Introduction

The HNC Accounting is a general accounting award that allows candidates to gain skills and knowledge in book-keeping, financial accounting and management accounting using manual and computerised techniques. The primary aim of the HNC is to provide learners with a range of competencies to meet the requirements and demands of the Accounting Industry.

The award gives learners scope to develop and progress in a variety of ways within organisations of all types and sizes and to progress to further academic and professional qualifications either prior to taking up an accounting position or in parallel with it.

Course Content

The HNC includes several accounting specific topics and additional business-related ones. These topics will include areas such as: Recording Financial Information, Preparing Financial Statements, Management Accounting, Income Tax, Computer Based Accounting, Preparing Final Accounts, Business Law, Marketing, IT in Business: Spreadsheets, Communication (Analysing and Presenting Complex Communication) and Developing Skills for Personal Effectiveness.

Learners will also be trained in the use of industry standard SAGE software including SAGE Accounts and SAGE Payroll. One Accounting graded unit exam is also included in the programme. The HNC Accounting qualification provides partial exemptions to two accounting professional bodies: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Progression

Successful completion of the full HNC Accounting course will allow direct entry into HND Accounting. Entry to the first or second year at university maybe granted depending on which university and the course concerned. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) continue to provide articulation to their professional qualifications and exemptions from certain examinations.

Career Prospects

This award is aimed at those wishing to gain employment or those who are currently employed, in roles such as accounts assistant, a trainee accountant, finance assistant, book-keeper or financial administrator.