Business

Gain valuable skills for a successful career in accounting. Explore financial management, IT applications and business law in an engaging and supportive environment. This course opens doors to diverse opportunities, whether you're a school leaver, career changer or adult learner.

• At least one Higher pass at C grade or equivalent.
• Candidates should have some prior knowledge of numeracy and communication, although formal qualifications may not be necessary if suitable experience had been gained informally or through work experience.
• Part-time study options are available and as part of this you could undertake the following qualifications, PDA Bookkeeping, PDA Management Accounting, and PDA Financial Accounting as part of this course.

This course gives you a good foundation for working in an accounting role. You’ll look at the key areas of accounting, and the IT knowledge and software which supports it.

• You’ll also explore other relevant topics to working in business. Here's just some of what you’ll be doing:
• you’ll learn how to record financial information, complete a VAT return and prepare financial statements.
• you’ll look at cost accounting and recording costs, as well as management accounting using IT, learning how to present financial information such as budget statements.
• you’ll learn to use financial accounting software to process transactions and prepare accounts for a small business, as well as SAGE payroll.
• you’ll look at the UK Income Tax system and in particular Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
• you’ll explore business law, and learn how economic issues impact the business environment, including national income and the role of government policy in the UK market.
• you’ll look at business communication, learn how to produce high-quality business documents and develop skills for performing effectively at meetings or presentations.

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have the choice of moving onto HND Accounting (Level 8) Seeking to start your career as a bookkeeper or in the accounts department of a wide range of businesses and continue with your studies through professional qualifications such as CIMA, ACCA or AAT.

• Practical skills in financial recording, budgeting, and payroll management.
• In-depth knowledge of business law, economics, and effective communication.
• Real-world experience through case studies, and interactions with local businesses.

Explore real-world scenarios, work on case studies and engage with local businesses. Gain insights from experienced employers, enhancing your interview skills and understanding the dynamics of starting a new business.

Throughout the course you will meet with guest speakers from universities, various companies and third sector organisations as well as ex-students who have studied the course and gone on to further study. There are also opportunities to access Bridge to Business/Young Enterprise Scotland. Some the employers we work with include East, North, and South Ayrshire Councils, NHS Arran and Ayrshire, Spirit, Prestwick Airport, KA Leisure, and many more.

Successful completion of the course can lead to HND Accounting or onto other degree programmes such as BAcc Accounting at UWS, BA (Hons) Accountancy at GCU, and many more.