Accounting & Finance

The accountancy industry is thriving, with continued demand for qualified individuals as organisations are looking for graduates to cover a shortage in accountancy professionals. Accountancy services in some shape or form are required for every organisation, meaning a qualification in accountancy is one of the most useful skills to have.

As a college, we offer a range of accountancy courses at a variety of different levels, from Level 5 up to Level 8 (HND) to prepare you for employment and further study within this industry. There is the opportunity to gain exemptions from accredited qualifications needed to be a practicing accountant, such as CIMA, ACCA and AAT open to some students.

We have excellent links with local employers and related organisations, and we use these relationships to benefit our students by bringing in knowledgeable speakers from the industry. Our previous accountancy students have received sessions from Bridge2Business, Heriot Watt and professional accountancy bodies (CIMA/ACCA/AAT).

As a college, we know that not all learning takes place within a classroom or college setting. We take our students out to various different organisations and settings, with previous students visiting the Accounting Live conference in Glasgow and a range of local businesses with accountancy functions.

Many of our accountancy students also complete a placement to allow them to build the skills and experience needed to excel in their future career. Previous students have had the opportunity for work placements within companies such as Tax Assist, Techworks, Credit Union, React Transport and West Lothian Council.

Careers in Accounting & Finance

A career in accountancy is varied, with opportunities available across a huge range of organisations and specialisms. To be successful in an accountancy role generally requires you to be strategic and able to think analytically.

Accountancy positions attract good salaries, with the average salary for an accountant of over £35,000 per year.

On completion of your course you can work in positions such as Management Accountant, Private Practice Accountant, Public Finance Accountant, Accounting Technician, Bookmaker, Financial Advisor, Financial Accountant, Investment Analyst, Investment Banker and Banking Customer Service Advisor.

Previous students have found employment with HMRC, National Grid, West Lothian Council and NHS Scotland, or went on to further study at Edinburgh Napier University or Heriot-Watt University in subjects such as Business Management, Business & Finance and Accounting.