TL;DR. An HND in accounting and finance is an 18-month program that prepares you for entry-level finance work and for professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA and CPA. On Uplift, Colombo International Campus (CIC) and Asian Institute of Business and Science (AIBS) both list one. They differ in delivery mode, entry rules and how the course is described, and neither listing shows a fee, so ask each institute for current costs.
If you want a finance career but are not ready for a four-year degree, an HND is a shorter way in. It can also be a stepping stone to a degree or a professional qualification later. This guide compares the two listings on the same criteria so you can choose by fit.
What an HND in accounting and finance gives you
A Higher National Diploma sits between a diploma and a bachelor's degree. In accounting and finance it builds technical skills in financial reporting, management accounting, taxation and auditing, alongside general business subjects. Our guide to HNDs in Sri Lanka explains where the qualification fits in the wider system, and the accounting degree routes guide shows how an HND relates to degrees and professional exams.
ViewBM (Hons) in Accounting
KIU University · Bachelor's · Sri Lanka
- View
Certificate Course in Financial and Management Accounting
KIU University · Certificate · Sri Lanka
ViewHND in Business (Accounting & Finance)
Colombo International Campus · HND · Sri Lanka
ViewPostgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Achievers International Campus · Master's · Sri Lanka
The two listings side by side
HND in Business (Accounting and Finance) at CIC
Duration: 18 months, in hybrid study mode.
Focus: financial accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation and digital accounting tools. The listing says it supports progression towards ACCA, CIMA, CMA and CPA.
Entry: any A/L stream with at least two passes, or an internationally recognised foundation qualification in business or a related field. Basic English is required, and IELTS or PTE are not mandatory.
Detail: the listing says detailed module information is available from CIC directly.
You can read the full record on the HND in Business (Accounting and Finance) at CIC page.
BTEC HND in Accounting and Finance at AIBS
Duration: 18 months full-time. The program description also mentions a 20-month part-time option.
Focus: the description says it is approved by Pearson Edexcel UK and covers business management, marketing, human resources, operations, accounting and finance, entrepreneurship and business law. It names ACCA, CIMA and CPA as professional pathways.
Entry: six O/L passes including English and Mathematics, and three A/L passes in any stream, or an equivalent qualification.
Detail: the module list runs across six semesters and includes Financial Reporting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis, and Strategic Financial Management.
The Uplift record lists Edge Hill University as the awarding institute for this program, alongside the Pearson approval in the description. Check the program page to confirm exactly who awards the qualification before you apply.
Choosing between them
Use these questions rather than a ranking, because both programs suit different students:
If you want a flexible study mode, note that CIC lists hybrid delivery and AIBS lists full-time with a part-time option in its description.
If you did not take A/Ls or have fewer passes, CIC accepts a recognised foundation qualification, which may help. AIBS asks for three A/L passes or an equivalent.
If you want to see the semester-by-semester subjects before you commit, the AIBS description is more detailed.
If your plan is to complete ACCA or CIMA papers alongside the HND, ask both institutes how the HND units relate to exemptions. Exemptions are decided by the professional body, not by the institute.
