AATSL launches 2015 curriculum

Monday, 22 December 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Waruni Paranagamage The Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AATSL), the country’s representative body of technically-qualified accountants, launched their new curriculum for 2015 named ‘Employment Fast Tracked’, last week at the BMICH. The curriculum comprises three capstones name

ly the Technical capstone, Talent capstone and Training capstone. The curriculum is expected to produce theory-equipped and experienced accountants who satisfy current market needs. The new curriculum was developed by rigorously identifying the demands of the business community, where meticulous attention was given to recognising the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be honed in building an AAT qualified ‘employment ready’ person. Curriculum Development Committee Consultant Sugeeth Patabendige said concepts for the new curricular were developed after studying the ideas of stakeholders, employees of their projects, students, and responses to an online questionnaire.

AAT President Sri Lanka Lalith T. Fernando present the new curriculum for 2015 named ‘Employment Fast Tracked’ to Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne last week. AAT Former President Ganaka Amarasinghe is also present Patabendige said: “The other challenge was how to deliver the benefits of the new curriculum. So we made hierarchical development and looked to develop all aspects - technical, skills and knowledge.” The curriculum adheres to the International Education Standards (IESs) as prescribed by IFAC. The new curriculum will also produce accounting technicians at three different competency levels. The completion of Level One enables a student to become an ‘Accounting Assistant’ and gradually moves them up the ladder with the completion of the other two levels to being an ‘Accounting analyst’ and ‘Associate Accountant’ respectively.

AAT President Sri Lanka Lalith T. Fernando said: “We spent more than two years developing the new curriculum. We focused on the needs of the ever-changing world to meet the challenges ahead. In this process we looked at each stakeholder’s needs.” He asserted that in 2020 accountant technicians would be in demand by the fast-growing SME sector in Sri Lanka. The Former President of the AATSL, Ganaka Amarasinghe said the five-year strategic plan would help students match their qualifications with the requirements of the present day employment market. AATSL reviews the syllabus of its professional qualification every five years. The updated syllabus aims to produce competent and confident Accounting Technicians who are able to guide and lead their organisations to sustainable success.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara