fb

Which way, left or right?

It’s amazing how much you know. Whether you’re fully qualified or part qualified the professional exams with ACCA and CIMA are very comprehensive and as such anybody who has passed exams has proved that they have the ability to learn, comprehend and explain various technical topics.

As we progress through our studies we soon start to take certain things for granted. Take debits and credits for example. Ask any qualified accountant which side debits and credits go and they will tell you (hopefully!) without even thinking.

I was recently teaching a group that were new to the joys of double entry. Some of them were initially finding it a bit of a struggle to remember which side the debit and credit went.

A couple of quick memory techniques for anyone starting out on double entry bookkeeping which will help you remember that debits go on the left and credits on the right:

1. AC/DC

Think of the Australian rock band AC/DC or the electrical system AC/DC and then remember that A/C’s = D’s and C’s [Accounts = Debits (on the left) and Credits (on the right)].

2. The driving reminder.

WARNING – I’d only recommend that you use this is you’re from one of the countries that drive on the left such as the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Malaysia and South Africa (there are other countries that drive on the left but for brevity sake I won’t list them all here!)

If you think that you Drive on the left but Crash on the right then it should help you remember that you Debit on the left but Credit on the right.

Again, it’s probably not worth using this memory technique if you’re from one of those countries that drive on the right!

Share this entry

Recent articles

View All Articles
PwC Australia and the “Rule of Three”
Sep 21, 2023
Title
PwC Australia and the “Rule of Three”
Excerpt

As the future business leaders of tomorrow, it’s crucial for students to stay updated on key developments in […]

CIMA VS ACCA: which is best for you? (and what about CMA?)
Sep 15, 2023
Title
CIMA VS ACCA: which is best for you? (and what about CMA?)
Excerpt

When it comes to a career in accounting or finance, deciding which professional qualification to pursue can be […]

How’s your lipstick?
Sep 12, 2023
Title
How’s your lipstick?
Excerpt

In the world of business, understanding consumer behavior is crucial. The “lipstick effect” offers a fascinating glimpse into […]

How an online Certified Management Accountant (CMA) course can advance your career.
Sep 05, 2023
Title
How an online Certified Management Accountant (CMA) course can advance your career.
Excerpt

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, professionals are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves and advance […]

Waiting for your ACCA exam results…
Sep 01, 2023
Title
Waiting for your ACCA exam results…
Excerpt

Waiting for the results of your ACCA exams can be an incredibly stressful time. The uncertainty, the anticipation, […]

APM vs AFM ACCA: which path suits your career goals?
Aug 30, 2023
Title
APM vs AFM ACCA: which path suits your career goals?
Excerpt

“Which is easier – Advanced Performance Management (APM) or Advanced Financial Management (AFM)?”

ROI: how enrolling employees on ACCA courses will yield long-term business success
Aug 18, 2023
Title
ROI: how enrolling employees on ACCA courses will yield long-term business success
Excerpt

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the most respected global accounting qualifications. Organisations across […]

Would Michael Porter sleep in this bed?
Aug 14, 2023
Title
Would Michael Porter sleep in this bed?
Excerpt

Management theories play a significant role in guiding corporate strategy. And when it comes to strategy and management […]