The aim of the Certificate in Finance is to introduce the basic principles of finance and provide a solid grounding across the discipline. The course will incorporate the financial reporting function, which deals with recording transactions and making payments, through management accounting, which derives costs, develops budgets and reports on differences between actual expenditure and budgets to the control and audit of systems and results. Furthermore, the course will consider the 'umbrella' of Governance, under which all organisations must operate and the context of Public Sector finance.

Audience

The certificate is designed for those who need to have a working knowledge of the basic principles of finance such as Financial Reporting; Management Accounting; Control and Audit of systems and results.

Delivery and Duration

This programme will be delivered over one academic year. Delivery is via a direct learning programme for each module, supported by tutorials, which will guide each student through the course.  The learning programme will incorporate a schedule of study, recommended readings, and activities to be undertaken in preparation for tutorials. A recommended text book will be provided for each module.

Tutorials will be interactive. The approach used will include short theoretical inputs, guided group discussion, reflection and practical exercises.

Programme Content

The programme consists of four modules:

• Audit and Governance
• Financial Reporting
• Management Accounting
• Public Sector Finance

Accreditation

The IPA is a recognised college of University College Dublin (UCD). The Certificate in Finance is awarded by UCD and is at Level 6 (Special Purpose Award) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Progression

Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Finance can continue their studies with the Diploma in Finance.