PDA Management Accounting SCQF level 7

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Management Accounting at SCQF level 7 offers candidates an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required for a management 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 is also relevant to those with appropriate work experience who wish to formalise their qualifications or progress in their accounting career.

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This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

The PDA in Management Accounting at SCQF level 7 is suited to candidates who wish to study on a part-time basis whilst employed 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 want to gain skills in financial accounting.

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

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.

Access

Access to the PDA in Management Accounting will be 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 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 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.

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 for each Unit.  

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

Any other information

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