Business, Technology and Finance 2025: Key Syllabus Updates

This blog post will outline the main syllabus changes, providing you with an overview of the new content to learn this year.

We won't cover all changes, just the main ones. For more detailed information, a free PDF summarising all the changes is available for download at the end of this post.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Business

In section 1.4.3, the syllabus now includes a new subsection on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors. ESG is increasingly used in corporate and investment communities, focusing on how these factors impact business and enterprise value, as well as how businesses impact ESG factors.

The environmental aspect (1.4.3.1) relates to the quality and functioning of natural environments and systems. Organisations' activities can be affected by environmental issues such as:

• Severe weather events
• Water shortages
• Pollinator decline

These can impact supply chains, operations, and financial performance. Poor environmental practices can lead to fines, restricted access to resources, and reputational damage.

The social aspect (1.4.3.2) covers the rights, wellbeing, and interests of people and communities. Organisations are impacted by:

• Labour standards
• Workplace safety
• Health and medicine access
• Freedom of expression and association

Social issues are influenced by how organisations manage human capital, diversity, relations with local communities, and their stance on human rights.

The governance aspect (1.4.3.3) relates to how companies and their investee entities are managed. Key governance topics include:

• Business ethics
• Bribery and corruption
• Internal controls
• Risk management
• Relationships between management, boards, shareholders, and stakeholders

In section 1.6.5, the syllabus now covers the impact of business activity on the environment, including resource depletion, pollution, climate change, waste generation, and loss of biodiversity. It also addresses how environmental changes can affect businesses through physical risks (such as storms and flooding) and transition risks (such as changes in policy and regulations).

Chapter 3: Organisational and Business Structures

A significant addition to this chapter is section 3.2.5, which covers the impact of remote working on organisational structures and management. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the feasibility of remote working, and technology, especially cloud computing, has eliminated many logistical barriers.

Remote working offers several advantages, including:

• Increased flexibility in hiring
• Cost reduction for employers through savings on office space rent
• Potential for reduced stress and increased satisfaction among employees

However, remote working also presents challenges:

• Difficulty for managers in identifying struggling employees
• Potential bias in project allocation favouring office-based employees
• Risk of demotivation among remote workers
• Possible increase in gender inequality

Chapter 14: Developments in Technology

This chapter has seen substantial updates to reflect the rapid advancements in technology affecting the accounting profession. Key additions include:

1. Cloud computing (section 14.1): The syllabus now covers the three approaches to cloud computing - Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
2. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain (sections 14.2 and 14.3): The syllabus introduces these concepts, explaining how they enhance transparency and security in recording transactions.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (section 14.4): The updated content covers various types of AI, including:
   • Supervised learning
   • Unsupervised learning
   • Reinforcement learning
   • Deep learning
4. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) (section 14.5): The syllabus now includes information on how RPA is transforming routine tasks in accounting and finance.
5. Cybersecurity (section 14.6): The updated content covers:
   • The importance of cybersecurity
   • Various types of cyberattacks
   • Technical controls for cybersecurity
   • The concept of cyber-resilience
   • Emerging threats such as ransomware and supply chain attacks

The syllabus also addresses the impact of these technologies on the accounting profession in section 14.7, including enhanced data analysis capabilities, improved error and fraud detection, and more accurate forecasting. However, it also highlights the risks associated with these technologies, such as data privacy concerns and the need for accountants to upskill.

To fully test your knowledge of all new syllabus content, why not try our Certificate Level subscription package? Click here to access a wealth of resources designed to support your learning journey.

To download our free PDF summary of the main syllabus changes, click the link below.