About the course

The course is progression for those people who have a prior experience and qualifications in Accountancy and are wanting to progress within their role and organisation. Individuals in the role of a Professional accounting or tax technician will have responsibility for creating, and/or verifying and reviewing, accurate and timely financial information within the organisation in which they are employed or on behalf of another organisation. This will be performed in order to meet relevant ethical, professional and legal standards, and will utilise the individual’s knowledge of the business systems and processes, as well as standard accounting and tax practices. This role may exist in an accounting practice, a professional services company, HMRC or the accounting function of a business or other organisation. Within the course we embed the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. This offers technical training in accounting and is ideal for anyone wishing to pursue or progress their career in accountancy or finance. The purpose of the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is to enhance the skills developed from the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, enabling students to maximise opportunities in their current or new employment. By studying for this qualification, students will acquire professional accountancy and finance skills that will be useful throughout their careers, including: • drafting financial statements for limited companies • having the knowledge and skills to use complex management accounting techniques • the ability to analyse accounting systems and their associated controls • having knowledge and skills in specialist accountancy and finance subjects.

The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers high-level accounting and finance topics and tasks. Students will look at and become comfortable with a wide range of financial management skills and applications, and will gain competencies in drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategies and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports. Students will also learn about specialist areas such as tax, auditing, credit and debit management and cash and financial management.

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting and Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting, or the undertaking of a Trade Test for those with equivalent qualifications and/or experience. A good level of numeracy, literacy and ICT skills is essential.

Modules

Core modules are: • Applied Management Accounting • Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements • Internal Accounting Systems and Controls. Optional modules include: • Business Tax • Personal Tax • Audit and Assurance • Cash and Financial Management • Credit and Debt Management.

Assessment

There are two aspects to the Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician Apprenticeship. The first aspect is the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. This qualification comprises three mandatory units and two specialist units selected from a choice of five options The mandatory units are: • Applied Management Accounting • Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements • Internal Accounting Systems and Controls. The optional units are: • Business Tax • Personal Tax • Audit and Assurance • Cash and Financial Management • Credit and Debt Management. These units are all exam based based assessment with a pass mark of 70%. The second aspect is the Portfolio and Reflective Discussion. This will be conducted by a Independent Assessor from AAT. The pass mark is once again 70%.

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 Professional Diploma in Accounting can lead to employment as: Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor Assistant Financial Accountant Commercial Analyst Cost Accountant Fixed Asset Accountant Indirect Tax Manager Payments and Billing Manager Payroll Manager Senior Bookkeeper Senior Finance Officer Senior Fund Accountant Senior Insolvency Administrator Tax Supervisor VAT Accountant

Additional Details