Do you want a fulfilling career in accountancy? Have you passed AAT Level 3 or an equivalent accounting qualification? We can help you reach your goal by studying AAT Level 4.
This level builds on the knowledge you gained in the Level 3 Diploma. You will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets, and evaluating financial performance. There are also optional specialist units including business tax, personal tax, auditing, credit management, and cash and financial management. After qualifying you can work in accounting roles or progress onto studying chartered accountancy.
About AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
Entry Requirements
To progress comfortably on this course, you’ll need to have good accounting knowledge and be able to perform all the financial and management accounting tasks which are tested on the AAT Level 3 course. Plus you’ll need a good standard of English literacy and basic Maths skills. We recommend you register with AAT before starting this course. This will give you your AAT student number, which enables you to enter for assessments.
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting syllabus
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to apply complex accounting principles, concepts, and rules to prepare the financial statements of a limited company. You’ll also learn management accounting techniques to aid decision making and control, prepare and monitor budgets, and measure performance.
This level consists of compulsory and optional units:
Compulsory unitsDrafting and Interpreting of Financial Statements (DAIF)
The reporting frameworks that underpin financial reporting
How to draft statutory financial statements for limited companies
How to draft consolidated financial statements
How to interpret financial statements using ratio analysis
Applied Management Accounting (AMAC)
The organisational planning process
How to use internal processes to enhance operational control
How to use techniques to aid short-term and long-term decision making
How to analyse and report on business performance
Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (INAC)
The role and responsibilities of the accounting function within an organisation
How to evaluate internal control systems
How to evaluate an organisation’s accounting system and underpinning procedures
The impact of technology on accounting systems
How to recommend improvements to an organisation’s accounting system
Optional units (choose two)Business Tax (BNTA)
How to prepare tax computations for sole traders and partnerships
How to prepare tax computations for limited companies
How to prepare tax computations for the sale of capital assets by limited companies
The administrative requirements of the UK’s tax regime
The tax implications of business disposals
Tax reliefs, tax planning opportunities and agent’s responsibilities in reporting taxation to HM Revenue and Customs
Personal Tax (PNTA)
The principles and rules that underpin taxation systems
How to calculate UK taxpayers’ total income
How to calculate income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers
How to calculate capital gains tax payable by UK taxpayers
The principles of inheritance tax
Audit and Assurance (AUDT)
The audit and assurance framework
The importance of professional ethics
How to evaluate the planning process for audit and assurance
How to evaluate procedures for obtaining sufficient and appropriate evidence
How to review and report findings
Cash and Financial Management (CSFT)
How to prepare forecasts for cash receipts and payments
How to prepare cash budgets and monitor cash flows
The importance of managing finance and liquidity
Ways of raising finance and investing funds
Regulations and organisational policies that influence decisions in managing cash and finance
Credit and Debt Management (CRDM)
The relevant legislation and contract law that impacts the credit control environment
How information is used to assess credit risk and grant credit in compliance with organisational policies and procedures
The organisation’s credit control processes for managing and collecting debts
Different techniques available to collect debts
How is this course assessed?
The Level 4 course is assessed by unit assessments.
Unit assessment
The Level 4 course is assessed by unit assessments. A unit assessment only tests knowledge and skills taught in that unit. At Level 4 they are:
Available on demand
Scheduled by and sat at AAT approved assessment venues
Marked by the AAT and the results are released after six weeks
Getting your results
Assessment results will be available in your MyAAT account when they are released.
Grading
To be awarded the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting qualification you must achieve at least a 70% competency level in each unit assessment.
Resits
You can resit an assessment to improve your grade. Results from the assessment with the highest marks will be used to calculate your final grade. There are no resit restrictions or employer engagement requirements for any fee paying student on any of our AAT courses.
What’s included, and what support will I get?
Partnering with the best, you’ll always have access to market leading tutor led online learning modules and content developed by Kaplan and Osborne books. All day, every day for as long as you subscribe.
Unlimited access to the AAT Level 4 content with the use of all other levels, allowing you to recap
previous levels at no extra cost
Instant access to our unique comprehensive Study Buddy learning guide
Access to Consolidation and Progress Tests and computer and self marked Mock Exams.
You’re fully supported with access to expert tutors, seven days a week, responding via email within four working hours
You’ll be assigned a mentor to help and guide you through the order of subjects to study in, and check that the level you’re starting at is right for you.
Your subscription includes all the online content you need to succeed, but if you want to supplement your learning with books, Eagle students get 50% off hard copy study materials.
What could I do next?
After you’ve passed this level, you can work in a variety of jobs including forensic accountant, tax manager, accountancy consultant, or finance analyst, earning salaries of up to £37,000 as you advance and gain experience.
AAT full members (MAAT) and fellow members (FMAAT) are eligible for exemptions that allow you to take the fast track route to chartered accountant status. You can stay with the same training provider. Eagle offers affordable courses approved by the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) to which you can subscribe.
Additional costs
You are required to become a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) launch to fulfil your qualification. Fees associated with admission, and exam fees, are in addition to the cost of the course. Admission and membership fees are payable direct to AAT. Exam fees are paid to the exam centre.
AAT One off Level 4 Registration Fee: £240
AAT Assessment Fees: £70 to £80 per unit but this can vary depending on where you sit your assessment.
Please be aware that these are subject to change.