Accounting (AAT)

The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting offers technical training in accounting and is ideal if you wish to pursue or progress your career in accountancy and or finance.

The purpose of the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting is to enhance the skills developed from the AAT Diploma in Accounting, enabling you to maximise opportunities in your current or new employment.

This qualification will suit those who:

• Have completed the Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting and who would like to continue to build their accounting skills
• Are already working in finance and would like a formal recognition of their skills
• Would like to go on to become an AAT full member and/or study for chartered accountant status
• Would like to start their own business through the AAT-licensed member in practice (MIP) scheme

The course includes all materials, books and exam fees.

Financial Support

* If you're aged 19 or over and are starting a further education course at level 3 or above, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. This course is eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Important Notice

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers. If there are too few enrolments, the College may cancel the course. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until enrolment is complete and any relevant fees are paid.

If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.

Tel: 023 8048 4848
Email: enquiries@southampton-city.ac.uk 

The Level 4 AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting is comprised of five modules.

Applied Management Accounting

This unit focuses on the three fundamental areas of management accounting: planning, control and decision making. All organisations rely on the provision of accurate, businessfocused information in order to make sound business judgements. Areas of study will include:

• Understanding and implementing the organisational planning process
• Using internal processes to enhance operational control
• Using techniques to aid short-term and long-term decision making
• Analysing and reporting on business performance

Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements

This unit provides you with the skills and knowledge for drafting the financial statements of single limited companies and consolidated financial statements for groups of companies. It ensures that you will have a proficient level of knowledge and understanding of international accounting standards, which will then be applied when drafting the financial statements. Areas of study will include:

• Understanding the reporting frameworks that underpin financial reporting
• Drafting statutory financial statements for limited companies
• Drafting consolidated financial statements
• Interpreting financial statements using ratio analysis

Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

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

• Understanding the role and responsibilities of the accounting function within an organisation
• Evaluating internal control systems
• Evaluating an organisation’s accounting system and underpinning procedures
• Understanding the impact of technology on accounting systems
• Recommending improvements to an organisation’s accounting system

Business Tax

This unit introduces students to UK taxation relevant to businesses. You will understand how to compute business taxes for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. You will also be able to identify tax planning opportunities while understanding the importance of maintaining ethical standards.

• Preparing tax computations for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
• Preparing tax computations for the sale of capital assets by limited companies
• Understanding administrative requirements of the UK’s tax regime
• Understanding the tax implications of business disposals
• Understanding tax reliefs, tax planning opportunities and agent’s responsibilities in reporting taxation to HM Revenue & Customs

Personal Tax

This unit provides you with the fundamental knowledge of the three most common taxes that affect taxpayers in the UK: income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. With this knowledge, you will be equipped to prepare not only the computational aspects where appropriate of these taxes, but also appreciate how taxpayers can legally minimise their overall taxation liability.

• Understanding principles and rules that underpin taxation systems
• Calculating UK taxpayers’ total income
• Calculating income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers
• Calculating capital gains tax payable by UK taxpayers
• Understanding the principles of inheritance tax

There is a blended mix of classroom activities, computing work, realistic simulations and group work.

All units are assessed via computerised skills tests and course work.

• Completed AAT Level 3 or
• A degree in Accounting

You will also be required to attend an interview with the course tutor and complete a Literacy and Numeracy assessment. Proof of your qualifications will be required to be shown at the time of interview.

Once qualified, you automatically become an AAT affiliate member and, with relevant work experience, will qualify for full AAT membership, which will allow you to use the designatory letters MAAT after your name.

However, the primary and most important outcome of the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting is that it can lead to a wide variety of well-paid accountancy and finance jobs, some of which include:

• Professional accounting technician
• Assistant auditor
• Assistant management accountant
• Commercial analyst
• Payroll manager
• Senior bookkeeper
• Senior financial officer
• Accounts payable
• Assistant financial accountant
• Cost accountant
• Fixed asset accountant
• Indirect tax manager
• Payments and billing manager
• Senior fund accountant
• Senior insolvency administrator
• Tax supervisor
• VAT accountant

The course includes all materials, books and exam fees.