Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Finance is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It carries 240 credits, with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 2,400 hours and 1,200 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Finance is assignment based. All units are internally assessed through written assignments, internally marked by the Qualifi-approved centre, and subject to external quality assurance by Qualifi. The assessment tasks address the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit and may require learners to use organisational information, case studies and, where applicable, practical evidence.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all 12 mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Accounting in a Business Context

Learning outcomes:

• Understand different types of organisational structures.
• Understand the principles of professional ethics and regulation in accounting.

Economics for Business

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the ways in which macro-economic factors affect organisations.
• Understand the ways in which micro-economic factors affect organisations.
• Understand how macro-economics and micro-economics relate to the international business environment.

Mathematical Accounting Methods

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to use mathematical techniques in accounting.
• Be able to create and use graphs, charts and diagrams of financial information to inform organisational decision-making.
• Be able to apply statistical methods to provide financial and accounting information.

Financial Accounting

Learning outcomes:

• Value stock and direct materials (inventory).
• Account for year-end adjustments.
• Prepare the final accounts for sole traders and partnerships.

Management Accounting

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to prepare budgets for an organisation.
• Be able to use standard costing techniques.
• Be able to use capital expenditure and appraisal techniques.
• Understand costing techniques.

Leadership and Management in Accounting

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the application of theories of leadership and management to accounting.
• Understand motivation theory and practice in accounting.
• Understand the role of teamworking in accounting.

Financial Management

Learning outcomes:

• Understand theories of finance.
• Understand the management of working capital.
• Be able to analyse techniques used to manage global risk.

Financial Planning and Control

Learning outcomes:

• Understand corporate governance as it relates to organisations’ financial planning and control.
• Understand the economic and financial management environment.
• Be able to assess potential investment decisions and global strategies.

Financial Reporting

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to manage an organisation’s assets.
• Be able to manage control accounts.
• Be able to produce a range of financial statements.

Principles and Practices of Taxation

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the principles of taxation.
• Understand personal taxation.
• Understand business taxation.

Management of People

Learning outcomes:

• Understand recruitment and selection.
• Understand people management in organisations.
• Understand the role of organisational reward and recognition processes.
• Understand staff training and development.

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in Business

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the relationship between business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and financial decision-making.
• Understand the nature and role of corporate governance and ethical behaviour.
• Be able to analyse complex CSR and corporate governance issues in an organisation.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Finance is designed for learners who want to develop higher-level knowledge and practical understanding of accounting, finance, financial management and related business functions. It is particularly suitable for learners progressing from accounting studies at Level 3 or Level 4, as well as those seeking a structured UK-regulated qualification in accounting and finance.

It is a suitable option for:

• Aspiring accountants who want to build a stronger foundation in financial and management accounting.
• Accounting and finance students seeking progression to higher-level study in the subject.
• Finance professionals who want to formalise and broaden their existing knowledge through a regulated qualification.
• Bookkeeping, accounts and finance staff looking to develop knowledge beyond routine accounting processes.
• Business professionals whose roles involve budgeting, financial reporting, taxation, financial planning or financial decision-making.
• International learners seeking a UK-regulated accounting and finance qualification that can support further academic progression.
• Learners planning to progress towards relevant degree-level study or professional development in accounting, finance or business.

The qualification is especially relevant to learners who want to understand not only how accounting information is prepared, but also how financial information supports planning, control, investment decisions, organisational performance and responsible business practice.

For learners considering this qualification, the key consideration is whether they want a broad, higher-level grounding across accounting and finance rather than a qualification focused exclusively on one specialist accounting function.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Finance develops advanced knowledge in financial accounting, management accounting, financial reporting, taxation, and financial management. It is designed for aspiring accountants, finance professionals, and business learners seeking to strengthen their financial expertise, support informed decision-making, and progress to further study or professional development in accounting and finance.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Finance provides learners with a strong foundation for career development in accounting, finance and business-related roles. The qualification supports progression across a wide range of industries, including banking, financial services, retail, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, logistics, professional services, and public sector organisations, where sound accounting and financial management knowledge is required.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant higher-level qualifications, including degree-level or postgraduate study in accounting, finance, business, or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification also supports continued professional development and further specialist study in areas such as financial management, taxation, management accounting, financial reporting, and corporate finance.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression into roles such as Accounts Assistant, Assistant Accountant, Finance Officer, Management Accounting Assistant, Financial Reporting Assistant, Tax Assistant, Finance Administrator, and other accounting and finance-related positions. The knowledge developed through the qualification enables learners to contribute to financial reporting, budgeting, financial planning, accounting operations, and informed organisational decision-making in the UK and internationally.