The Study Playbook: Smart Techniques for Accounting and Finance Students

1 Min 30 Secs | 300 Words

We know many of our readers are facing the dreaded test week, this week. So we thought we’d share some of our tops study tips/techniques.

We wish all those writing the best of luck, we know you’ll smash it.

Fun Fact:

Ever heard of the "Pomodoro Technique"? It was invented by Francesco Cirillo, who used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to improve his focus. Turns out, breaking study sessions into chunks boosts retention—who knew tomatoes could be so productive?

Studying Smarter, Not Harder

Accounting and finance students juggle complex concepts, case studies, and industry trends. With packed schedules and upcoming exams, the key isn’t just putting in hours—it’s using techniques that maximize learning efficiency.

1. Active Recall: Your Brain’s Best Friend

Instead of re-reading notes, quiz yourself. Close your books and try explaining concepts in your own words. This forces your brain to retrieve information, strengthening memory retention.

🔹 Application Tip:
Use flashcards or practice with past exam questions. For IFRS standards or tax laws, create scenarios and ask, “How would this apply in real life?”

2. Spaced Repetition: The Forgetting Curve Hack

Revisiting material over increasing intervals helps lock information into long-term memory.

🔹 Application Tip:
Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to schedule concept reviews—study today, review in three days, then again in a week.

3. The Feynman Technique: Teach to Learn

Struggling with complex topics? Try explaining them in the simplest terms possible, as if teaching a beginner. If you can’t break it down, you don’t fully understand it yet.

🔹 Application Tip:
Pair up with a study buddy and challenge each other to explain key accounting principles, like deferred tax or goodwill impairment, in plain language.

4. Mind Mapping: Visualizing Connections

Accounting concepts aren’t isolated—they link together. Mind maps help you see the bigger picture, making it easier to recall related ideas.

🔹 Application Tip:
Draw a mind map for topics like financial reporting frameworks, linking concepts such as fair value, amortized cost, and impairment testing.

5. The 2-Minute Rule: Overcoming Procrastination

If a task feels overwhelming, commit to just two minutes of work. Often, getting started is the hardest part—momentum will carry you forward.

🔹 Application Tip:
Start by summarizing one IFRS standard or working through a single practice problem. Small wins build confidence.

Final Takeaway: The Exam-Ready Mindset

Effective studying isn’t about cramming—it’s about smart strategies. With active recall, spaced repetition, and strategic breaks, you’ll strengthen your understanding and ace your exams.

🔹 Quick Challenge:
Try explaining a tricky accounting principle using the Feynman Technique. If you can do it in under a minute, you’ve mastered it!

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