AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

Course DurationLearning Hours: 420-440

DurationDuration: Up to 24 Months

Number of ExamsExams: 5

79.9% AAT Level 4 Pass Rate

Gain the knowledge and skills to handle complex management accounting techniques. You will learn how to draft financial statements for limited companies and analyse accounting systems and controls.

Free L4 registration and a full set of question banks

You will also choose two out of five optional units which will help you gain specialist knowledge more tailored to the job you’d like to perform.

Our unique and highly effective learning materials and resources have been developed to ensure you are able to progress smoothly and quickly through the units ensuring a higher rate of success.

No other training provider includes as many materials, lessons, examples and activities.

Exceptional AAT pass rates
Winner! AAT Training Provider Awards 2024
Study whenever you want - at your own pace
Award-winning tutor support
Dedicated accounting and bookkeeping training provider
Interest-free payment plans to spread the cost

Includes free bonus course

Free Xero Course and Certification

This enhances your CV and gives you the experience of using one of the most in-demand types of accounting software.

Training Link focuses on three subjects: Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Payroll.

This keeps us focused on delivering the best student experience. And that’s why over the last 28 years we’ve won over 20 awards – from AAT’S Best New Training Provider in 2018 to ICB’s Large Training Provider of the Year on 11 occasions. And several of our tutors have been awarded ‘Tutor of the Year’ by the ICB.

And in 2024 we were the only training provider to be nominated in three categories at the AAT awards:

  • Distance Learning Provider of the Year
  • Tutor of the Year
  • Distance Learner of the Year

Training Link has created all of the study material in our blended and blended live course packages. The printed study manuals, online resources, videos, tests, and mock exams – are exclusive to Training Link and are not available from any other distance learning provider.

And because we control this material, we continually improve it based on student feedback and results. This is what helps Training Link students achieve a 79.9% pass rate at level 4 based on exams from 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023.

Online

Our most cost-effective option. Ideal if you want a digital-only study experience with tutor support. This does not include Training Link’s bespoke online materials or books.

Blended

Our most popular package. This is the core Training Link study experience.

Included in the Blended course package

Our printed study manuals contain: lessons, examples, activities and assessments
Award-winning Tutor support by e-mail and phone
Videos – on-demand tutorials and explainers
Online resources to help fast-track your studies
  • Extra lessons
  • E-books
  • Tests
Exam preparation including our own mock exams
Student services department - 7-days a week
Talk with tutors and students on Student Street
Entitlement to apply for a Totum card

Blended Live

Our top study package.

Includes everything from the Blended option and Live Online Exam revision sessions and an extra 52 hours of video content across levels 2, 3, and 4.

Choose a course package to see pricing.

AAT was established in 1980 and is the world’s leading professional body for accounting technicians with over 130,000 members.

AAT’s qualifications are internationally-recognised, OfQual regulated, and the syllabus has been developed after feedback from businesses so students develop real-world skills which improve their employability. They award 80% of all vocational qualifications in accounting.

Organisations such as Sainsbury’s, P&G, Morgan Stanley, the Ministry of Defence and many more continue to hire AAT qualified members for their knowledge, skills, and diligence.

Studying for an AAT qualification is a much more cost-effective option for school-leavers. It offers the promise of a career in a well-respected profession and doesn’t lead to the eye-watering levels of debt associated with a typical university education.

80% of AAT members that have completed an AAT accounting qualification agree that it has increased their earning potential.*

* – source – AAT’s salary survey 2021

You can complete this course in 24 months or less.

The mandatory units are:

Applied Management Accounting

This unit focuses on the three basic areas of management accounting: planning, control and decision-making.

All organisations need accurate, business-focused information to make sound judgements.

This unit will allow you to understand the budgetary process. You will be able to construct budgets and identify and report both on areas of success and on areas of concern. You will also gain the skills to critically evaluate organisational performance.

  • 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

You will gain the skills and knowledge to draft the financial statements of single limited companies. And you’ll learn how to draft the consolidated financial statements for groups of companies.

You will become proficient in your knowledge and understanding of international accounting standards.  You will apply this when you draft the financial statements. You will also understand the regulatory and conceptual frameworks that underpin the preparation of limited company financial statements.

  • 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

All organisations must guard against fraud through good control systems. But, many businesses underestimate the probability and impact of employee fraud. The accounts department plays a vital role in preventing the misuse of resources, and this unit shows you how to evaluate internal controls and recommend improvements.

  • 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 system

 

And choose two from the following optional units:

 

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 identify tax planning opportunities and understand the ethical standards.

  • 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 reliefs, tax planning opportunities and agent’s responsibilities in reporting taxation to HM Revenue & Customs

Personal Tax

You will gain essential knowledge of income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. You will be ready to compute these taxes and appreciate how taxpayers can minimise their overall tax liability.

  • 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

Audit and Assurance

You will gain an awareness of the audit process from planning and risk assessment to the final completion and production of the audit report.

You will also get a practical perspective on audit and assurance, with an emphasis on the application of audit and assurance techniques to current systems. You will be equipped with the skills to undertake an audit under supervision and will gain an understanding of the regulatory frameworks and ethical requirements.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the audit and assurance framework
  • Demonstrate the importance of professional ethics
  • Evaluate the planning process for audit and assurance
  • Evaluate procedures for obtaining sufficient and appropriate evidence
  • Review and report findings

Cash and Financial Management

This unit focuses on the importance of managing cash within organisations. It covers the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions on financing and investment in accordance with organisational policies and external regulations.

  • Prepare forecasts for cash receipts and payments
  • Prepare cash budgets and monitor cash flows
  • Understand the importance of managing finance and liquidity
  • Understand ways of raising finance and investing funds
  • Understand regulations and organisational policies that influence decisions in managing cash and finance

Credit and Debt Management

You will learn how to apply the principles of effective credit control systems, including appropriate debt management systems.

  • Understand relevant legislation and contract law that impacts the credit control environment
  • Understand how information is used to assess credit risk and grant credit in compliance with organisational policies and procedures
  • Understand the organisation’s credit control processes for managing and collecting debts
  • Understand different techniques available to collect debts

You need to hold a Level 3 AAT Accountancy qualification or equivalent. Please contact us if you hold a qualification or have experience in Bookkeeping and Accounts. We can then advise you on possible exemptions.

A good understanding of the English language is essential.

By the time you are level 4 qualified this qualification could lead to employment as:

  • Professional Accounting Technician
  • Assistant Financial Accountant
  • Assistant Auditor
  • Cost Accountant
  • Assistant Management Accountant
  • Fixed Asset Accountant
  • Commercial Analyst
  • Indirect Tax Manager
  • Payroll Manager
  • Payments and Billing Manager
  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Senior Fund Accountant
  • Senior Financial Officer
  • Senior Insolvency Administrator
  • Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
  • Tax Supervisor
  • VAT Accountant

AAT’s salary survey from 2021 suggested that the average level 4 student salary was £30,000.

Q: Is registration included?

Yes. As a special offer, we are including your Level 4 registration at no extra cost.

Q: Are assessment fees (exams) included?

No. You will need to book your own exams at an approved AAT assessment centre of your choice. You would pay the test centre directly at the time of booking.

Q: What is the average completion time for these courses?

There are three mandatory units and two specialist units chosen from five options.

Our students take anything from 9 months to 18 months to complete this Level 4 course. As this is distance learning you create your own schedule- you can fast-track your studies if you want, but if you need to take longer that’s OK too.

The units are assessed by a Computer Based Assessment (CBA). You will complete these at an approved AAT assessment centre of your choice. Assessment fees are payable to the centre/venue and may incur an administration fee.

On completion of all units, you will get a Certificate from the AAT.

Assessment preparation

On our Blended and Blended Live course packages, you will encounter a series of online knowledge tests throughout the course.  This includes End of course tests and Online exam simulation tests (Mock Assessments). Our specialist department will provide you with feedback advice and support, plus any additional lessons and tests you may need prior to taking an assessment.

Arranging an assessment:

There are over 200 external assessment venues available in the UK. To find your nearest venue go to AAT’s Assessment Venue Search.

When the time comes to take an assessment, you can choose from the list and contact them to arrange a suitable time and date.

Want more flexibility?

Our tutor support timeframes are deliberately generous and far exceed what most students need.

Most of our students finish well in advance of the course duration. But what happens if you do need a little longer?

This is where our course extension options come into play. We offer one-month, three-month, and six-month extensions so you can feel reassured by knowing that if you do need extra time you have that option.

Watch 3 of our videos – for free

Three free video examples – one for each level of study.

Whether you’re new to the subject or are studying at a higher level, these short, five-minute videos give you a flavour of what you can expect inside our e-learning platform.

Our videos perfectly supplement our award-winning study experience which is rooted in printed study manuals and award-winning tutor support.

Watch our videos now »

£1,345.00

Clear
external
0% interest finance available

Spread payments over 3 years

View Finance Calculator
Finance Calculator - AAT Level 4 Diploma In Professional Accounting
REPAYMENT OVER HOW MANY MONTHS?

% APR

% APR

% APR

Figures are shown for illustrative purposes only. Actual figures may vary.


£

£

Our finance option is provided in partnership with Omni Capital. For your finance application to be considered you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be over 18 years of age
  • Be employed for at least 16 hours per week or retired and in receipt of a private or company pension. Certain state benefit schemes may be considered.
  • Be a permanent UK resident with a 3 year address history
  • Have a good credit history with no late payments, debt relief orders or bankruptcies
  • Have a valid email address and can access it

Please note that meeting the criteria listed above does not guarantee finance acceptance.

If you want to enrol on a course and you have questions about your Omni Capital application or want to discuss other payment options please call us on 0800 594 2822.

Introducing Blended Live...

Our new Blended Live study option includes live online exam revision sessions and an extra 52 hours of video content across levels 2, 3, and 4.

Learn more »