AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians

You will study five key areas:

• Financial Accounting – develop advanced skills in preparing and analysing financial information and financial statements.
• Management Accounting – develop your understanding of budgeting, costing, forecasting and using financial information to support business decisions.
• Audit and Internal Controls – understand the principles of audit, internal controls and risk, and how organisations can safeguard their financial information.
• Principles of Taxation – develop your knowledge of taxation and the principles that underpin tax calculations and compliance.
• Advanced Business Awareness – develop your understanding of the wider business environment and the role of finance in supporting organisational performance and decision-making.

Together, these areas provide advanced technical accounting knowledge and practical skills to support progression into more senior accounting and finance roles and further professional study.

Various start dates available; the programme leader will discuss start dates with you during the application process.

Learners will study 1 day per week.

The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is typically completed within 16 – 18 months, giving you time to develop your knowledge and prepare for each of the four online examinations.

This is an advanced accounting qualification and is designed for learners who already have a strong foundation in accounting. Applicants are expected to have previous accounting knowledge, experience and/or a relevant accounting qualification, such as the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. This will help ensure you have the underpinning knowledge required to successfully study the Level 4 qualification.

Applicants are normally required to hold English and Maths at Grade 4 or above. Evidence of these qualifications must be provided at enrolment. If you are unable to produce certificates or do not meet these entry requirements, you may be invited to complete an initial assessment as part of the application process.

If you already have some accounting experience or are unsure which level is right for you, you can test your knowledge with the AAT Skillcheck to help identify the most suitable qualification to start with.

Assessment is through online examinations.

You will complete an online assessment for each of the five areas:

• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Audit and Internal Controls
• Principles of Taxation
• Advanced Business Awareness

You will receive support and preparation throughout your course to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for each assessment.

Career progression

• Accounts payable and expenses supervisor
• Assistant auditor
• Assistant financial accountant
• Assistant management accountant
• Commercial analyst
• Finance advisor
• Junior analyst
• Professional accounting technician
• Senior bookkeeper

Further education and professional study

You could progress to higher-level professional accounting qualifications, including:

• ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
• ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Your progression route will depend on your existing experience, qualifications and career goals.

Professional Membership

On successful completion of the AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians, you can apply for AAT full membership (MAAT), subject to meeting AAT’s membership requirements.

If you are considering starting your own accountancy or bookkeeping practice, you may also be able to apply to become an AAT Licensed Accountant or Bookkeeper, subject to AAT’s licensing requirements.

The cost of this course can be found at the top of the webpage.

Course fees include AAT registration, one examination attempt per unit and course materials.

Course books are not included and will need to be purchased separately. Discounted prices on course books are available through the college.

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible for free funding or financial support. Click here for more information.

Please enquire by the clicking the ‘enquire’ button at the top of this website page and completing the form or contact Course Information on 01642 333333 or e-mail CourseInformation@mbro.ac.uk.

Interested in an apprenticeship?

We also deliver this area of study through an apprenticeship route. If you would prefer to gain a recognised qualification while working and earning a salary, you may want to consider the AATLevel 4 Professional Accounting Apprenticeship.