About the course
Get the skills needed to become a financial team leader or set up your own practice with this course. You'll cover financial statements for limited companies and complex management accounting tasks and you can really hone your skills through our specialist taxation modules (Business and Personal). Once you have passed, you will automatically become an AAT affiliate member, and if you have relevant work experience you can qualify for AAT full professional membership.
With the new Q2022 Syllabus, students are able to join at more flexible times in the year.
Entry points would be September 2024, January 2025 and March 2025.
The September daytime course is due to start on 5th September at 9:15am - 4:30pm. The course will run once a week on Thursdays only.
The September evening course is due to start on 3rd September at 6pm-9pm. The course will run twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Entry requirements
Unlike other qualifications there are no entry requirements with AAT and you don't need relevant work experience. This means that this course is ideal if you are leaving school, returning to work or thinking about a change in career. Useful strengths include confidence with numbers, time management, attention to detail and an ability to problem solve.
If you have not completed AAT level 3, but have relevant work experience in accounting/finance, it is advisable to undertake the AAT skills check prior to application, which can be found on this weblink, http://www.aatskillcheck.org/home.aspx, alternatively send us an email to adultskillsinfo@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk and one of our tutors will help advise.
Qualifications
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, awarded in conjunction with the Association of Accounting Technicians.
What you'll learn (core modules)
The course covers 5 modules over the year -
Applied Management Accounting - November 2024 - January 2025
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This unit allows students to understand how the budgetary process is undertaken. Students will be able to construct budgets and then identify and report on both areas of success and on areas that should be of concern to key stakeholders. Students will also gain the skills required to critically evaluate organisational performance.
Learning outcomes
- Understand and implement the organisational planning process.
- Use internal processes to enhance operational control.
- Use techniques to aid short-term and long-term decision making.
- Analyse and report on business performance.
Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements - September 2024 - November 2024 -
This unit provides students 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 students will have a proficient level of knowledge and understanding of international accounting standards, which will then be applied when drafting the financial statements. Students will also have a sound appreciation of the regulatory and conceptual frameworks that underpin the preparation of limited company financial statements.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the reporting frameworks that underpin financial reporting.
- Draft statutory financial statements for limited companies.
- Draft consolidated financial statements.
- Interpret financial statements using ratio analysis.
Internal Accounting Systems and Controls - January 2025 - February 2025 -
This unit teaches students to consider the role and responsibilities of the accounting function, including the needs of key stakeholders who use financial reports to make decisions. Students will review accounting systems to identify weaknesses and will make recommendations to mitigate identified weaknesses in future operations. Students will apply several analytical methods to evaluate the implications of any changes to operating procedures.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the accounting function within an organisation.
- Evaluate internal control systems.
- Evaluate an organisation's accounting system and underpinning procedures.
- Understand the impact of technology on accounting systems.
- Recommend improvements to an organisation's accounting systems.
Business Tax - May 2025 - June 2025
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This unit introduces students to UK taxation relevant to businesses. Students will understand how to compute business taxes for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. They will also be able to identify tax planning opportunities while understanding the importance of maintaining ethical standards.
Learning outcomes
- Prepare tax computations for sole traders and partnerships.
- Prepare tax computations for limited companies.
- Prepare tax computations for the sale of capital assets by limited companies.
- Understand administrative requirements of the UK's tax regime.
- Understand the tax implications of business disposals.
- Understand tax relief, tax planning opportunities and agent's responsibilities in reporting taxation to HM Revenue & Customs.
Personal Tax - March 2025 - April 2025
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This unit provides students 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 students will be equipped to not only prepare the computational aspects of taxes, where appropriate, but also appreciate how taxpayers can legally minimise their overall taxation liability.
Learning outcomes
- Understand principles and rules that underpin taxation systems.
- Calculate UK taxpayers' total income.
- Calculate Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers.
- Calculate Capital Gains Tax payable by UK taxpayers.
- Understand the principles of Inheritance Tax.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
UNIVERSITY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
73 Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3SP
Where will this course take me?
Jobs you could apply for after studying AAT Level 4 include:
Financial Accountant
Commercial Analyst
Cost Accountant
VAT Manager
Payroll Manager
Senior Insolvency Administrator
Tax Supervisor
VAT accountant
How much will it cost?
The course costs £2880.00 + AAT registration fee (£251).
There are 19+ Advance Learner Loans available.
There are bursaries available to students that meet certain criteria, please speak/visit student welfare for further information.
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please "APPLY ONLINE" now to secure your place on the course. Alternatively, please send your enquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Days & times
Starting 03/09/2024
Tuesday
Thursday