PDA Financial Accounting SCQF level 7

The PDA in Financial Accounting at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in the sector.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis, open or distance learning.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The PDA in Financial Accounting at SCQF level 7 is suited to candidates who wish to study on a part-time basis while in employment in the sector. It is also appropriate for adult returners to education, who do not wish to commit to a full-time SQA Advanced Qualification programme of study but who would like to gain skills in financial accounting.

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.

The Professional Development Award in Financial Accounting at SCQF level 7 develops the knowledge and skills required for a financial accounting support role within an organisation.

It is primarily intended for those who expect to take up a career in accounting and/or financial administration. It is also relevant to those with appropriate work experience who wish to formalise their qualifications or to progress in their accounting career.

Entry requirements

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. In general, entry should be open to any candidate who can demonstrate, by formal qualifications or experience, a reasonable expectation of successfully completing the award.

It would be beneficial for candidates to be competent in communication, numeracy and IT skills to SCQF level 5.

Candidates who successfully complete the PDA in Financial Accounting, SCQF Level 7, may take further related PDAs or SQA Advanced units to build up their qualification(s) towards a full SQA Advanced Certificate in Accounting.

The PDA will prepare candidates for employment within the accounting and business services sector. The positions which may be taken up by candidates include:

• accounting assistants
• financial administrators

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will need to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Each unit is assessed separately.

Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice. The use of reports and projects is crucial to this.

Assessment / e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

External verification will be carried out by SQA to ensure that internal assessment is within the national guidelines for this qualification.