About the course

The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that students are well prepared to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy, or into further education. You will learn and develop skills needed for financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and preparing financial statements. You will also understand the business environment, the technology used in finance and accounting, business issues related to payroll and value-added tax (VAT), management accounting techniques, and ethical principles and sustainability considerations for accountants.

You will develop an understanding of business and its structure and purpose, as well as appreciating the wider business environment. In addition, you will develop skills supporting complex financial processes, such as final accounts, reports and returns, use of technology to provide management accounting information, and completion of VAT returns.This qualification comprises four mandatory units:

• Business Awareness - This unit provides students with an understanding of the business, its environment and the influence that this has on an organisation’s structure, the role of its accounting function and its performance. 

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements - This unit provides students with the skills required to produce statements of profit or loss and statements of financial position for sole traders and partnerships using a trial balance. 

• Management Accounting Techniques - This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the role of management accounting in an organisation, and how organisations use such information to aid decision making. 

• Tax Processes for Businesses - This unit explores tax processes that influence the daily operations of businesses and is designed to develop students’ skills in understanding, preparing, and submitting Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Entry Requirements

GCSE or Level 2 functional skills in Maths and English. Successful completion of the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, or the undertaking of a Trade Test for those with a equivalent qualification or experience. .

Modules

This qualification comprises four mandatory units:

• Business Awareness

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

• Management Accounting Techniques

• Tax Processes for Businesses

Assessment

Assessment will be via four mandatory exams (typically 2-2.5 hours each) at the end of each unit:

• Business Awareness

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

• Management Accounting Techniques

• Tax Processes for Businesses

Students will be awarded an overall qualification grade (Distinction, Merit, and Pass). 

Careers & Progression

AAT qualifications are recognised by employers as practical and technical qualifications that prepare students for the world of work and for working specifically in accountancy and finance roles. The Advanced Diploma in Accounting can lead to employment as: Accounts Assistant Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor Accounts Payable Clerk Assistant Accountant Audit Trainee Bookkeeper Credit Controller Finance Assistant Payroll Administrator Payroll Supervisor Practice Bookkeeper Tax Assistant

Additional Details