Technical English-Accounting

English language knowledge corresponding to the B1 level of the European languages reference framework.

Classes will have both a theoretical and a practical component. The first half of the class will cover mainly theoretical topics; the second half, more practical exercises. Assessment: Continuous – a written test and oral individual or group task. Written test: 12 out of 20; oral task: 8 out of 20. The final mark will be the average of the marks obtained in these two components. By choosing this type of assessment, students will have to attend at least 85% of the classes. Final examination assessment (normal, de recurso, and especial seasons) – a written exam (13 out of 20); a mandatory oral exam (7 out of 20). The final mark will be the average of the marks obtained in these two components.

The Curricular Unit of Technical English: Accounting has as main goal to give students the necessary elements for a satisfactory use of the English Language as a privileged vehicle of communication in the business market, particularly in the Accounting area. The teaching of specific vocabulary structures in the Accounting area and the consolidation of grammar structures will allow students the intended use of the English Language.

1. The structure of a business letter.
2. Four aspects to be taken into account concerning the business letter:
a) Subject;
b) Target;
c) Goal;
d) Organization/style.
3. Numbers/Calculations
4. Types of business letters:
a) information requests;
b) answers and budgets;
c) orders;
d) payments;
e) complaints, apologies, and adjustments.
5. Other documents concerning the Accounting area:
a) financial reports;
b) management reports;
c) auditor report;
d) results’ demonstration;
e) balance.
5. The CV and the cover letter.
6. Grammar: verb tenses, ‘if-clauses’, ‘modal verbs’, and ‘time and place prepositions’.
7. Accounting vocabulary and conversation structures.

NAO

ASHLEY, A. (2003). A Handbook of Commercial Correspondence. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Collins Cobuild (2013). Key Words for Accounting. HarperCollins Publishers.
FRENDO, Evan, Sean Mahoney (2011). English for Accounting. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
IRVINE, Mark and Marion Cadman (2003). Commercially Speaking. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
LAW, Jonathan (2016). A Dictionary of Accounting (5th Edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
MACKENZIE, Ian (2006). Professional English in Use Finance. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
WILSON, James M., Teresa Lameiras e Raquel Cardoso (2004). Manual de Correspondência: Inglês-Português.
Coimbra: Almedina.