Accounting - Higher
SCQF Framework
SCQF Level: 6
SCQF Credit Points: 24
Skills Framework
Delivering Centre
Vale of Leven Academy
Purpose and Aims
The course helps candidates understand and make use of financial information. They prepare accounting statements, and analyse, interpret and report on an organisation’s financial performance. A main feature of the course is developing numeracy and thinking skills. Candidates develop understanding of:
- the function that accounting performs in business and society
- the need for accuracy in the preparation, presentation, interpretation and analysis of complex accounting information
- how to apply a systematic approach to solving financial problems
- a range of sources of finance available to organisations, and the circumstances these sources might be used in
- how to use spreadsheet software for complex accounting tasks
Recommended Entry
It would be beneficial if candidates have achieved the National 5 Accounting course or equivalent qualifications and/or experience prior to starting this course.
A National 5 in Maths or Applications of Maths would be preferred but is not a requirement.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
- Advanced Higher Accounting course
- other qualifications in accounting or related areas
- further study, employment and/or training
Career Options
Further Information
Course Content
Financial accounting
Candidates develop their understanding of how to prepare routine and complex financial accounting information. They learn about current financial accounting regulations and apply them to a range of business structures. Stakeholders use this information to assess an organisation’s current financial position.
Management accounting
Candidates develop their understanding of internal accounting procedures. They learn how to prepare information using a range of routine and complex accounting techniques. Management use this information when making decisions about the planning, control and future direction of an organisation.
Course Assessment Structure
Question paper 120 marks
The question paper gives candidates the opportunity to:
- select accounting information to determine business revenues, costs and profits in complex contexts
- prepare accounting statements using computational techniques and appropriate layouts
- prepare, interpret and analyse accounting information, some of which may be complex
- use accounting techniques to facilitate decision making
- apply knowledge and understanding of accounting concepts and theories in unfamiliar contexts
- evaluate business success on the basis of accounting information
- produce written responses to theory questions
The question paper has a total mark allocation of 120 marks. This is 67% of the overall marks for the course assessment. It has two sections.
Section 1 is worth 80 marks and contains two 40-mark questions. Section 2 is worth 40 marks and contains two 20-mark questions.
Candidates have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the question paper.
Assignment 60 marks
The assignment gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to:
- select appropriate data to prepare accounting statements using computational techniques and appropriate layouts
- compare, analyse and make decisions using a range of complex accounting information
- make appropriate use of spreadsheet software to complete the assignment
- prepare a report outlining reasons for the decisions taken
The assignment has a total mark allocation of 60 marks. This is 33% of the overall marks for the course assessment. It samples from both the financial and management accounting areas of study and the use of digital technology attracts up to 20% of the total marks allocated.
The assignment is set on an annual basis. It is a closed book assessment and is conducted under a high degree of supervision and control and is marked externally by the SQA. The assignment must be carried out in one 2 hour and 30 minute block.