PDA Management Accounting SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA in Management Accounting at SCQF 7 offers candidates an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required for a management accounting support role within an organisation.

This qualification covers areas such as cost accounting and management accounting using information technology.

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 progress in their accounting career.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.

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The PDA in Management 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, and through open or distance learning.

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

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

The PDA in Management Accounting is an ideal qualification for those who wish to acquire or develop skills and knowledge in management accounting for the workplace.

Entry requirements

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. In general, entry should be open to any candidate who can demonstrate, by formal qualification 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 this PDA 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.

Group Award code: GT1X 47 (32 SCQF credit points)

PDA in Management Accounting at SCQF level 7 consists of two mandatory units.

It is recommended that Cost Accounting is delivered before, or in tandem with, Management Accounting Using Information Technology.

For further information on the structure and units of this qualification, please refer to the group award specification.