The Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting comprises three mandatory units and two specialist units selected from a choice of five options:

The mandatory units are:

Applied Management Accounting: this unit focuses on the three fundamental areas of management accounting – planning, control and decision making. You will learn how to construct budgets and then by comparing these budgets to actual results, identify and report on areas of success and areas of concern. You will develop an understanding of the accounting methods and techniques used to identify problem areas and subsequently take action to improve performance. You will also learn a range of methods to aid short-term and long-term decision making.

Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements: this unit provides you with the skills and knowledge for drafting the financial statements of single limited companies and consolidated financial statements of groups of companies. You will acquire a proficient level of knowledge and understanding of international accounting standards and will gain a sound appreciation of the regulatory and conceptual frameworks that underpin the preparation of limited company financial statements.

Internal Accounting Systems and Controls: this unit develops your understanding of the role of the accounting function within an organisation and how it meets the needs of the many key stakeholders who use financial reports to make decisions. The importance of internal controls in minimising the risk of fraud is often underestimated by businesses and you will undertake an evaluation of an accounting system and its control systems to identify weaknesses and recommend improvements.

The optional units are:

· Business Tax
· Personal Tax
· Audit and Assurance
· Cash and Financial Management
· Credit and Debt Management

Please note that not all the option units may be available as taught units.

For more information on the option units, please refer to your course tutor.