ACCA SBR – journal entries, is it important?

ACCA SBR – Are Journal Entries Significant?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently studying for the ACCA Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) exam and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out how to focus my study efforts. I’ve heard mixed opinions from various tutors regarding the importance of journal entries. Some suggest that they aren’t crucial and that my time would be better spent on understanding the rules and explanations behind IFRS/IAS.

Given the extensive number of standards I need to cover, I have a couple of questions:

  1. Should I dedicate time to mastering journal entries for each IFRS/IAS, or would it be more beneficial to concentrate on the underlying explanations and their practical applications?
  2. If journal entries are particularly important for certain standards, which ones should I prioritize in my studies?

I would greatly appreciate insights from those who have successfully passed the exam or anyone who is facing similar challenges!

Thank you!

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One response

  1. Hey there!

    It’s great to hear that you’re preparing for the ACCA SBR exam! Your questions are quite common among candidates, so you’re not alone in your thinking. Here’s my take on your queries:

    1. Investment in Journal Entries: While it’s true that understanding the concepts and applications of IFRS/IAS is crucial, having a grasp of the relevant journal entries can significantly enhance your understanding of how these standards are applied in practice. Journal entries can help you visualize the impact of transactions, making it easier to recall the principles behind them during the exam. However, they shouldn’t overshadow your understanding of the underlying concepts and rules. Having a balance is key—make sure you understand the rationale behind each standard and how to report it, but don’t ignore journal entries entirely.

    2. Prioritize Certain Standards: Focus on standards that are heavily examined and tend to include more complex journal entries. For instance, consider prioritizing these:

    3. IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments): Understand the classifications and the impact on financial statements.
    4. IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers): Journal entries can be quite critical here, especially with regard to revenue recognition.
    5. IFRS 16 (Leases): Knowing how to account for leases and the corresponding journal entries is really important.
    6. IAS 12 (Income Taxes): Understanding the journal entries for deferred tax can help solidify your knowledge of this standard.
    7. IAS 37 (Provisions, Contingent Liabilities, and Contingent Assets): It’s good to know how to record provisions.

    In summary, while conceptual understanding takes precedence, don’t underestimate the importance of journal entries in connecting theory to practice. Incorporate them into your study sessions but don’t let them dominate. Good luck with your preparation! You’ve got this!

    Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need specific tips on any standards!

    Best,
    [Your Name]

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