Advanced Accounting Course

Breathe life into your dreams of a successful accountancy a career, with this endorsed Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance! Study from home at pace that suits you, with the full support of Brentwood Open Learning College! Our dynamic distance learning programs are flexible enough to suit all lifestyles and experience levels. Study the most important accountancy documents, the art of effective bookkeeping and the effective management of working capital. Explore ratio analysis, learn how to evaluate investment opportunities and build the confidence to offer your services as a talented accountant. Enrolment is open 365 days a year, so why not get started right now? Sign up online, or contact the admissions team at Brentwood Open Learning College for more information.

Why Study Accounting and Finance?

It’s no secret that money powers all aspects of modern life. As a result, the field of accountancy and finance is one of guaranteed long-term relevance. From sole traders to established businesses to the biggest multinational brands, qualified accountants support the financial activities of public and private-sector organisations worldwide. All of which adds up to incredible lifelong career opportunities for accountancy and finance professionals. Accountancy isn’t only about record-keeping, but incorporates profit-maximisation, loss-reduction and general financial management. Accountants make a direct contribution to the performance and prosperity of the individuals and organisations they work for. With an endorsed Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Finance on your CV, you’ll be one step closer to joining this vibrant and thriving sector!

Our flexible online study programs include all learning resources and study aids required, along with expert tutor support from start to finish. This Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Finance comprises 13 engaging modules, which conclude with online assessments for submission to your tutor:

Module 1: Accounting Basics

The first module examines the roles and responsibilities of the accountant, along with the accountancy and finance sector on a more general level. The objectives and limitations of accountancy are discussed, alongside a dissection of the accountancy cycle, the benefits of quality accountancy and some of the most common challenges in the field.

Module 2: The Accountant's Roles and Responsibilities

Module 2 takes a more detailed look at typical accountancy duties, while introducing the various different types of accountancy and their respective functions. Candidates are introduced to the art of effective bookkeeping, along with the concept of credit and an overview of the most important accounts terms.

Module 3: Accounting Concepts and Principles

An examination of several essential accountancy concepts and principles follows in module 3, which also presents the pros and cons of efforts to standardise accountancy worldwide. Candidates explore the value of creating and implementing an effective accountancy framework for delivering more consistent results.

Module 4: Subsidiary Books in Accountancy

Several major accountancy documents, journals and reports are presented and discussed in module 5, along with the effective use of ledgers and their functions in an accountancy setting. Candidates learn how and why journals should be kept, along with journal-subdivision practices in accountancy and more.

Module 5: How to Prepare a Profit and Loss (Income) Statement

One of the most important accountancy documents of all is examined in module 5 – the profit and loss statement…aka income statement. Candidates learn how income statements are produced, analysed and used as part of a company’s accountancy framework, along with the use of profit and loss statements in conjunction with balance sheets.

Module 6: What is Balance Sheet?

The balance sheet is then dissected and discussed in module six, detailing the critical importance of balance sheet accuracy and the potential consequences of discrepancies. Candidates learn how to effectively produce, analyse and generally work confidently with balance sheets.

Module 7: Statement of Cash Flows                             

Module 7 turns attention to cash flow statements, in which the concept of ‘cash’ from a business perspective is discussed in depth. Working capital change analysis techniques are introduced, along with how working capital can be sourced, the use of fund flow statements and factors than can influence both on-hand cash and working capital.

Module 8: Basics of Financial Management

Candidates are then presented with the concept of financial management, along with its relationship with and differences to accountancy. Topics covered include the establishment of financial objectives, how to deal with conflicting goals, the risk-return trade-off and several key financial functions in the field of accountancy and finance.

Module 9: What is Budgeting and Why is it Important?            

Financial planning and the art of effective budgeting are examined in module 9, which outlines the objectives of budgeting and a series of common challenges to effective budgeting. Candidates discuss zero-based budgeting, performance budgeting, control ratios, budget classifications and more.

Module 10: Working Capital Management

The role of working capital in an organisation’s financial activities is discussed in module 10, incorporating various tips and techniques for more efficient working capital management. Cash flow management essentials are also introduced, along with the various types of working capital, identifying issues in working capital management and more.

Module 11: Types of Investments

In course module 11, candidates learn how to identify and effectively analyse potential investment opportunities.  A variety of different types of investments are explored, along with related subtopics such as depreciation, cost of capital, appraisal methods, taxation, effective investment evaluation techniques and associated risk management theory.

Module 12: Variance (Accounting)

Module 12 explores the concept of variance, detailing the functions and importance of accurate and ongoing variance analysis. Candidates learn how to consider and analyse several key variance categories, including sales variance, overhead variance, labour variance, cost variance and many more besides.

Module 13: Importance of Ratio Analysis

Concluding the course, module 13 delves deeper into the art of effective ratio analysis and the importance of proactive variance control. Candidates discuss the norms for evaluation, the primary ratio and the consequences of substandard (or absent) ratio analysis strategies.

Paying in Instalments: £660 (Interest FREE Instalments)

Deposit: £120

No of Instalments: 12

Each Instalment: £45

Pay in Full: (£100 Discount) £560

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

This course and/or training programme has been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme for its high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course and/or training programme is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Learner FAQs on the Quality Licence Scheme website.

A career in accountancy and finance could take you places you never dreamed possible. Offer freelance accountancy services from home, set up your own accountancy business from scratch or pursue a position with an established accountancy firm. Enjoy the freedom to work almost anywhere in the world, with the added bonus of flexible working hours and the opportunity to become your own boss. Accountancy and finance workers can also rank among the top-earners in their field. At entry-level, newcomer to accountancy and finance can expect to earn around £20,000 – senior accountancy personnel routinely earning £50,000+.

With no deadlines to worry about and no strict entry-requirements imposed, our courses are ideal for anyone looking to advance their career through quality distance learning! This endorsed Level 5 Diploma in Accountancy and Finance could be the ideal course for:

• Candidates interested in building lifelong accountancy careers

• Existing accountancy workers pursuing promotion

• Business owners, managers and prospective entrepreneurs

• Anyone interested in freelance/self-employment opportunities

• Candidates with an eye for detail and a flair for numbers

• Jobseekers looking to enhance the CV and career prospects

From start to finish, your assigned tutor will provide the support you need to gain maximum value from your study! Get started on your Level 5 Diploma in Accountancy and Finance today, or contact the admissions team at BOLC for more information!