What opportunities will this course give me?

Once qualified, students automatically become AAT affiliate members and, with relevant work experience, will qualify for AAT full membership, enabling use of the designatory letters MAAT after their name. However, the primary and most important outcome of this qualification is that it can lead to a wide variety of well-paid accountancy and finance jobs, some of which are professional accounting technician, assistant auditor, assistant management accountant, commercial analyst, payroll manager, senior financial officer, accounts payable and expenses supervisor, assistant financial accountant, cost accountant, fixed asset accountant, indirect tax manager, senior fund accountant, senior insolvency administrator, tax supervisor and VAT accountant. The AAT qualification can give qualified students exemptions towards part of the UKs chartered and certified accountancy qualifications.

What will I be learning?

As many organisations and businesses now operate in the global marketplace, the role of audit and assurance is becoming increasingly important as it is seen as providing a measure of confidence in the rapidly changing accounting and business environment. This is as a result of their impact upon the overall success of a business and achievement of strategic objectives. Audit and assurance services have also come under increased scrutiny from the profession following high-profile corporate failures.

This unit aims to develop a wider understanding of the principles and concepts, including the legal and professional rules of audit and assurance services. The unit will provide students with an awareness of the audit process from planning and risk assessment to the final completion and production of the audit report. The unit also aims to provide a practical perspective on audit and assurance, with an emphasis on the application of audit and assurance techniques to current systems. Students will be equipped with the
skills required to undertake an audit under supervision and will gain an understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks and ethical requirements.

Students will explore issues such as independence as well as the audit process, from the initial planning process, including risk assessments and gathering evidence, through to completion and reporting findings. The unit places an emphasis upon the application of techniques to current situations and as such, offers a practical as well as a theoretical perspective. Throughout the unit, the concept of professional scepticism is explored and challenged.

This unit is optional in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. Students will require an understanding of financial accounting, as this knowledge will be used during the practical application of audit techniques.

Why is this course for me?

Each unit of the full qualification is studied and assessed separately and each unit may take up to 14 - 27 weeks to complete. Successful completion of all units will result in the student being awarded a Professional Diploma in Accounting (Level 4) by the AAT. The course of study is via distance learning. Study text books and online resources are supplied upon commencement and supplemented by administrative email and telephone support from the Distance Learning Coordinator, as well as limited individual 1:1 tutorial upon request. The first three mandated and the two chosen specialist units are assessed individually in end-of-unit computer-based assessments. Exams are taken at the college by way of computer based assessment, the assessment for this module must be taken by the end of the unit learning agreement.

What do I need to sign up?

Applicants must have achieved a Level 3 accounting qualification. Candidates will be required to attend an interview with the course administrator prior to commencing on the course and demonstrate an appropriate standard of Literacy and Numeracy by way of a short assessment. All elements of the course include a significant amount of writing and literacy skills are as critical as numeracy skills. Basic IT skills will also be required.

Is there anything else I need to know?

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a professional body and membership is required in order to undertake this qualification. Registration with the AAT must be made upon commencement of the course and will incur an additional cost. This module is available from 01 February 2022.

Text and revision workbooks are provided as well as specialist online resources.

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

AC22U4/AUDT

Need some further advice?

Contact the Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000

The Equality Act

The College wishes to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. If you are a disabled person, please ensure that we know what you need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.