Qualifications / Accounting and Finance
Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Finance
The KPA Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Finance offers candidates the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their understanding of higher level topics in accountancy and finance. It is perfect for individuals looking to access a career in accountancy, or progress to more senior management roles.
Fee (does not include a course or training)
£1,056 for exams
£61 for certification
Qualification overview
This qualification combines the expertise and experience of qualified accounting professionals and members from professional accounting bodies. This invaluable input ensures it is designed to meet current industry needs and to fully equip candidates with the necessary subject knowledge and practical skills to carry out their role accurately and efficiently.
The modules are designed to integrate the overall learning outcomes and enable students to progress logically through the qualification’s eight units. Upon successful completion, candidates will achieve a nationally recognised KPA Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Finance (RQF).
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is the perfect choice for individuals who are:
- interested in pursuing a career in accounting or finance
- currently working in business or any related field and wish to develop their knowledge of accounting or finance
- aiming to commence their studies with a view to becoming a qualified accountant or finance professional
Progression opportunities
On completion of this qualification, candidates can progress onto:
- Dublin Business School (DBS) Bachelors of Accounting and Finance
- Study of a professional accountancy qualification
- Study of a professional banking qualification
Entry requirements
This qualification is designed for candidates who are 18+ and post-secondary school. This does not exclude individuals who haven't just left secondary education or who have already embarked on their chosen career from entering this qualification.
Whilst there are no specific entry requirements to study this qualification, it is recommended that candidates have a good standard of English and Maths, GCSE grades 4 to 9 or equivalent.
Our centres are required to review relevant, prior qualifications and experience for each candidate and to use that information to decide whether the candidate has the necessary foundations to undertake this programme of study.
Exemptions and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
There are no exemptions or recognition of prior learning.
Delivery languages
This qualification is available in English only at this time.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, it is preferable to have proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent).
Support and recognition
The KPA Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Finance (RQF) qualification has industry support from:
- Kaplan Financial Ltd
Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications
Structure and assessment
This qualification is composed of eight units, which are listed in the qualification structure below. The candidate must successfully complete all eight units to obtain the qualification certification. The total qualification time is 384 hours.
Qualification structure
| Unit title | Assessment method | Mandatory / Optional | Level | GLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Essentials | Computer based (2 hours) | Mandatory | 4 | 30 |
| Introduction to Finance | 4 | 30 | ||
| Cost Accounting | 4 | 30 | ||
| Business Management | 4 | 30 | ||
| Corporate Finance | 4 | 30 | ||
| Management Accounting | 4 | 30 | ||
| Legal Environment for Business | 4 | 30 | ||
| Accounting Software Systems | 4 | 30 |
Assessment method
Each unit will be assessed by a two hour computer-based examination.
For further details:
Training centres
This qualification is only available through KPA recognised training centres. We cannot advise which centres are running particular training courses at any time. Please contact the centre directly to find out if they are currently offering your chosen qualification.
Centres approved to run this qualification
| Training centre | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin Business School | Dublin | More info |
Becoming a KPA approved centre
To become a KPA approved centre you will need to meet general and specific requirements to ensure the standard and quality of the qualification delivery is maintained year on year.
Our dedicated support team will guide you through the application process and help to ensure you have all the information you need to deliver the qualification and assessment in the most effective way for your candidates.
All approved centres will be subject to ongoing regulatory processes, including centre visits, which will focus on the internal quality assurance process, management of the qualification delivery and the service provided to the candidate.
To learn more about becoming a KPA centre or working in partnership with a KPA centre, please contact us.
Documents and specification
Full details of this qualification can be downloaded below.
Schedule of Key Dates
2025 Schedule of Key Dates (101KB PDF)file_download
Qualification specification
Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and Finance specification (438KB PDF)file_download
Candidate support
It’s imperative to us that qualifications and assessments are accessible to all candidates. If you have any special needs, disabilities, temporary injuries or commitments that might impact upon your daily activities, for example pregnancy, breastfeeding or daily prayer, please notify us on registration so that we can ensure your needs are met.
KPA complies with the Equality Act 2010 and Ofqual general conditions of recognition regarding fair assessment. Our Access Arrangments policy aims to remove any unnecessary barriers to assessment that may prevent you from effectively demonstrating your competence.
You can apply for access arrangements by contacting our team to request an application form. Applications must meet the deadlines set out in the policy. If you are granted access arrangements, please inform us immediately if the circumstances related to your access arrangements change prior to your examination date.