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?

All organisations must guard against fraud through good control systems. However, many businesses underestimate both the probability and impact of employee fraud. Those working within the accounts department play a pivotal role in guarding against misuse of resources, and the key aim of this unit is to provide students with the tools to evaluate internal controls and to recommend improvements.

The unit teaches student to consider the role and responsibilities of the accounting function, including the needs of key stakeholders who use financial reports to make decisions. Students will review accounting systems to identify weaknesses and will make recommendations to mitigate identified weaknesses in future operations. Students will apply several analytical methods to evaluate the implications of any changes to operating procedures.

The structure of the accounting function, which varies depending on the size of the organisation, must comply with statutory requirements. Students will learn to identify appropriate controls, assess their impact in terms of cost-effectiveness, reliability and timeliness, and ensure that all functions adapt their working practices to meet new requirements in an ethical and sustainable way.

Technology is changing the way that accountancy information is processed, and this unit requires knowledge of the fundamental principles of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), which may be used as an alternative way to gather and analyse information. Cloud accounting is changing the way accountants work and visualisation, including dashboards, is increasingly used to present information in a way that is easier for stakeholders to understand. Data security and breaches are regularly reported in the press, and therefore it is imperative that students are aware of the importance of keeping all data secure and consider the confidential nature of the data that they will be processing as part of their everyday role.

Finally, students will evaluate the impact of changes on the system and its users, identifying different methods of support that can be given to users of the accounting system to assist them in adapting to the recommended improvements.

This unit is mandatory in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

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/INAC

Need some further advice?

Contact the 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.