fb

ACCA SUMMER SALE 20% OFF

Which way, left or right?

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
It’s all hands on deck moving from Big 4 to 4 people…
Jun 17, 2025
Title
It’s all hands on deck moving from Big 4 to 4 people…
Excerpt

When multinational companies switch auditors, it’s usually a move that signals routine rotation, cost management, or strategic realignment. […]

From whisky to wickets…
Jun 16, 2025
Title
From whisky to wickets…
Excerpt

Diageo, the global drinks giant behind brands like Guinness, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker, is reportedly considering a sale […]

“Just Build It” – the Nike LEGO collaboration
Jun 12, 2025
Title
“Just Build It” – the Nike LEGO collaboration
Excerpt

Nike and LEGO are teaming up to launch co-branded products and experiences aimed at inspiring kids through active […]

Laziness and intelligence.
Jun 12, 2025
Title
Laziness and intelligence.
Excerpt

Whilst a lot of you won’t admit to being lazy (and I’m sure most of you aren’t in […]

The road to electric cars is full of potholes…
May 28, 2025
Title
The road to electric cars is full of potholes…
Excerpt

The electric vehicle (EV) market has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with major car manufacturers and startups […]

Is the stage set for airline pricing at the theatre?
May 26, 2025
Title
Is the stage set for airline pricing at the theatre?
Excerpt

Imagine paying £300 for a theatre ticket, only to find there’s more to pay if you want to […]

WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy as drugs take over…
May 12, 2025
Title
WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy as drugs take over…
Excerpt

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have revolutionised the weight management market, leaving companies which were once dominant […]

A whole new world: Disney’s Middle East move
May 08, 2025
Title
A whole new world: Disney’s Middle East move
Excerpt

The Walt Disney Company has announced its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, set to be built […]