PDA Financial Accounting SCQF level 7

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Financial Accounting at SCQF level 7 provides excellent continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for those currently employed in an accounting and finance role. For those looking to enter employment, the award offers the opportunity to acquire some of the essential skills and knowledge for a career in financial accounting.

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The PDA in Financial Accounting is suited to candidates who wish to study on a part-time basis whilst in employment in the sector. It is also appropriate for adult returners to education who do not wish to commit to a full-time HNC programme of study but who would like to gain skills in financial accounting.

The award is flexible and can be delivered in many modes, to suit different candidates and different centres, including part-time, open and distance learning.

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, but it is also relevant to those with appropriate work experience who wish to formalise their qualifications or to progress in their accounting career.

Access

Access will be 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 Professional Development Award in Financial Accounting at SCQF level 7 may take further related PDAs or HN Units to build up their qualification(s) towards a full HNC in Accounting.

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

  • accounting assistants
  • financial administrators

Centres with devolved authority are eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance in completing the combined CA1/SA1 form.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements as outlined in the guide to approval.

Ongoing internal course assessment will apply. Individual Unit specifications give detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment.

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

Any other information

It is recommended that Recording Financial Information is delivered prior to, or in tandem with, Using Financial Accounting Software and before Preparing Financial Statements.