online accounting course UK

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Accounting framework: UK GAAP, FRS 102 and FRS 105

   Frame every decision against Companies Act presentation, FRS 102 recognition and the practical split between small-company reporting, micro-entity simplification and IFRS for larger groups.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Accounting framework: UK GAAP, FRS 102 and FRS 105

   Frame every decision against Companies Act presentation, FRS 102 recognition and the practical split between small-company reporting, micro-entity simplification and IFRS for larger groups.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Chart of accounts: company-specific chart of accounts aligned to UK statutory formats

   Use account codes that still roll cleanly into balance sheet, profit and loss, VAT return and corporation tax computations.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Chart of accounts: company-specific chart of accounts aligned to UK statutory formats

   Use account codes that still roll cleanly into balance sheet, profit and loss, VAT return and corporation tax computations.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end.

Recognise accrued supplier costs, deferred revenue and provisions only when the FRS 102 recognition threshold is met.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Accounting cycle

   Move from source entries to adjusted trial balance, then check VAT, PAYE/NIC and directors’ loan balances before accounts production.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end.

Recognise accrued supplier costs, deferred revenue and provisions only when the FRS 102 recognition threshold is met.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Accounting cycle

   Move from source entries to adjusted trial balance, then check VAT, PAYE/NIC and directors’ loan balances before accounts production.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Separate accounting depreciation from capital allowances and review useful lives when equipment or fit-out no longer supports the business.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Fixed assets and depreciation

   Separate accounting depreciation from capital allowances and review useful lives when equipment or fit-out no longer supports the business.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Separate accounting depreciation from capital allowances and review useful lives when equipment or fit-out no longer supports the business.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Fixed assets and depreciation

   Separate accounting depreciation from capital allowances and review useful lives when equipment or fit-out no longer supports the business.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end.

Recognise accrued supplier costs, deferred revenue and provisions only when the FRS 102 recognition threshold is met.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Accruals, prepayments and provisions

   Recognise accrued supplier costs, deferred revenue and provisions only when the FRS 102 recognition threshold is met.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end.

Recognise accrued supplier costs, deferred revenue and provisions only when the FRS 102 recognition threshold is met.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Accruals, prepayments and provisions

   Recognise accrued supplier costs, deferred revenue and provisions only when the FRS 102 recognition threshold is met.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Inventory and valuation

   Measure stock at lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, with write-downs posted before tax review.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Inventory and valuation

   Measure stock at lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, with write-downs posted before tax review.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

Reconcile VAT control, corporation tax creditor and disallowable expenses so the accounts support the CT600 workflow.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Tax in the accounts

   Reconcile VAT control, corporation tax creditor and disallowable expenses so the accounts support the CT600 workflow.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

Reconcile VAT control, corporation tax creditor and disallowable expenses so the accounts support the CT600 workflow.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Tax in the accounts

   Reconcile VAT control, corporation tax creditor and disallowable expenses so the accounts support the CT600 workflow.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Payroll accounting reconciles PAYE, employee NIC, employer NIC, pension contributions and net wages before the year-end close.

Tie gross pay, PAYE/NIC, pension deductions and employer costs back to payroll reports before signing the accounts.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Payroll accounting

   Tie gross pay, PAYE/NIC, pension deductions and employer costs back to payroll reports before signing the accounts.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Payroll accounting reconciles PAYE, employee NIC, employer NIC, pension contributions and net wages before the year-end close.

Tie gross pay, PAYE/NIC, pension deductions and employer costs back to payroll reports before signing the accounts.

GBP

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Payroll accounting

   Tie gross pay, PAYE/NIC, pension deductions and employer costs back to payroll reports before signing the accounts.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Financial statements: balance sheet, profit and loss account, notes

   Prepare a Companies Act balance sheet, profit and loss account and notes with comparative figures and director signature requirements.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Financial statements: balance sheet, profit and loss account, notes

   Prepare a Companies Act balance sheet, profit and loss account and notes with comparative figures and director signature requirements.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Filing calendar

Filing body: Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months. · Financial year 2026

1. Close

   Due: Year end

   A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

2. Tax review

   Due: After close

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end.

3. Filing

   Due: Statutory deadline

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Filing, audit and obligations: Companies House, HMRC

   Decide whether the company qualifies for micro, small, audit exemption or full accounts and track the 9-month Companies House deadline.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Filing calendar

Filing body: Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months. · Financial year 2026

1. Close

   Due: Year end

   A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

2. Tax review

   Due: After close

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end.

3. Filing

   Due: Statutory deadline

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Filing, audit and obligations: Companies House, HMRC

   Decide whether the company qualifies for micro, small, audit exemption or full accounts and track the 9-month Companies House deadline.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Financial statement analysis

   Read margins, working capital, debtor days and cash conversion in the same statutory-account format lenders and directors see.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Financial statement analysis

   Read margins, working capital, debtor days and cash conversion in the same statutory-account format lenders and directors see.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Qualifications and career paths: AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA

   Map the course to AAT bookkeeping/accounting progression, ACCA financial reporting and ACA-style statutory accounts work.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.

Worked accounting practice

A Manchester design studio closes 31 March with trade receivables, deferred subscription income, payroll accruals, a laptop depreciation schedule and VAT control differences.

1. 1

   Qualifications and career paths: AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA

   Map the course to AAT bookkeeping/accounting progression, ACCA financial reporting and ACA-style statutory accounts work.

2. 2

   Local close controls

   Corporation Tax is reported through the Company Tax Return; ordinary private-company accounts are normally filed within 9 months and the tax return within 12 months of the accounting period end. VAT uses 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, with £90,000 registration and £88,000 deregistration thresholds from April 2026.

3. 3

   Result

   Private companies file accounts with Companies House within 9 months; first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation when the first period is longer than 12 months.