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Qualifications Accounting & Finance
DFA-L3

Diploma in Financial Accounting

Review the qualification structure, entry guidance, assessment approach, progression opportunities and complete unit information.

Level 3 Credits: 60 GLH: 300 TQT: 600 6 Units
Level
Level 3
Credits
60
Guided Learning
300
Total Qualification Time
600

Qualification overview

A simple summary of who this qualification is for and what learners can expect.

About this qualification

The Diploma in Financial Accounting is an IQ Awards qualification at Level 3. It supports learners in developing knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours in accounting & finance.

The qualification is structured for clear delivery, assessment and quality assurance through approved centres.

Who is it for?

  • Learners who are starting out in accounting & finance and want to build a strong foundation.
  • School leavers, new entrants or early-career learners seeking a recognised vocational qualification.
  • Learners who want to progress into further study or employment.

Entry and assessment guidance

Centres should check learner suitability before registration.

Entry requirements

  • Entry is at the discretion of the approved centre.
  • Learners should normally have a good general education or equivalent experience.
  • Learners should have an interest in accounting & finance and be able to complete written and practical assessment tasks.
  • Centres should confirm that learners have sufficient English language ability for the level of study.

Assessment approach

Assessment may include assignments, projects, practical evidence, workplace evidence, portfolios, presentations or other centre-devised assessment methods approved under IQ Awards quality assurance.

Language requirements

Centres should ensure learners have sufficient language competency to complete learning and assessment.

Qualification units

Jump to any unit below. Each unit opens with its own learning outcomes, criteria and content where available.

Unit 1 of 6
Financial Accounting Fundamentals
DFA-L3-01
Level 3 10 Credits 50 GLH 100 TQT Mandatory
Learning outcomes
Understand financial accounting concepts and terminology.
Assessment criteria
Prepare basic accounting entries and records.
Unit aim
Not specified
Indicative content
Not specified
Assignment brief
Not specified
Unit 2 of 6
Bookkeeping & Ledger Management
DFA-L3-02
Level 3 10 Credits 50 GLH 100 TQT Mandatory
Learning outcomes
Understand bookkeeping and ledger systems.
Assessment criteria
Maintain bookkeeping records accurately.
Unit aim
Not specified
Indicative content
Not specified
Assignment brief
Not specified
Unit 3 of 6
Payroll & Taxation Basics
DFA-L3-03
Level 3 10 Credits 50 GLH 100 TQT Mandatory
Learning outcomes
Understand payroll and taxation procedures.
Assessment criteria
Apply payroll calculations and tax principles.
Unit aim
Not specified
Indicative content
Not specified
Assignment brief
Not specified
Unit 4 of 6
Business Budgeting
DFA-L3-04
Level 3 10 Credits 50 GLH 100 TQT Mandatory
Learning outcomes
Understand budgeting principles and methods.
Assessment criteria
Prepare simple business budgets.
Unit aim
Not specified
Indicative content
Not specified
Assignment brief
Not specified
Unit 5 of 6
Computerised Accounting Systems
DFA-L3-05
Level 3 10 Credits 50 GLH 100 TQT Mandatory
Learning outcomes
Understand computerised accounting systems.
Assessment criteria
Use accounting software for financial processing.
Unit aim
Not specified
Indicative content
Not specified
Assignment brief
Not specified
Unit 6 of 6
Financial Reporting Practice
DFA-L3-06
Level 3 10 Credits 50 GLH 100 TQT Mandatory
Learning outcomes
Understand financial reporting requirements.
Assessment criteria
Prepare and interpret financial statements.
Unit aim
Not specified
Indicative content
Not specified
Assignment brief
Not specified

Progression routes

Typical routes after completing this qualification.

Progression

Progression to Level 4 study, further vocational learning or entry-level employment.

Learning outcomes summary

  • Understand financial accounting concepts and terminology.
  • Understand bookkeeping and ledger systems.
  • Understand payroll and taxation procedures.
  • Understand budgeting principles and methods.
  • Understand computerised accounting systems.
  • Understand financial reporting requirements.