N411-M0002 Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers Assessment Brief 2026

University University Of Salford (UOS)
Subject N411-M0002 Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers

N411-M0002 Assessment Brief

Module TitleAccounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers
Module CodeN411-M0002
CRN64883 – 64884
Level7
Assessment Title3,000-word Business Report
Submission/Assessment DateFriday 3rd July 2026 by no later than 16:00
Weighting within Module100% of the overall module mark

Assessment Task Details and Instructions

Write a 3,000-word business report addressing the following key areas: (100 Marks)

Scenario Context

You are acting as a financial advisor for a fictional medium-sized company, Nova Retail Group Ltd, operating in the UK retail sector. The company manages a nationwide chain of lifestyle and consumer goods stores and is seeking strategic guidance to enhance its financial performance, adopt emerging digital tools ensuring compliance with ethical and legal obligations. You are required to prepare a 3,000-word business report presenting your financial insights, strategic evaluation, and professional recommendations.

This report should be structured as a cohesive, evidence-based document integrating the following key areas:

1. The Strategic Role of Accounting and Finance

a. Critically evaluate how accounting and finance support strategic decision-making

b. Link your discussion to organisational objectives

c. Use real-world examples

d. Apply specifically to Nova Retail Group Ltd and the UK retail sector

 2. Financial Data Analysis

a. Analyse the provided (below) financial statements (3-year data)

b. Apply appropriate techniques such as:

i. Ratio analysis

ii. Trend analysis

c. Evaluate:

i. Profitability
ii. Liquidity
iii. Efficiency
iv. Financial structure

d. Provide clear, actionable recommendations

3. Digital Trends in Finance

a. Critically evaluate relevant digital finance trends in retail

b. Discuss technologies such as:

i. Data analytics
ii. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
iii. Blockchain

c. Explain how these support strategic financial decision-making

4. Ethical and Legal Compliance

a. Discuss the importance of ethical behaviour and legal compliance in financial reporting.

b. Use relevant corporate case studies or examples to demonstrate the consequences of non-compliance.

c. Propose strategies that Nova Retail Group Ltd can adopt to maintain integrity and comply with regulations.

5. Executive Summary and Conclusion

a. Provide a concise executive summary capturing key findings and strategic recommendations from your analysis.

b. Summarise the importance of the integrated financial and strategic insights for the company’s long-term success.

Provided Dataset:

Financial Statements

Statement of Profit or Loss

 Year 1 (£)Year 2 (£)Year 3 (£)
Revenue2,400,0002,950,0003,200,000
Cost of Sales(1,450,000)(1,750,000)(1,900,000)
Gross Profit950,0001,200,0001,300,000
Administrative Expenses(450,000)(520,000)(510,000)
Depreciation & Amortisation(60,000)(70,000)(85,000)
Operating Profit440,000610,000705,000
Finance Costs(35,000)(40,000)(55,000)
Profit Before Tax405,000570,000650,000
Taxation(90,000)(125,000)(145,000)
Profit for the Year315,000445,000505,000

Statement of Financial Position

 Year 1 (£)Year 2 (£)Year 3 (£)
Assets:
Property, Plant & Equipment1,250,0001,500,0001,700,000
Intangible Assets120,000150,000200,000
Total Non-current Assets1,370,0001,650,0001,900,000
Inventory750,000850,000820,000
Trade Receivables520,000700,000680,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents320,000360,000450,000
Total Current Assets1,590,0001,910,0001,950,000
Total Assets2,960,0003,560,0003,850,000
Equity and Liabilities:
Share Capital850,000950,0001,100,000
Retained Earnings550,000720,000900,000
Total Equity1,400,0001,670,0002,000,000
Long-term Borrowings850,000950,0001,050,000
Trade Payables710,000940,000800,000
Total Liabilities1,560,0001,890,0001,850,000
Total Equity and Liabilities2,960,0003,560,0003,850,000

Submission Instructions

  • Word Count: 3,000 words (±10%, excluding references, tables, and appendices).
  • Formatting: Your report must be submitted as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF file only. Other formats (e.g. links, images, or unsupported file types) will not be accepted. Use standard business report structure with a title page, executive summary, main body, conclusion, and reference list.

Word count/ duration (if applicable)

Word Count: 3,000 words (±10%, excluding references, tables, and appendices).

Formatting: Your report must be submitted as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF file only. Other formats (e.g. links, images, or unsupported file types) will not be accepted. Use standard business report structure with a title page, executive summary, main body, conclusion, and reference list.

Assessment Criteria

The report will be graded based on the following criteria:

  1. Knowledge and Understanding (30%)
  • Depth of understanding of the strategic role of accounting and finance in organizations.
  • Demonstration of critical awareness of digital trends, ethical compliance, and financial decision-making.
  1. Application of Theory (30%)
  • Effective application of accounting and financial analysis techniques to the provided dataset.
  • Relevance and practicality of recommendations.
  1. Research and Evidence (20%)
  • Use of appropriate and credible academic and industry sources to support arguments.
  • Integration of case studies or real-world examples.
  1. Structure, and Clarity (10%)
  • Logical structure, clear organization of content, and adherence to the word count.
  • Professional presentation, including proper formatting, use of headings, conclusion, and tables/graphs where relevant.
  1. Referencing and Academic Integrity (10%)
  • Correct use of referencing style (e.g., Harvard or APA).
  • Inclusion of a reference list with high-quality sources.

The standard university descriptors of performance will be used in giving feedback.

At level 7 the pass mark is 50% and the scale is:

Percentage MarkLevel of Performance
90 – 100Outstanding
80 – 89Excellent
70 – 79Very Good
60 – 69Good
50 – 59Satisfactory
40 – 49Needs Improvement
30 – 39Needs Significant Revision
0 – 29Needs Substantial Work
CRITERIAAOL Assessed0-20%20-29%30-39%40-49%50-59%60-69%70-79%80-89%90-100%
Knowledge and Understanding (30 mark)1.1.2, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.2.2, 3.1.1No demonstration of understanding or awareness.Very limited or inaccurate understanding of key concepts.Basic understanding but lacks depth and critical awareness.Adequate understanding of key topics with minor inaccuracies.Satisfactory grasp of concepts and partial critical insight.Good understanding and some critical analysis.Very good insight with relevant application.Excellent depth and critical awareness.Exceptional understanding and strategic awareness.
Application of Theory (30 mark)1.1.1, 1.1.2, 4.1.2No application of theory or techniques.Very weak or incorrect application of theory.Basic use of techniques with limited relevance.Adequate application to data but lacks insight.Satisfactory use of techniques with reasonable relevance.Good theoretical application and logical recommendations.Very good analysis with practical application.Excellent theoretical use and relevant solutions.Outstanding and practical theory integration.
Research and Evidence (20 mark)1.1.1, 2.1.2No evidence or research sources used.Very limited sources, not credible or relevant.Basic use of literature with minimal integration.Adequate sources but lacks depth.Satisfactory evidence and some examples.Good use of academic and industry sources.Very good integration of examples and support.Excellent use of quality evidence and case studies.Exceptional research-based argumentation.
Structure and Clarity (10 mark)2.1.1, 2.1.3No clear structure, incoherent and hard to follow.Very poor structure with little organisation.Basic organisation, unclear in parts.Adequate structure and partially clear.Satisfactory clarity and mostly logical organisationGood structure and clear layout.Very good logical structure and presentationExcellent clarity and flow.Exceptional structure and professional clarity.
Referencing and Academic Integrity (10 mark)2.1.2No referencing or citation.Very poor referencing, major style issues.Basic referencing with frequent errors.Adequate referencing, some consistency.Satisfactory and mostly correct referencing.Good use of referencing style and citations.Very good adherence to academic standards.Excellent and consistent referencing throughout.Exceptional use of sources and citation accuracy.

Assessed intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:

  1. To explore the strategic role and scope of accounting and finance in organisations.
  2. To examine key approaches to accounting and financial analyses and how such analyses can be interpreted to support
  3. management decision making.
  4. To review key trends in the digital environment of finance and their implications for organisations.
  5. To examine the need for legal compliance and ethical conduct in the reporting of financial performance

Intended Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the role and scope of accounting and finance in organisations.
  2. Explain how key approaches to accounting and financial analyses can be used to inform and support management decision making.
  3. Demonstrate a critical awareness of key trends in the digital environment of finance and their implications for organisations.
  1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the need for legal compliance and ethical conduct in the reporting of financial performance.
  2. Interpret select accounting and financial data to inform management decision making.
  3. Effectively use digital and non-digital means to develop and communicate clear and concise insights, conclusions and recommendations.

Need Help Completing Your N411-M0002 Accounting and Finance Assessment?

Not every student feels confident when dealing with financial analysis, ratio calculations, digital finance trends, and business reporting requirements. Many learners working on the N411-M0002 assessment often struggle to connect theory with practical business recommendations. If you need professional support, Students Assignment Help UK offers expert accounting and finance assignment help tailored to your module guidelines. For better confidence, you can review our finance assignment solutions and browse related university of salford assignments. Our assignment writing service can help you obtain a personalised solution prepared specifically for your academic needs.

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