The importance of writing skills: the key to passing INAC

I have been reading about the most recent Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (INAC) assessments and have been surprised by the pass rates. Mindful Education learners have a pass rate 25% higher than the AAT – so what is our method, and how does it differ from others?

To understand the issue with INAC, we need to understand its evolution. Originally, the unit was assessed through a workplace project or simulated scenario, supported by an assessor who submitted results to AAT. Textbooks were just reference material, and the unit wasn’t taught. However, this isn’t a call to revert to the old system, as there are two drawbacks. No learner wants to write a 2,000-3,000 word report, and it has been reported in the past that only 50% completed the project, which is a dip from those passing the INAC today.

When the assessment of the unit was included in the Professional Diploma Synoptic Assessment (PDSY) exam under AQ2016, many training providers still didn’t teach the unit, as they were under the assumption that learners knew about topics such as the PO system. This led to many failures until the unit was finally taught. Now under Q2022 we have stand-alone exams for the systems and controls unit and it’s causing some issues for learners and providers.

How does Mindful Education teach it? We have four online lessons that cover the standard, paired with classroom sessions to discuss and review. The online sessions cover fraud, risk, SWOT analysis and specific control systems e.g. the PO system, analysing weaknesses and how to prevent fraud.

However, Mindful Education’s success lies in the range of activities provided to learners. Learners are exposed to more than 30 scenarios that they can unpack and analyse. This builds confidence, practical skills and critical thinking. Alongside this, there are comprehensive answers for each scenario and exam-style questions covering all potential topics that may appear in a test.

To learners who are preparing for INAC I offer this advice: identify scenarios and practise writing about the controls applied to different situations – you will see patterns form. Observe the systems and controls around you, apply professional scepticism, and think about how businesses control risks. But above all of this, keep writing about controls, practice will sharpen your skill and ensure you ace your exams!