This course is designed as an intensive programme to assist students in preparing for the University of Cambridge International Certificate in Financial English (the “ICFE”). Each class is dedicated to financial English specialist vocabulary acquisition and skills development and focuses specifically on the techniques required to pass the ICFE exam.

The course aims to fully support students in their development of ICFE specific writing, listening, speaking and reading skills. The classes are taught in a communicative way and students are expected to actively participate, working in pairs and groups as well as individually.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and use financial/accounting concepts and terminology in English
• Use a range of reading skills to understand different types of texts on financial/accounting topics
• Write clear, well structured letters and reports in a range of financial/ accounting contexts
• Understand conversations, discussions, interviews etc. on financial/accounting topics
• Participate effectively in discussions on financial/accounting topics and issues related to working in this field
• Perform well in examination tasks specific to the ICFE, and have a good grasp of appropriate examination techniques

The course topics are set in the context of finance and accountancy vocabulary for the ICFE. The following list is an illustration of some of the areas featured in the course:

• Financial Statements (balance sheet, profit & loss, cash flow etc.)
• Company financial strategy
• Risk assessment and analysis
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Markets
• Banking
• Financial instruments (shares, bonds, futures and derivatives etc.)
• Accounting standards
• Accountancy tools (e.g. financial ratio)
• Cost accounting (direct, indirect, fixed and variable   costs)
• Auditing
• Assets and company valuations
• Taxation