four hour exam with a huge syllabus plus a lot of assumed knowledge from the Fundamental papers. The key here is to know what to concentrate on as you navigate the syllabus. More importantly there is a totally different style of exam for SBL. What has worked for you in the past may not work for SBL. Beyond the content, the ACCA wants to test your professional skills such as scepticism and business acumen. You need to know how to score the ‘quick and easy’ marks.At City Colleges, our SBL tutor, Owen O’Reilly is well-versedin guiding students to success, with more than 10 yearsexperience of teaching P1 & P3.

In the last eight sittings of P3 (up to March 2018) half of all ‘First in Ireland’ students were from City Colleges, including a first and fourth in the world in the last two sittings.

Owen has completed a range of training on the new syllabus with the ACCA and was involved in the development of the programme. His preparation has included putting himself in the shoes of the students by completing mock exams. He has also been trained in marking mock SBL exams and has participated in marking seminars to get a better understanding of how to approach this new syllabus.

Strategic Business Leader classes commence in City Colleges on 19 June 2018 – book now to secure your place.

Paula Ieremie 1st in Ireland - F6 Dec 2017

Caroline Walsh 1st in Ireland - P3 Dec 2017

with Owen O’Reilly

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TIMETABLE

BUY 1 COMBINED COURSE GET ALL OTHER COMBINED COURSESHALF PRICE

GREAT SUPPORT Tutor support emails from 14th June - guides your progress EXCELLENT TUTORS Experienced and engaged tutors to guide your progress

MOCK EXAMS All students get tutor marked progress mocks and final mock exams Mocks are always included free of charge because they are important for your success and a reason why our students are scoring so incredibly well e.g. 90% and 92% in P3 in Dec ‘17 and March 2018!

BOX SETS • Recordings of the previous taught course • Recordings of the previous revision course • Tutor & forum support, tests and mock exam feedback

REVISION COURSE• Classroom based live revision course in July & August• Also available live online and recorded • Mock with tutor feedback

COMBINED COURSE• Includes both box set and revision course above• Highest success rate• Special discounted price

FUNDAMENTAL PROFESSIONAL F5 - F9 SBR P4 P5 P7

€550

RESIT€400

€650

€350

€725

RESIT€450

RESIT€450

SBL SEPTEMBER EXAM - COURSE OPTIONS

SBL FULL COURSE

SBL FULL COURSE ONLINE ONLY

SBL REVISION ONLY

4 MOCKEXAMS

CLASSES ONLINE CLASS RECORDINGSCLASSES

REVISION ONLINE

REVISION CLASSES

4 MOCKEXAMSREVISION

ONLINEREVISION CLASSES

CLASSES ONLINE CLASS RECORDINGSCLASSES

CLASSES ONLINE CLASS RECORDINGSCLASSES

4 MOCKEXAMS

REVISION ONLINE

REVISION CLASSES

- Classroom weekly classes - Also live online & recorded- Includes revision course- Mock with tutor feedback

- Classes live online & recorded- Includes revision course- Mock with tutor feedback

• Classroom based live revision course• Also available live online and recorded • Mock with tutor feedback

€1200€990

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

SEPTEMBER EXAM ONLY

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

SEPTEMBER EXAM ONLY

€1095 €990

€550

CLASS TIMES

Evening Classes 18.15 – 21.30

Friday Classes 14.00 – 17.30

Saturday Classes 09.30 – 17.00

Sunday Classes 10.00 – 17.00

COURSE OPTIONS & FEES

Please note F4, F6 and P6 are not available in March or September. Timetables are subject to change.

SEPTEMBER 2018 ACCA EXAM

MODULE TUTOR START BOX SET OPTION REVISION COURSE OPTION EXAM

F5 Performance Management Martin Corboy 13th June June 2018 Taught & Revision Courses (65hrs) Revision Course June 2018 recording 5 Sept

F7 Financial Reporting Dr Barry Smith 13th June June 2018 Taught & Revision Courses (58hrs) Revision Course June 2018 recording 6 Sept

F8 Audit & Assurance Shaun Browne 13th June June 2018 Taught & Revision Courses (58hrs) Revision Course June 2018 recording 3 Sept

SBL (P1/P3) Strat. Bus. Leader Owen O’Reilly 19th June LIVE COURSE REVISION SBL 19/20/23 June, 4/17/18/21/24/25/28/31 July, 1 Aug 7/8/11/14/15/21/22/28/29 Aug 4 Sept

SBR (P2) Strat. Bus. Reporting Kathleen Regan 13th June June 2018 Taught & Revision Courses (65hrs) 31 July, 2/7/21/25 Aug 6 Sept

P4 Advanced Financial Mgt Garret Mulvin 13th June June 2018 Taught & Revision Courses (65hrs) 30 July, 12/13/20/27 Aug 7 Sept

P5 Advanced Performance Mgt Martin Corboy 13th June June 2018 Taught & Revision Courses (63hrs) 9/16/23/26/30 Aug 5 Sept

P7 Advanced Audit & Assurance Shaun Browne 13th June June 2018 Taught & Revision Courses (58hrs) 17/18/19 Aug 3 Sept

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COURSE OPTIONS & FEES

ACCA Paper Lecturer Evening Start Additional Classes Revision Exam F1 Accountant in Business Sept Start Owen O’Reilly Thursdays 6 Sept 29 Sep, 13 Oct 1/4/18 Nov CBE

F2 Management Accounting Sept Start Martin Corboy Mondays 3 Sept 6 Oct, 3 Nov 12/17/19 Nov CBE

F3 Financial Accounting Sept Start Georgina Skehan Tuesdays 4 Sept 20 Oct 27 Nov, 1/4 Dec CBE

F4 Corp & Business Law Sept Start Eoghan Casey Wednesdays 5 Sept N/A 7/14/21 Nov CBE

F5 Performance Management Aug Start Martin Corboy Wednesdays 22 Aug 23 Sep (10-1pm), 13 Oct 7/10/14/21/28 Nov 5 Dec

F6 Taxation Aug Start Mel Kilkenny Tuesdays 21 Aug 9 Sep, 20 Oct 6/13/17/18/20/27 Nov 4 Dec

F7 Financial Reporting Sept Start Dr Barry Smith Thursdays 13 Sept 15/29 Sep, 21 Oct 8/11/15/22/29 Nov 6 Dec

F8 Audit & Ass. weekends - Sept Start Shaun Browne* 6 Weekend days 8 Sept 8/16/22/30 Sep, 6/14 Oct 23/24/25 Nov 3 Dec

F9 Financial Management Aug Start Mel Kilkenny Wednesdays 22 Aug 7 Oct 4/7/14/21/28 Nov 7 Dec

SBL Strategic Business Leader Aug Start Owen O’Reilly Mondays 20 Aug 8/22 Sept, 14/30 Oct 3/5/10/12/19/24/26 Nov 4 Dec

SBR Strategic Business Reporting Aug Start Kathleen Regan Wednesdays 22 Aug 16 Sep, 14 Oct 7/11/14/21/28 Nov 6 Dec

P4 Advanced Financial Mgmt. Aug Start Garret Mulvin Thursdays 23 Aug 21 Oct 8/15/22/25/29 Nov 7 Dec

P5 Advanced Performance Mgmt. Aug Start Martin Corboy Tuesdays 21 Aug 30 Sep, 20 Oct 4/6/13/20/27 Nov 5 Dec

P6 Advanced Taxation Aug Start Mel Kilkenny Mondays 20 Aug 22 Sep, 6 Oct 3/5/10/12/19/26 Nov 4 Dec

P7 Adv Audit & Ass. weekends Sept Start Shaun Browne* 6 Weekend days 9 Sept 9/15/23/29 Sep, 7/13 Oct 16/17/18 Nov 3 Dec

RESIT RESIT RESIT

€750

€375

€695

€330

€550

€225

€450

€250

€930 €465

€850

€395

€1200

€1095

€550

F1-F3 F4-F9 SBR-P7 SBL

TIMETABLE

MOCKS

At City Colleges ALL students get todo progress mock 1 and 2, PLUS, the final mock because they are the most important part of your preparation and one reason our students have been achieving such incredible results. We offer flexible date options for taking your mocks.

F PAPERS 6.15PM - 9.15PM

P PAPERS 6.15PM - 9.30PM

FRIDAY 2.00PM - 5.00PM

SAT 9.30PM - 5.00PM

SUN 10.00PM - 5.00PM

CLASS TIMES

*F8 and P7 with Shaun Browne are weekend classes.Note: All timetables may be subject to change.

CLASSES ONLINE

MOCKEXAM

CLASSES

REVISION ONLINE

REVISION CLASSES

CLASS RECORDINGS

FULL COURSE

REVISION ONLY CLASSES ONLINECLASSES

REVISION ONLINE

REVISION CLASSES

CLASS RECORDINGS

MOCKEXAM

DECEMBER 2018 ACCA EXAM BUY 1 FULL COURSE GET OTHER FULL COURSES HALF PRICE

MOCKEXAM

CLASSES ONLINE CLASS RECORDINGSCLASSES

REVISION ONLINE

REVISION CLASSES

- Classroom weekly classes - Also live online & recorded- Revision course- Mock with tutor feedback

- Classroom based revision course - Also live online & recorded- Mock with tutor feedback

- Weekly classes: live online & recorded- Plus online revision course - Mock with tutor feedback

FULL COURSE ONLINE ONLY

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Owen O’Reilly BA MBSHead of Professional Accountancy School Paper Specialist: F1, SBL Owen is a leading lecturer (formerly BPP) with extensive ACCA and CIMA professional accounting exam experience and more than 40 student prize-winners.

His focus is on your exam technique and your exam success.He is well known for his student centred approach andentertaining classes which lead to very high pass rates.

In the last 8 sittings in P3 (up to March 2018) 50% of the ‘First in Ireland’ students were from City Colleges, including a first and fourth in the world in the last two sittings.

He is the winner of the UCD/NIB Smurfit Business School Masters Scholarship Award and a double CIMA prize-winner.

Garret Mulvin BComm MSc FCCA Paper Specialist: P4

Your exam techniques are brilliant.

“I can say 90% of the topics that you stress before the exam came up in June 2017 sitting. “ - Zulfa Mohamad

“Thank you so much for all your effort and help. I learned more in four classes with you than I ever have. I have been recommending you to everyone! Thanks again.” - Amy Carroll

“I only had one month to prepare for the exam your classes and notes are world class. “ - Adam Ahmed

From the very first lecture it was evident to see Garret’s ambition for the success of all his students. Garret’s in depth knowledge of the course material along with the ability to help students understand difficult concepts made the classes very enjoyable and beneficial. I really can’t recommend Garret highly enough. “ - Tom Kiely

“I would definitely recommend Garret Mulvin.. I was able to pass first time achieving a mark of 70%. The main thing I enjoyed was the relaxed environment with the excellent tutoring. I will be definitely signing up for lectures with Garret again.” - Greg Rooney

One of the best ACCA lecturers I have had.

It is evident that Shaun knows this subject inside out, his lectures are interesting and entertaining. He gives great tips on what are the important things to remember and even better than that he thinks of inventive ways of remembering those things.”

- Amanda Miley

“ One of the best ACCA lecturers I have had. Very funny which is important to keep class interesting. This is my final ACCA exam and have found the lecturer’s approach one of the best.”

- Nicola Donnellan

Martin is a very knowledgeable lecturer on P5 & has a great sense of humour. I’d fully recommend attending Martin’s class!”

- Hong Yan “ As a working professional, doing accountancy exams takes a lot of effort & time. I found Martin Corboy to be exactly the instructor I needed, he teaches clearly, takes time to explain but ensures the full syllabus is covered in time for the big day!”

-Karl Deeter, Compliance Manager at Irish Mortgage Brokers and

columnist for the Sun on Sunday and Sunday Business Post

Shaun Browne MAAT FCCAPaper Specialist: F8 & P7Weekend Classes

Shaun is an immensely popular and brilliant tutor who has a passion for teaching ACCA. He believes in making the class as interesting and as much fun as possible so that students enjoy learning. He includes lots of anecdotes about his work as a trainee and a partner to help students appreciate the practical aspects of auditing. Shaun is a great believer in ‘learn the basics’.

This advice has stood the test of time with many UK, Irish and world-wide prize-winners in Auditing to his name. Shaun is a teaching phenomenon that we fly in from London because he is the best. He has a colossal reputation for student success and enjoyable classes.

Martin Corboy AITI, FCMA, MBA Paper Specialist: F2, F5 & P5

Martin Corboy is a graduate of UCD and came first in the world in his final CIMA exams. Martin is an Associate of the Institute of Taxation, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, a Member of the Chartered Management Institute and an Academic Fellow of the Association of International Accountants. He has been lecturing to professional accountancy students for the last 16 years and he has a reputation as one of the top ACCA tutors in Ireland.

I really can’t recommend Garret highly enough. -

Garret Mulvin (formerly BPP and First Intuition) is a very popular tutor who specialises in Financial Accounting, and Financial Management. Among his many prizewinners are several first placed students.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland (CAI) and qualified as an accountant with Price Waterhouse Coopers in Dublin.

Garret is renowned for his exceptional tuition and exam techniques and is dedicated to delivering you your pass in P4 Advanced Financial Management.

OUR LECTURERS

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“Brilliant lecturer, dedicated and very focused on exam techniques.” - Tatjana Valevko

Dr Barry Smith, PhD, FCAPaper Specialist: F7Free access to Tenjin software

Barry is a very popular and experienced ACCA tutor having taught F3, F7, and P2 modules.His popularity as a lecturer results from being exam focused and from his ability to explain complex accounting topics. In 2010, his ‘Introductory Financial Accounting and Reporting’ textbook was published by McGraw-Hill and has been extremely well received by teachers and students.

Barry is a Chartered Accountant and holds postgraduate degrees from UCD (MEconSc) and University of Birmingham (PhD). He also holds an ACCA Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards (DipIFR). All F7 students will get free access to the cutting edge Tenjin software which is another City Colleges’ innovation for F7.

Kathleen Regan MSc FCCAPaper Specialist: SBRWednesday Classes

Kathleen is a vastly experienced lecturer in Corporate Reportingand Management. She has delivered P2 lectures since 2003 withBPP. She is a popular and dedicated tutor and offers convenientWednesday classes for SBR. Kathleen is an Associate of the Corporate Treasurers in Ireland, a Fellow of ACCA and holds a Masters in Corporate Finance and Accounting from University College Cork.Kathleen previously held the role of Managing Director ofProfessional Accountancy Lecturers and Audit Senior for MooreStephens (formerly Patrick McNamara and Associates) in Limerick.

Georgina SkehanBA (Hons), MSc, FCMA CGMA, D, FCAPaper Specialist: F3Weekend ClassesGeorgina is an accomplished finance and accounting lecturer atundergraduate, postgraduate and professional levels. She placed4th in Ireland when completing her own CIMA finals and has broughtthis expertise into the lecture hall with many of her students placing1st, 2nd, 3rd in Ireland and 2nd - 15th in the world across a range ofsubjects in numerous exam sittings. Georgina has a reputation asbeing an approachable and supportive lecturer

Eoghan Casey BA, BL Paper Specialist: F4 Eoghan Casey is a Barrister and lecturer in law who has extensiveexperience preparing students for both the Law Society of Irelandand King’s Inns Entrance Examinations. He holds a First ClassHonours Degree in Mathematical Science, and is particularly skilledat teaching students how to excel in professional examinations. Heis an extremely popular and experienced ACCA F4 tutor.

Mel Kilkenny BComm, AITIPaper Specialist: F6, F9 and P6Mel has lectured on taxation subjects for ACCA examinations since 1992. He is highly exam focused in his approach, and is admired for his personable, and practical teaching style. He is the author of the well-regarded Kilkenny Tax Publications textbooks and revision kits for P6 and F6 which are popular with Tax students throughout the country. Mel is also an experienced examiner, having spent a number of years as examiner for the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Irish Tax Institute.

Apart from the Tax papers Mel also brings his experience and teaching skill to F9 Financial Management. Always dedicated to delivering you your pass!

Barry is an absolutely brilliant lecturer. He has an excellent lecturing approach.” - Viktorija Balandina

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“I am doing the course online and Kathleen was extremely quick to respond and very helpful with my query.” - Sharon Collins “Content is very well delivered for P2. Easy to understand. Good study tips.” - Claire Frain

“Georgina’s exam techniques helped me to be relaxed and well prepared for my Managing Finances ACCA paper, in which I achieved first place in Ireland and second place worldwide.”

- Evelyn Delahunty

“Classes were informative, fun, and presented in a way that stuck in your head so you could easily remember and relate back to the associated case. I passed first time with very little effort required since Eoghan made it so easy and logical. I would highly recommend Eoghan Casey as a F4 lecturer.” - Trudy Byrne

I find Kathleen excellent for P2. She is clear, concise and covers all the main points.”

- Sinead Graham

Georgina Skehan is anexcellent tutor.”

- Sinead Graham

”He really engages students throughout the lecture. Even though I am completing the course online I feel just as much a part of the class as those who are physically attending.” - Kirsten Mullins

“Mel is fantastic lecturer! 100% exam focused and always goes extra mile for the students.” - Tatjana Valevko

Mel is an excellent lecturer with fantastic teaching style.

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KEY ACCA DATES 2018 JUNE 2018 Jun 4th - 8th: Exams week

JULY 2018 16th July: June Exam results,

30th July: Standard Sept Exam entry deadline

AUGUST 2018 6th Aug: Late Sept Exam entry deadline

13th Aug: Early Dec exam deadline

SEPT 2018 3rd - 7th Sept: Exams week

OCT 2018 15th Oct: Sept Exam results

29th Oct: Standard December Exam entry deadline

NOV 2018 5th Nov: Late December Exam entry deadline

12th Nov: Early March exam deadline

DEC 2018 3rd - 7th Dec: Exams week

KEY ACCA DATES 2019 JANUARY 2019 14/Jan: Dec Exam results

28/Jan: Standard March Exam entry deadline

FEB 2019 4/Feb: Late March Exam entry deadline

11/Feb: Early June exam deadline

MARCH 2019 7th- 12th March: Exams week

APRIL 2019 15/April: March Exam results,

29/April: Standard June Exam entry deadline

MAY 2019 6/May: Late June Exam entry deadline,

13/May: Early Sept exam deadline

JUNE 2019 3rd- 7th June: Exams week

Always cover the full syllabus. You need to be extremely careful that you do not ‘question spot’. Professional exams will always examine the full breadth of the syllabus. Exam tips from our experienced tutors are provided to give some reasonable guidance to help you prepare for your exams while acknowledging that any syllabus topic can come up in the exam. See the topics more as a ‘to-do list’ of areas you especially need to cover

F8Shaun Browne

CBE General Update: The ACCA has introduced CBE on-line exams for F5 to F9. This means that you no longer have the paper-based option for Fundamental exams. Instead you will be using a word processing tool to type out your answers (for Section B) in the same way that you would write out your answers in the paper format. You are not being tested on your computer skills, you are simply answering the questions on-line instead of on paper as you would do at work using a word processing package. Section AThis section could cover the entire syllabus testing you via Objective Testing (OT) similar to multiple choice questions based upon different scenarios. The whole purpose of testing you by OT questions is to enable the examiner to cover a wide-range of subjects in the syllabus with lots of short questions. You will have three case studies each with 5 x 2 mark OT questions (30 marks). Section BTraditional written questions testing your knowledge and application. The main areas regularly examined are:

• Audit Risk: Identifying and explaining audit risks (IR, CR, DR) from the scenario given and the auditors response to each risk you have identified.

• Internal Controls: Deficiencies, consequences and recommendations e.g. in a sales, purchases or payroll system and the test of control.

• Balance Sheet Auditing: Substantive audit procedures e.g. NCA or Receivables and the assertion e.g. valuation or ownership.

• Corporate Governance and Ethics: Corporate Governance best practice and/or ethical threats/safeguards linked to IESBA threats to auditor independence and/or ACCA Fundamental Principles. You will have 1 x 30 mark question and 2 x 20 mark questions (70 marks). The examiner calls these questions in Section B ‘Constructed Response Questions’ that means you will be given the requirements in the same way as the traditional paper based questions e.g. Explain the ethical issues that may impact on the auditors independence. So instead of writing out your answer you would type out your answer in the allocated ‘response box’ in the word processing tool…nothing to worry about….just practise using the ACCA’s word processing tool on the ACCA website under specimen papers for F8. The examiner also likes you to produce your answers in a word processing tabulated format using tables and columns (not in a spreadsheet package). For example you would answer the internal control question by having say four columns in your table i.e. one for the deficiency, one for the consequence, one for the recommendation and one for the test of control. This format keeps everything neat and tidy. Imagine your typed answer is going to be sent to your client for implementation. My advice is to attempt Section B first as Section A answers tend to be so similar that you could easily confuse yourself! I have lots of models to guide you and lots of examination technique tips to help you get through the exam. Good luck with your studies!Shaun Browne F8 and P7 specialist

JUNE 2018 EXAM TIPS

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P3Owen O’Reilly

Anything can and will come up. Best advice is to use the financial evidence to make many short/quick points where you say what your point (THIS) MEANS for the company. Expect more Marginal and Relevant Costing issues. Note articles: Costing for Decision Making (Oct 16). Performance Indicators (Sept 16). Expect some P1 issues – I/C, risk, governance, ethics (note Shop Reviewers M/J 16). No new articles. As this is the final paper I expect the Pilot paper to be relevant. In following topics some dates indicate it came up recently – so less likely (but still possible).

SOME AREAS TO NOTE FOR OUR REVISION COURSE INCLUDE: Position

1. Note any APPENDIX as possible Pro forma for your answer (QTP M/J 16). 2. Regression analysis/Time series (Coolfreeze Pilot, ATD & Noble Pets 12/14, ATL 12/11, Mock 1) Qualitative Forecasting/Scenarios (Nesta 6/13)/ 3. Financial analysis (Housham Garden 12/13, Joe Swift 06/10, MMI 12/08, QTS Group S/D 15, QTP M/J 16) 4. Flex Budget/Variance analysis(12/17), Activity BC, Budgeting, (Coolfreeze Pilot, M&G Sept 15) 5. Benchmarking, (3/18) CSF, KPIs (3/18) (ICOM Sept 15) [Performance Mgt ARTICLE] 6. Analyse performance (Shoal 12/10, Roam 12/14, TMZ 6/15) BCG (Shoal12/10) 7. Cultural Web (12/17) (MidshireHealth, National Museum, QTS Group S/D 15) 8. Strategic Capability/Resources/competences (Wetlands 6/10, ONA 12/07, 9Ms) 9. Porter’s 5 Forces (Nesta 6/13) Diamond (Machine Shop 12/13)/ VALUE CHAIN (QTP M/J 16), PEST (NMS)

Choices/Options 1. SAF – use SAF to evaluate ANY strategic option requirement 2. Marginal Costing & Contribution. Make or buy decisions (Outsourcing), Special contracts, Closure decisions, Scarce resources (EcoCar 6/11, ITTrain 6/14, YTR 6/15) [Costing for Decision ARTICLE] 3. Probability/Expected value (iTTrain 6/14, 2Tel 6/15, 6/16). Decision trees (9/17) 4. Generic Strategies (YTR 6/15), TOWS (ReInk 6/14), Ansoff (Greentech 6/09), Methods of growth (EMS Pilot = RSES) Action/Implementation 1. Investment appraisal/Business Case (Hammond Shoes 6/12, IIA 6/14, Graffoff 12/12), Benefits Mgt (Brighttown 6/15) / Project reviews (HomeDeliverer 12/11) / Project controls (gateways, highlight reports). Methods of Financing JUNE 16Q1c. 2. Harmon(12/17) (Chem Trans 6/13) Swimlanes (Cooper Uni 9/12/15, Stella 12/14), & ADDIR, POPIT (Westoria M/J 16, 19 Finch Co in BPP Kit) 3. Software package evaluation /procurement (OneEnergy 6/09, Bridgeco 6/14, Westoria M/J 16). E Procurement (Cronin Auto 6/11), Online branding, Leadership style/ Job enrichment (ARC 6/13), Integrated Reporting (6 capitals) (ICOM Sept 15) 4. 6 ‘I’s and Pricing (Holiday Co M/J16), Contextual Factors (Shoal 12/10 QTS Group S/D 15, 06/17)

Exam technique is crucial! USA: Understand the requirement. Structure answer (use key words!). Apply to scenario. Do the mock and then do another. These are essential for your time management success. Be sceptical of benefits, probabilities, figures generally. And... good luck!

Owen O’Reilly P1 and P3 specialist

P1Owen O’Reilly

Requirements can and will come from anywhere on the syllabus! No new articles: Recent articles on Organising Transactions, Integrated Reporting and CG Inside Out. As this is the final paper I expect the Pilot paper to be relevant. In following topics some dates indicate it came up recently – so less likely (but still possible).

SOME AREAS TO NOTE FOR OUR REVISION COURSE INCLUDE: Corporate Governance 1. Charity CG (HHO 6/11)/ Public Sector (VFM) (03/17)(Chambon 12/14) vrs for profit. 2. Family co diffs in governance (LumCo 6/12, Happy & H 6/10, Lysus 6/15) 3. Role of company secretary/Chairman/CEO(12/17)/NEDS (Chemco pilot) (NIC 12/14,Geeland 12/11) 4. All Comms, Audit Com, Nomination (12/17) – Diversity (HWL 12/13), succession planning, Committees (Hafnium 6/15) Risk Comm (03/18) 5. Agency (Rosey 6/15, CSC S/D 16, 12/17), Stakeholders (Rosey 6/15, Philo M/J 16, 03/18) 6. Two tier board (Lum 6/12), Principles vrs Rules based approaches. 7. Principles of CG (MRA Sep/Dec /15), CPD (Loho 12/14), Induction (Lum 6/12) 8. Bribery (MRA 9/12 15) Risk and Internal Controls 1. Internal Control disclosures SOX vrs Turnbull 2. Case for mandatory external reporting of IC on FR & risks (ZPT 12/10) (Mahmood 6/14) 3. IC (Pulpo 6/15, CSC S/D 16) over fraud/ IC limitations 4. Contents of Ext Report on IC (West v Leroi 6/8) 5. Risk defs (ALL!), Risk manager role (H&Z 6/9), External Risk Audit (World Justice 6/14) Strategic vrs operational risk (P&J 12/12), Risk is dynamic (YGT 6/11), TARA (YGT 6/11), 6. Risk audit (W Justice), embedding (Dubland). Ethics 1. Relativism, absolutism, deontological, teleological (MRA 9/12 15) 2. Public Interest (Policy Speech 06/09, Ann Koo 6/11, HH 6/14, Philo M/J 16) 3. Kolhberg (Bobo 6/11, Pulpo 6/15, Angus Fortune M/J 16) 4 ethical stances (HWL 12/13, 03/18) 4. GOA (Football 12/07, ‘Rights and Responsibilities’ in Biggo 12/11, Plantex Sep/ Dec 15) 5. Normative vrs instrumental approach to stakeholders (JH Graphics 34 in Kit) 6. Ethical Threat to independence (12/17)/safeguards(12/17, 03/18) (Ann Koo6/11, Hum and Hoo 6/14) 7. Corporate codes of ethics (JH Graphics 34 in Kit, Hogg 12/08, Coastal Oil 12/11) ACCA Prof Code (Angus Fortune M/J 16, MARCH 17) Corporate Citizen (Plantex Sep/Dec 15) 8. Sustainability (JGP 12/10, Wyland 12/13)/ full cost accounting /CSR(Rosey 6/15) 9. EMAS Env Audit/Footprint (JGP 12/10, Pulpo 6/15, Hum 6/14, WSK M/J 16) Environmental report Pulpo 6/15) 10. IR (Plantex Sep/Dec 15) 3Es (Philo M/J 16)

Exam technique is crucial! USA: Understand the requirement. Structure answer (use key words!). Apply to scenario. Do the mock and then do another. Stress the professional qualities of accountability, scepticism, independence, and sustainability in your answers. And... good luck!Owen O’Reilly P1 and P3 specialist

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P5Martin Corboy

General advice on P5

The key requirement to pass P5 questions is to read the exam question very carefully to ensure that you know exactly what the examiner is asking you to do and that you clearly understand the link between 1) the question requirement 2) the scenario presented to you and 3) the technical content of the P5 syllabus. These links should be clear to you before you start writing your answer, if they are not, it is highly likely that you have misinterpreted what the question is asking you to do. …

Key areas that you need to focus on:

The link with corporate mission, CSF’s, KPI’s and information systems. (It is vital that the information provided to management actually enables them to monitor the successful implementation of strategy. The role of information systems and performance reports is regularly examined in the Case Study 50 marker.

Also make sure you cover Budgetary Control systems like Variance Analysis as a performance management system versus ABC/ABM/VCA and lean manufacturing

Some areas to note include:

· Fitzgerald & Moon’s Building Blocks/Lynch & Cross’s Performance Pyramid/ Balanced Scorecard

· Prediction of Corporate Failure Models

· The role of Big Data-note in particular the recent article by Ken Garrett now on the Technical resources database for P5

· Interpreting Financial Data-Dangers-note technical article

· Management by Objectives (Performance Appraisal) and the use of Reward strategies

· Performance Metrics-EVA/ROI/RI/Shareholder Value

· 6 Sigma and Quality

· Integrated Reporting-implications for management accountants

· Environmental KPI’s

Good luck with your studies! Martin Corboy, F5 and P5 specialist

P7 Shaun Browne

As from September 2018 the P7 exam format is going to change from five questions with options into three large compulsory questions only. The syllabus is the same, however the examiner is going to squeeze in the five key topic areas detailed below into three big questions. Variants: First of all don’t forget that you have two main choices of variant with P7. These are Irish or International variants. As a guide if you are planning to be an audit partner and you currently work in an audit practice (medium to large firm) then the Irish variant is best for you, otherwise choose the International variant. You should also have chosen P2 UK variant as well (no Irish variant for accounting standards) in order to qualify for an Irish practicing certificate. Section A (Compulsory):The format of this paper hasn’t changed for quite a while, good news for us all! Q1 tends to be on risk and planning and covers Audit Risk, or Business Risk or Financial Statement Risk (RoMM). The examiner has been known to mix up these topics e.g. Q1 a. Business Risk and Q1 b. FS Risk. Make sure you know all three risk areas well. Q2 is traditionally the non-audit question covering topics such as Forensics, Due Diligence, Internal Audit, Outsourcing, KPI’s and PFI (don’t forget Insolvency for Irish variant students). Section B (Optional 2 from 3)Q3 is traditionally the audit file review question that you perform as an audit manager considering the matters and evidence that the audit senior has identified. This question tests your knowledge on F3, F7 and P2 accounting standards. Don’t forget to include materiality as one of your matters to consider! Sometimes the examiner includes this question in the compulsory section so don’t get caught out! Q4 is usually the Ethics and Practice Management question that could include quality control, tendering, lowballing, fees and advertising plus steps or actions you may take. Irish variant students don’t forget the new FRC 2016 Ethics Standard that replaced the five individual FRC Ethical Standards. Q5 is traditionally the audit reporting question. With the new format of the audit report and the new Key Audit Matters (KAM) this is likely to be a regular contender for the next few sittings. Don’t forget the going concern paragraph if required and be able to comment and consider alternative audit opinion. If you have any queries about the syllabus, or which variant to choose then please do get in touch. Good luck with your studies! Shaun Browne F8 and P7 specialist

NEW DEGREE COURSE AT CITY COLLEGESBSc in Accounting and Finance- 3 Year Level 8 Degree, starts September 2018 - Granting maximum ACCA exemptions- For information call us on (01) 416 0034

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DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS

LIVE LECTURESStreamed Online & RecordedCity Colleges is Ireland’s original provider of ‘Live, Streamed and Recorded’ ACCA tuition.

Our live ACCA classes from South Great George’s Street in Dublin are ALSO broadcast live online throughout the country. This is our seventh year streaming our classes live and our experience in delivering, streaming and recording your classes is a key benefit for you because you will never miss a class or an explanation.

You can even ask questions online during the class! It is the best of all worlds and a great advantage for our students because you can watch at your convenience.

Ireland’s original provider of ‘Live, Streamed and Recorded’ ACCA tuition

The Diploma in Accounting and Business is a great start to your ACCA journey! This internationally recognised ACCA Diploma is granted to those who pass the first three papers F1, F2 & F3. No previous academic qualifications are required to study for these qualifications which provide you with a very good grounding in accounting. Diploma in Accounting and Business requires you to pass;• Accountant in Business (F1)• Management Accounting (F2)• Financial Accounting (F3)

In addition you will be required to complete a professionalism and ethics module called Foundations in Professionalism. Furthermore you will be required to complete one year’s relevant practical experience in any accounting environment to show you can use your knowledge from the exams in the workplace. Experience can be completed before, at the same time or after taking your exams.

How long will it take to complete?It’s up to you as there is no time limit. You can sit the exams on demand as computer-based exams in our ACCA approved CBE centre here at City Colleges.

Who are my tutors?Your tutors are Martin Corboy (F2), Georgina Skehan (F3) and Owen O’Reilly (F1). These are excellent tutors who are invested in your success and will guide you with their extensive exam experience.

When can I start?Classes commence in September 2018. Remember all classes are streamed live and recorded for your convenience. So you will never miss a class or an explanation. The recordings also make later starts possible. Call if you have any questions – or drop in for a coffee at any stage and we will get you started on your ACCA journey!

“ Availability of the online facility means I don’t miss classes when I travel with work” - Ciaran Maloney

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City CollegesWicklow House, 84-88 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.Telephone: 1850 25 27 40 • Email: acca@citycolleges.ie

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