AAT launches new curriculum 2020

The Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AAT Sri Lanka) yesterday launched its new curriculum, a collaboration of the global changes which are processed for the next five years in the industry effectively for the period of 2020-2025. The Chief Guest at this event was University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Mohan de Silva.

It is a great necessity to embrace the rapidly modernising global environment. As an experienced and pioneering professional education institute in Sri Lanka, AAT Sri Lanka has been able to create the necessary transformation in order to amplify the recognition and the validity of AAT professional qualifications. The new curriculum ‘The Employment Fast Tracked’ will enhance the industrial and technological competence and marketability of middle level accounting technicians in Sri Lanka.

In this curriculum, AAT Sri Lanka mainly targets the ability and the competence of professionals in the finance industry to keep in step with the advancement of technology. There is a need for professionals to give digital skills greater focus due to the vast demand for accounting technicians equipped with both academic knowledge and digital approaches. The new curriculum comprises three levels, just as before, but the talent capstone involves only one subject, i.e Business Communication. Further, the Information Systems in Digital Environment subject at Level Two will facilitate knowledge of new trends in technology such as e-commerce, blockchain, AI etc.

The curriculum 2020 was designed with the expectation of producing a qualified member with the KSAM to meet the challenges of a dynamic working environment. In today’s competitive world, most organisations anticipate technological changes such as robotics and artificial intelligence. Hence, accounting technicians should be able to work in a digital environment. The curriculum 2020 was also designed and developed via a systematic process of global information gathering to produce AAT qualified members with the required knowledge, skills and mindset.

AAT Sri Lanka designed this curriculum by considering the learning outcomes of the International Education Standards (IECs) as prescribed by the IFAC. Once the students become diploma-holders in Accounting and Business (Passed Finalists) through this curriculum, they will need experience in a computerised accounting environment to become a member. This gradual progression towards the highest level of the AAT qualification is not a mere passing grade for students who sit for exam papers but a molding into competent professionals.

AAT Sri Lanka believes that the new curriculum will generate valuable outcomes for all stakeholders and provide opportunities for both private and public sector employers to benefit from competent middle level accountants in the future.