Finance and accounting (A Level): past paper questions
Real questions on finance and accounting (a level)
The newest 20 of 87 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9609/31 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[2]
Using the data in Table 1.3, calculate the payback period for PPP’s proposed new machine.
See it on the paper → - 9609/31 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[2]
Using the data in Table 1.3, calculate the accounting rate of return (ARR) for PPP’s proposed new machine.
See it on the paper → - 9609/31 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[12]
Evaluate whether PPP should invest in the new machine.
See it on the paper → - 9609/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[4]
Using the data in Table 1.4, calculate the four period centred moving average for Quarter 1 2025.
See it on the paper → - 9609/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[12]
Evaluate the usefulness of time series analysis to KTJ in making business decisions.
See it on the paper → - 9609/33 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[2]
Using the data in Table 1.1, calculate the net present value (NPV) over six years discounted at 8%.
See it on the paper → - 9609/33 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[2]
Using the data in Table 1.2, calculate the gearing ratio as at 30 April 2025.
See it on the paper → - 9609/33 · May/June 2025 · Q3c[12]
Evaluate whether WCP should finance the proposed GC takeover with long-term bank loans.
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · October/November 2024 · Q2d[12]
Evaluate whether the planned merger with HL will enable TDC to achieve its objectives.
See it on the paper → - 9609/31 · October/November 2024 · Q4a[4]
Refer to Fig. 1.1. Calculate the expected monetary value (EMV) for the new factory in country M (option B).
See it on the paper → - 9609/31 · October/November 2024 · Q4b[12]
Evaluate whether TC should build the new factory in country M (option B).
See it on the paper → - 9609/33 · October/November 2024 · Q4b[12]
Evaluate whether shareholders should be satisfied with AFF’s financial performance in 2023.
See it on the paper → - 9609/31 · October/November 2023 · Q4a[4]
Using the data in Table 1.2, calculate the forecast dividend cover ratio for 2024.
See it on the paper → - 9609/31 · October/November 2023 · Q4b[12]
Evaluate the usefulness of the annual report to CP’s shareholders in deciding whether to sell their shares.
See it on the paper → - 9609/32 · October/November 2023 · Q4a[4]
Refer to lines 48–49 and Table 1.1. Calculate the net present value (NPV).
See it on the paper → - 9609/33 · October/November 2023 · Q4a[4]
Refer to Table 1.2. Calculate the gearing ratio for 2023.
See it on the paper → - 9609/32 · May/June 2023 · Q3b[3]
Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate, for 2023, the return on capital employed (ROCE).
See it on the paper → - 9609/32 · February/March 2023 · Q4a[4]
Refer to lines 47–49 and Table 1.1. Calculate the accounting rate of return (ARR).
See it on the paper → - 9609/32 · October/November 2022 · Q4a[3]
Refer to Table 3. Calculate the accounting rate of return (ARR) for the investment in enterprise resource planning (ERP).
See it on the paper → - 9609/32 · October/November 2022 · Q4b(ii)[3]
days’ sales in receivables.
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What examiners said
Some candidates carried out this calculation correctly. A few gained 1, 2 or 3 marks for a formula, partial calculation, or using the incorrect year. However, more than half of all candidates gave an incorrect answer, typically by using the wrong figures, such as earnings per share.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9609/31 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
Very few candidates used their answer to 4(a) in their response to 4(b). The best responses compared the forecast dividend cover for 2024 (4 times) with the figure for 2023 (5 times). A few also demonstrated understanding of the dividend cover ratio but commented that CP seem well able to cover the dividend payments. There was some misunderstanding of the question, confusing shareholders selling t...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9609/31 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
A significant number of candidates did not attempt this question suggesting that there are key techniques that candidates are not familiar with. However, most other candidates achieved high marks and typically gained three of the four marks available. Candidates understood how to discount future cash flows but many did not deduct the capital cost from the discounted cash flow for years 1–5.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9609/32 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
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