Computerised book keeping Diploma SAGE

Computerised book-keeping Diploma (SAGE)
Students have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of manual book-keeping routines, transferring their knowledge of double entry principles, some reconciliation procedures and other manual routines, to the computerised system. This course is aimed at students with prior knowledge and working skills, ideally holding the IAB level 2 qualification or equivalent but evidence of current experience to a level 2 standard could be suitable but needs to be discussed with the course tutor prior to enrolment.

What does the course involve?
This course covers the more advanced techniques and financial routines that can be processed using a computerised book-keeping system for a variety of business types.

Students will need to be prepared to practice routines outside of formal class time to ensure sufficent knowledge and understanding is gained to meet the assessment criteria. Students will be able to access SAGE during open learning IT sessions held at the Castle centre. Details of times will be provided by the tutor. A Sage Instant Accounts study disk can be purchased through the college at a reduced cost for practice outside of the classroom.

A comprehensive overview of the course content is available on the IAB website - should potential students wish to know more about the course content.

What will I study?
Set up the system and enter opening balances Students will be shown how to set up their SAGE system to facilitate the entering of opening balances for a variety of business types.

Enter complex financial data Students will be taught how to process complex financial transactions including drawings, movement of capital, payments and receipts for such items as HP loan payments, capital loans and credit card repayments.

Account for fixed assets Students will learn how to account for fixed assets including purchase and disposal of fixed assets and recording fixed asset depreciation in the profit and loss and balance sheet.

Make accounting adjustments Students will cover how to record the calculation and entry of bad debts and associated adjustments; the calculation and entry of prepayments and accruals; understanding the importance of accurate stock-taking calculations and period end routines as well as the reconciliation of VAT returns and VAT reports.

Run period end reports Students will be taught how to produce a series of routine and non-routine reports to show an accurate business trading status including P&L and balance sheet, using the correct selection criteria and parameters. Students will also learn how to create, interpret and comment on budgets and departmental reports.

Carry out year end routines Students will gain an understanding of the procedures to adopt at the end of the financial year, and will be able to produce relevant reports that show the business trading status at year end.

Maintain data integrity and security Students will be taught how to carry out suitable visual safety checks when starting up and using the computer system. They will be able to identify security and data integrity threats and describe what processes should be in place to protect data confidentiality and provision continuity for all eventualities.

What are the entry requirements for Computerised book-keeping Diploma (SAGE)?

• You need to have studied book-keeping to level 2 level.
• Some previous experience is desirable.

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of the course

What other costs are there?
Materials
An additional text book (approx £25.00) may be required if not progressing from level 2.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to understand how to complete manual book-keeping routines?
Yes, you must have a basic understanding of how to complete manual book-keeping routines to at least trial balance - but preferably some idea of how to complete year-end transactions if possible.

Do I need to have SAGE on my computer?
It is not essential, however, previous students suggest that it is helpful if you can access SAGE to practice skills learnt during formal sessions. SAGE is available at the Castle centre for SAGE students during timetabled open learning sessions. Please speak to your tutor for more information on times and days of these sessions. A Sage Instant Accounts study disk can be purchased through the college at a reduced cost for practice outside of the classroom.

Does this course only cover SAGE computer systems?
The course is delivered using SAGE, but the processes can be applied to any computerised book-keeping system.

I have already done a level 2 Certificate in Computerised Book-keeping. Will I learn anything new?
Yes, this course is specifically designed to cover detailed advanced financial techniques and routines that are not covered in the level 2 certificate programme.

I have holiday booked that will mean I miss 3 weeks. Is this a problem?
Not necessarily. You will need to catch up on work missed as the course content builds on previous skills covered in previous sessions. It is anticipated that the exam date will be mid June 2010 so you need to make sure that you do not have other commitments at this time. Absence should be the minimal amount so that you are not disadvantaged during the course or exam.

How do I contact the tutor to discuss whether this is the course for me?

Exam Board = IAB

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.