Level 4 Professional Diploma Accounting (AAT)

This is an advanced level course that will introduce you to the accounting standards used in the drafting of financial statements for companies and groups of companies. Company financial performance is explored by way of variance and ratio analysis, which is complemented by budgeting. If you are aged 16-19 and wish to complete this qualification, you must do so as part of an apprenticeship programme. You will examine the methods of preparing and assessing budgets to improve organisational performance. This course will also teach students the importance of internal control.

Modules

Financial Statements of Limited Companies This unit is concerned with the drafting, analysis and interpretation of financial statements of limited companies. This builds on the Foundation and Advanced levels, where the emphasis of the financial accounting units is on identifying and recording transactions in accounts and ledgers following the principles of double-entry bookkeeping, and drafting the financial statements of unincorporated organisations from the accounts and records prepared.

Management Accounting: Budgeting unit is about the use of budgeting for planning, coordinating and authorising the activities of an organisation and for controlling costs. The unit provides skills and knowledge to improve the performance of an organisation by setting targets, constructing achievable plans and monitoring results. Management Accounting: Decision and Control unit is one of the mandatory Professional level units. It takes students from Advanced level costing principles and prepares them to be valuable members of a management accounting finance team. This unit was formerly known as Financial Performance.

Accounting Systems and Control aims to enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the role of the accounting function in an organisation and the importance of internal controls in minimising the risk of loss. Students will undertake an evaluation of an accounting system to identify weaknesses and assess the impact of those weaknesses on the operation of the organisation.

Teaching & assessment

A tutor will provide guided learning and support you in class. The class sessions are interactive and allow you to develop your skills and behaviours as a Professional Accountant. We recommend you purchase the core text books to complement your study. You will have six computer based examinations to take which are spread throughout the academic year. These are set and marked by the AAT.

Interview Instructions

Interviews are usually carried out over the telephone at a pre-arranged time. These can be face-to-face should you wish to come into the college. We will ask you about your current role, qualifications and experience to ensure that this programme is right for you. The interview will take approximately 20 minutes and it is quite informal.

Entry Criteria

As a minimum, you must have successfully completed Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.