Online Diploma in Accounting and Finance, Level 5.

A UK diploma in accounting and finance, studied completely online around a full-time job. No exams, no deadlines. €220 a month, and Malta refunds up to 70% of it when you finish.

Check if I qualify

5.0 on GoogleMost finish in 10 to 15 monthsRecognised in Malta and the EU

Online Business SchoolDelivered byOnline Business School, UK
Your qualificationDiploma in Accounting and FinanceMQF Level 5 · UK awarded

Awarded by OTHM · Regulated by Ofqual · Recognised by MQRIC

Our students love studying this diploma online.

5.0out of 5 on Google
Nebojsa Kosanovic
11 reviews · 2 photos

“I recently decided to take the next step in my career and further education. … My choice was the Elephant & Cross educational center and I am very happy with my choice. … High standards and professional team, they are always there to help you and inform you about everything you need for your studies.”

Lisa Pisani DeBono
1 review

“I had a very positive experience with Elephant & Cross from start to finish. … Their support and guidance throughout the entire process were excellent, and I always felt well informed at every step. … I never encountered any problems along the way and their professionalism really stood out. … I also look forward to continuing my studies with Elephant & Cross in the future.”

Matthew Nappa
1 review

“The course content was thorough and well-structured, making it easy to follow along and absorb the material. … The support I received throughout the course was phenomenal; the team was always available to answer questions and provide guidance.”

€220 a month. Then most of it back.

€220 a month, interest free, for eighteen months. Finish, and Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% of it.

You pay€220a month18 interest-free payments · €3,960 in total
  • Both diplomas, tutoring, materials and certification
  • No sign-up fee, no interest, nothing hidden
  • Stop future payments whenever you need to
You get backup to70%Up to 70% back from the Malta Enterprise Get Qualified Scheme following graduation
  • Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme, Malta Enterprise
  • Claimed once you hold your certificate
  • We support you with the application

A minute on how the refund works.

What the Get Qualified Scheme is, who qualifies, and what you send when you finish.

Check if I qualify Get Qualified Scheme subject to Malta Enterprise Terms and Conditions

Study anytime. Completely online.

Built so you can keep your job while you do it.

How studying works
Business and the Economic EnvironmentModule 02 · Lesson 3 of 6Tue 22:40
  • Lecture, part 1Recorded · 21 minWatched
  • Lecture, part 2Recorded · 21 min23:10 left
  • Slides and notesPDF · 38 pagesDownload
  • Assignment brief2,500 words · no deadlineOpen

Everything is here from day one. Stop at 22:40 on a Tuesday, pick it up at 6am on Saturday.

Assignment 4Quantitative Methods in a Business Context · 2,500 wordsPass

Marked, with feedback

Strong analysis. Your recommendations follow from the evidence, which is the part most people miss. Two references need correcting, see comments.

Any questions on the feedback, book a session and we will go through it.

Your tutorOnline

I’m stuck on the variance analysis task and it’s late. 21:47

No problem. Tomorrow evening? 21:52

Tue18:00Booked1-to-1 with your tutor30 minutes · video call
Your portalDiploma in Accounting and FinanceIn progress
  1. 01 Academic Writing and Research SkillsPassed
  2. 02 Business and the Economic EnvironmentPassed
  3. 03 Principles of Financial AccountingStarted
  4. 04 Quantitative Methods in a Business ContextWaiting for you
  5. Modules 05 to 12Waiting for you

No dates. Nothing is late. Pick it up when you can.

Luca Cachia, co-founder of Elephant & Cross

“When I look at the data, most of our students are studying at 6pm and on Sunday mornings. I don’t see that as a problem to fix, it’s the whole point. This course was built for working professionals, parents, busy people.”

Luca CachiaCo-founder, Elephant & Cross

Twelve modules. Twelve assignments. No exams.

The accounts function end to end: financial statements, management accounts, budgeting, costing, plus the strategy, law and people modules every finance role leans on. Each module ends in one written assignment, marked by a tutor with feedback.

120 credits · EQF Level 5 · OTHM

Level 4Modules 1 to 66 modules

  1. 01Academic Writing and Research Skills

    Academic writing, referencing and research methods, and critical thinking applied to business topics.

  2. 02Business and the Economic Environment

    How macroeconomic factors and government policy affect business performance and strategy.

  3. 03Principles of Financial Accounting

    Prepare and interpret financial statements; double-entry, accruals and the accounting principles behind them.

  4. 04Quantitative Methods in a Business Context

    Statistical tools for forecasting and analysis; numerical methods for real business problems.

  5. 05Management Accounting

    Cost accounting for internal decisions; budgeting and variance analysis to control performance.

  6. 06Leading and Managing Teams

    Leadership styles and team management; how to motivate and support team performance.

Level 5Modules 7 to 126 modules

  1. 07Principles and Concepts of Strategy

    How businesses analyse markets and develop strategies; strategic frameworks for growth.

  2. 08The Management of Human Resources

    Recruitment, development and retention; HR policy and legal responsibilities.

  3. 09Marketing for Managers

    Key marketing concepts, market research and branding, used to attract and retain customers.

  4. 10Business Law for Managers

    The legal frameworks governing business, and a manager’s responsibilities under them.

  5. 11Management Accounting and Decision Making

    Financial data for strategic decisions: breakeven, variance analysis and planning.

  6. 12Business Start-up: Conception to Market

    A business plan taken to market: funding, legal setup and marketing for a new venture.

Then, if you want it: the degree.

Arden UniversityAwarded by Arden University

Your 120 credits take you straight into the final year of the BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance. One more year, online, and from there a postgraduate diploma and an MBA.

About the BA top-up
  1. Later, if you want itMBAPostgraduate diploma first, then the MBA top-up. Online, around work.
  2. Next, if you want itBA (Hons) Accounting & FinanceFinal year only. One year, online, at Arden University.
  3. You are hereDiploma in Accounting and FinanceLevel 4 and Level 5, this course. Gets you straight into the final year above.
Andrew Critien, co-founder of Elephant & Cross

“The diploma gives people so much confidence. Over half of our students come back for the degree, and I am so proud of that. Nobody plans it on day one. You finish, you realise it was doable, and you want the next one.”

Andrew CritienCo-founder, Elephant & Cross
Where you live

The jobs this diploma opens.

A Level 5 in accounting and finance is the qualification these roles ask for. Titles from Malta and Ireland recruiter salary guides.

  • Accounts AssistantFinance · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in accounting You’ll have this
  • Accounts ClerkFinance · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in accounting You’ll have this
  • Payroll OfficerFinance · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in accounting You’ll have this
  • Credit ControllerFinance · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in accounting You’ll have this
  • BookkeeperFinance · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in accounting You’ll have this
  • Accounts Payable SpecialistFinance · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in accounting You’ll have this

Already in the field? The usual next step is Part-qualified Accountant, then Assistant Accountant.

Check if I qualify

“The online platform was accessible 24/7, allowing me to effectively balance my studies with my work commitments. … I feel more confident and prepared to progress in my career.”

Amy Bonnici · 1 review

In Malta, people with a tertiary qualification earn 43% more on average and are 2.8 times as likely to hold a managerial role. Two in three of Malta’s managers hold one.

In Ireland, people with a tertiary qualification earn 63% more on average and are 1.5 times as likely to hold a managerial role.

Eurostat: Structure of Earnings Survey 2022 (pay) and Labour Force Survey 2024 (management roles). Tertiary means ISCED 5 to 8; this qualification sits at ISCED 5. These are population averages rather than a promise about any individual.

Yes, it is a real qualification.

Before you pay anything, you get a recognition statement from MQRIC, Malta’s recognition centre. It says what the diploma is worth here.

The diploma is awarded by OTHM, a UK awarding organisation, and regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s qualifications regulator. Both diplomas are on its public register. Level 5 on Malta’s framework, the EU framework and the UK framework. Level 6 in Ireland. An employer anywhere in the EU reads it the same way.

Check if I qualify

Every course at this level: Diplomas in Malta · Diplomas in Ireland

Malta Qualifications Recognition Information CentreRecognition statement
Recognised
Qualification
Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Awarding body
OTHM, United Kingdom
Regulated by
Ofqual
Level
MQF Level 5 · EQF Level 5
Credits
120 credits

Issued to you before you start. Illustration; the wording on the real statement is MQRIC’s.

Still not sure?

The four questions we get asked most, in two minutes each.

Pick a question

“I haven’t studied in fifteen years. Do I even qualify?”

Yes, in most cases. The formal entry is a Level 4 qualification or equivalent. If you do not have one, years of work in an accounts role count instead.

“I work full time. Where would the hours come from?”

Wherever you have them. Nothing is timetabled and nothing is due, so a busy month-end does not set you back. Most people finish in 10 to 15 months around a full-time job, and you can pause for up to 90 days.

“I was never any good at exams.”

There are none. Twelve written assignments, for example a set of accounts, a budget, or a report on what the numbers mean. Each comes back with feedback, and you resubmit until you pass.

“I can’t afford it right now.”

€220 a month, and most of it comes back. Eighteen interest-free payments, no deposit. Finish, and Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% as a tax credit. We support you with the application.

See the numbers
“In addition to the course being reasonably priced, I truly valued the flexibility it afforded me to study at any time of day and turn in assignments without worrying about due dates. … The fact that the course was entirely assignment-based put me at ease.”
Donia Gres 1 review

Do you qualify?

The formal entry is a Level 4 qualification or equivalent, and you must be 16 or over. Good written English and a computer with internet. Choose the one that fits.

What you hold
You meet the entry

You meet the formal entry requirement.

Send your details. We confirm the entry, give you the next start date and list what to send.

Check if I qualify
Ask us

Years in an accounts role are considered case by case.

Online Business School can grant an exemption on professional experience. You hear where you stand before any payment.

Check if I qualify
Start one step earlier

Start with the Foundation Diploma in Accounting.

Level 4, six modules, no exams, €220 a month for twelve months. It is the entry to this diploma.

Learn about the foundation diploma

Who you are dealing with.

Online Business School delivers the course. Elephant & Cross enrols you and supports you from Malta.

Tuition centre

Online Business School

A UK online school delivering OTHM diplomas, Level 3 to Level 7, to students in more than 100 countries. Every module is taught through its online portal: recorded lectures, notes, and a tutor for the assignments. It offers Ofqual regulated qualifications.

Your support in Malta

Elephant & Cross

Online UK qualifications for working adults in Malta, based in Sliema since 2021. Founded by Andrew Critien and Luca Cachia. About 95% of our students work full time. We tell you if you qualify before you pay, handle the enrolment and the paperwork, and support you with the Get Qualified application when you finish.

5.0 on Google148 Tower Road, Sliema

“The team is professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to supporting their students every step of the way. … I would especially like to commend Andrew Critien for his unwavering support and dedication, making the entire process smoother and less stressful.”
Vladimir Farrugia 2 reviews · 2 photos

Still wondering?

Anything else, ask us. We reply within one working day.

What do I need to get in?

You must be 16 or over, with a Level 4 qualification such as A-levels or an MCAST diploma, or equivalent. If you do not have one but have solid experience in an accounts role, an exemption is usually granted. Good written English and a computer with internet.

Is the diploma recognised in Malta?

Yes. Both diplomas are awarded by OTHM, a UK awarding body regulated by Ofqual, and are recognised by MQRIC at MQF Level 5. That level sits on the European Qualifications Framework, so it is recognised across the EU.

Are there exams?

No. You are assessed through twelve written assignments, one per module, marked by a tutor with feedback. You can resubmit until you pass.

How long does it take?

Most students finish in 10 to 15 months around a full-time job. There are no deadlines, and you can pause for up to 90 days.

How does the 70% refund work?

Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% of your fees as a tax credit once you finish. All Malta residents are eligible. We support you with the application.

What happens if I stop paying?

You can stop future instalments whenever you need to, and nothing more is charged. Payments already made are not refunded.

Can I get a degree after this?

Yes. Your 120 credits take you straight into the final year of the BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance at Arden University, online, in one year.

When can I start?

Intakes run throughout the year. Send your details and we tell you the next start date.

Check if you qualify.

Fifteen minutes. A straight yes or no. Nothing to pay before the call.

5.0 on Google15-minute callNo obligation

“Online learning gave me the opportunity to study at my own pace and in my own time. … A mixture of presentations and videos made the lessons quite engaging.”
Ruben VellaLocal Guide · 9 reviews · 5.0 on Google

No obligation. Nothing to pay before the call.