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?

The AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting covers high-level accounting and finance topics and tasks. Students will become comfortable with a wide range of financial management skills and applications, and gain competencies in, drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategy, construction and presentation of complex management accounting reports. Students will also learn about specialist areas such as tax, auditing, credit management and cash and treasury management. This qualification comprises four mandatory units and two specialist units to be chosen from a choice of five. This unit is one of the specialist units that can be chosen, it is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake an external audit under supervision. It is directed at students who wish to pursue a career in an accountancy firm that undertakes external audits.
On completion of this unit, students will understand the essence and objectives of the audit process, the ethical and professional implications of the regulatory requirements, and be able to contribute to all stages of an external audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA). Students require an understanding of Financial Statements of Limited Companies, covered at Level 4, before taking this unit.

Why is this course for me?

Each unit of the full qualification is studied and assessed separately and each unit may take up to 16 weeks. Successful completion of all units will result in a Professional Diploma in Accounting (Level 4) being awarded by the AAT. The course is delivered through the colleges E Learning providers online learning environment and supported by regular contact from the course administrator. Study text books and online resources are supplied upon commencement and supplemented by email and telephone support from qualified tutors, as well as 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, with the fourth mandated module Accounting Systems and Controls being assessed by means of a synoptic assessment. Exams are taken at the college by way of computer based assessment and regular exam dates are available with both daytime and evening sittings. Synoptic assessment availability is specified by the AAT and details will be provided upon commencement of the course.

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.

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

FNADU4/ETAU

Need some further advice?

If you require further advice and guidance about any course costs and/or the funding options available to you, the College has a dedicated Information, Advice and Guidance team who can be contacted on telephone 023 8091 1299.