Professional Accounting BA (Hons)

This academic year builds on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level after completing the HNC, you will begin building your knowledge and understanding of basic financial practices. In this year, you enter the management arena and will begin to focus on the role of leadership within accounting. Operating from a business point of view, you’ll focus strongly on the role of the accounting profession, legislation and governance. Students who complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Professional Accounting.

Modules

• Management Information

  Informed decision-making is an essential factor in business success. Therefore, you will learn how to identify the key features of effective performance management systems, select appropriate performance measures and calculate differences between actual performance and standards or budgets. You’re required to showcase your knowledge of this topic, in an independent written assessment or a collaborative group presentation. 

  Compulsory

• Financial Reporting

  Looking at sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, you’ll learn how to apply double entry principles in recording transactions, adjust financial records and formulate non-complex financial statements. As preparation for a role within a business setting, you’ll also learn to specify the components of financial statements and prepare and present non-complex accounts. 

  Compulsory

• Law for Accounting

  An entirely theoretical module, you’ll learn how to implement due diligence in both the macro and micro environment. You’ll understand how to operate within the legal remit, affecting precision and reliability to a high standard as an accountant. As businesses constantly enter contracts, you’ll also learn the basics of contract law and assess how the law impacts you as an accountant. 

  Compulsory

• Business Finance

  Working at an organisational level, you will study the theories and tools of finance and their relevance and application to practical problems within business. This module teaches you about the various finances businesses’ deal with, including loans, equity and venture capital.  

  Compulsory

An optional placement or study aboard year gives you the chance to gain further insight into the industry or career you are seeking to follow, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the workplace. You can also choose to take an optional study abroad year* between years two and three. If you decide to take advantage of a placement year this version of the degree will help you acquire valuable work experience and gain an understanding of what employers seek in graduates. It is your responsibility to find a placement with an employer within your chosen sector. The Talent Team, alongside the course team, will support you throughout your placement year.

Modules

• Professional placement or Study abroad

  Optional

You are now preparing to advance into industry, so you will experience broader strategic thinking on the application of models and theoretical concepts. At this stage, you can confidently bring about rational and sensible conclusions, make sound recommendations and effectively manage decision-making. This year helps you to understand the importance of ethical behaviour for a professional accountant. You’ll explore issues relating to integrity, objectivity, conflict of interest, confidentiality and independence.

Students who complete the final year are awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Accounting.

Modules

• Assurance

  This module is centred on the assurance process and fundamental principles of ethics. You’ll learn the concept of assurance and why it is required in accountancy. In addition, successful completion of this module will give you exemption from the Assurance module of the ICAEW certificate.

  Compulsory

• Advanced Taxation

  Building on skills and knowledge gained in previous years, you will expand your knowledge of complex topics of taxation. You’ll critically analyse issues such as the processes for calculating income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, taxation of trust, stamp taxes, corporation tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) in a variety of scenarios. 

  Compulsory

• Business Strategy Analysis

  Putting your knowledge of strategy into practice, you’ll elaborate on the role of business analysis in averting and managing financial crises. Taking control of your development, you’ll assess an organisation’s position, strategic choice and analyse the implementation of action in processes, people, finance and information technology.

  Compulsory

• Financial Management

  Working from a managerial point of view, you will explore provisions of finance and the framework in which a financial manager operates. You’ll identify and evaluate various investment appraisal techniques used for management decision-making and consider pricing models related to capital assessment. You’ll learn the art of balancing the interest of different stakeholders through the financial strategic options selected by the organisation.

  Compulsory