The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting offers technical training in accounting and is ideal for anyone wishing to pursue or progress their career in accountancy or finance.
Contact us to discuss an affordable payment plan to suit you
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:
The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification will suit those who:
Start your studies the same day
Instant access to tutor support
Award winning learning resources
Prompt marking turnaround – marked by a tutor (not a computer)
Both hardcopy books and eBooks included
Pay by instalments (interest free)
24 hour online access
On-demand support via email, telephone, zoom
Pass Promise
Online Enrolment Form – Start Your Studies Today!
Please use this form to send us an enquiry about aat courses, distance learning / home study or additional information. We will respond as soon as possible.
Students should choose the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting as it maximises opportunities for employment within a wider accountancy context.
In developing this qualification, AAT has carried out extensive consultation with and received input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including industry experts, employers and training providers. AAT qualifications benefit from being globally recognised and they’re valued by leading employers, from small high street firms to large accountancy businesses. They offer students flexible study options, with over 500 AAT Approved training providers around the world.
The AAT Level 4 courses 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. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications, including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.
This qualification comprises three mandatory AAT modules and two specialist units selected from a choice of five options (390 guided learning hours in total).
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
You will be allocated a personal AAT tutor who will guide you throughout the course.
We have a team of tutors who are here to help and if your personal tutor is not available they will be happy to help and keep the marking turnaround prompt. They are qualified, experienced, patient and effective communicators so you will find that you will build a good student/teacher relationship with them all.
When studying with us you will find the staff friendly and helpful with a great support network for students. You will receive constructive feedback, guidance and support. You will also receive a personal timetable to follow which structures your whole coursework for you which can be flexible to suit your pace of study.
Additionally, you are also provided with a personal course advisor who has great knowledge of the AAT qualified who can offer advice on how to manage your AAT course studies along with work, family and other commitments.
Our tutors are very accessible! The office is open at the following times:
Mondays 9am – 8pm
Tuesdays 9am – 8pm
Wednesdays 9am – 8pm
Thursdays 9am – 8pm
Fridays 9am – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 12pm
Throughout your online learning journey, you’ll be presented with study resources tailored to the topics covered in each unit, such as chapters from the study manuals, revision videos, quizzes and help sheets. At regular intervals you’ll be presented with an assignment, or practice assessment, to complete and submit to your tutor for marking.
Course progress is automatically saved in ‘the cloud’, meaning you can resume your learning exactly where you left off in each unit by logging into your My Premier Training Account (MyPTA) account from any device connected to the internet. Additionally, if you don’t have time to complete a piece of coursework in one sitting, you can save your progress, and again, resume it from any location or device.
Premier Training is pleased to offer a free training course on Xero software to anyone who enrols with Premier Training. Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that connects people with the right numbers anytime, anywhere, on any device. For accountants and bookkeepers, Xero helps build a trusted relationship with small business clients through online collaboration. With over 1.5 million subscribers worldwide, Xero has transformed the way businesses operate.
This course is an excellent addition to your CV, and it is FREE, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Premier Training students can also access a range of FREE online short courses, such as Customer Service Fundamentals, Health and Wellness, Information Technology, Professional Skills and Sales & Marketing Courses.
Once qualified, and having met AAT’s criteria, students can apply for full AAT membership, which will allow them to use the designatory letters MAAT after their name.
However, the primary and most important outcome of the Level 4 Diploma in Professional 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 and Expenses Supervisor
• 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.
AAT does not set any AAT entry requirements for this qualification.
However, for the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths. Professional accountants work at the very heart of a business and are expected to be able to communicate information clearly and appropriately to a given audience. Ideally, students should also have completed AAT Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.
Students who have already started an AAT qualification should try to complete their studies on their current programme where possible.
If this is not possible, transitional arrangements may be available. In some cases, students may be able to transfer results for current units to similar units in an updated qualification, although this will be strictly time-limited.
It’s important to check for the latest information to see if transitional arrangements apply.
Course Fees
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (Q2022) Was £905 Now £655
Postage & Packaging (Monday to Friday Delivery) £17
Postage & Packaging (Saturday Delivery) £28
Postage & Packaging Overseas £49
*Please note the overseas P&P of £49 is an estimate and we will confirm the final amount of P&P due when the delivery address has been confirmed. The AAT course fee and P&P can be paid by monthly instalments at no extra charge and the first instalment will get you started immediately (UK students only).
Additional fees to remember
Please note: In order to achieve the AAT qualification, you will need to join the AAT as a student member. The following items are not included in your course fees:
AAT Membership Fee £251
Examination fees*:
AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting Fees vary between approximately £100 and £120 per exam
*Exam fees vary depending on the exam center.
Applied Management Accounting (AMAC) Unit
In today’s world, management accountants are not only required to interpret and analyse data to produce reports. They are also required to have the requisite skills to be able to relate their findings to the organisation and provide insightful feedback that will help the business to move forward and achieve its objectives. This unit focuses on the three fundamental areas of management accounting: planning, control and decision making. All organisations rely on the provision of accurate, business-focused information in order to make sound business judgements.
This unit will allow students to understand how the budgetary process is undertaken. Students will be able to construct budgets and then identify and report both on 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.
Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills across a range of systems that will help to enhance the control environment of the organisation. Appreciating that there are many methods, and understanding how and when it is appropriate to use each of them, will allow students to advise a business in a range of situations.
Students will also gain an appreciation of the methods used to deal with the issues surrounding both short-term and long-term decision making. It is vitally important to understand the different challenges and uncertainties between the two types of decision making. Only by appreciating and incorporating those differences into the analysis produced can a management accountant consider themselves to be an integral part of the decision-making process.
This unit is mandatory in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
Learning outcomes
1. Understand and implement the organisational planning process
2. Use internal processes to enhance operational control
3. Use techniques to aid short-term and long-term decision making
4. Analyse and report on business performance
Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements (DAIF) Unit
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.
On successful completion of this unit, students would be expected to draft the financial statements of single limited companies and groups of companies with little supervision. Students will also acquire the tools and techniques required to analyse and interpret financial statements of limited companies by means of ratio analysis for the purposes of assisting outside user groups in their decision making, thereby fulfilling a useful role within an accounting team.
This unit is mandatory in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
Learning outcomes
1. Understand the reporting frameworks that underpin financial reporting
2. Draft statutory financial statements for limited companies
3. Draft consolidated financial statements
4. Interpret financial statements using ratio analysis
Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (INAC) Unit
All organisations must guard against fraud through good control systems. However, many businesses underestimate both the probability and impact of employee fraud. Those working within the accounts department play a pivotal role in guarding against misuse of resources, and the key aim of this unit is to provide students with the tools to evaluate internal controls and to recommend improvements.
The unit teaches student 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.
The structure of the accounting function, which varies depending on the size of the organisation, must comply with statutory requirements. Students will learn to identify appropriate controls, assess their impact in terms of cost-effectiveness, reliability and timeliness, and ensure that all functions adapt their working practices to meet new requirements in an ethical and sustainable way.
Technology is changing the way that accountancy information is processed, and this unit requires knowledge of the fundamental principles of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), which may be used as an alternative way to gather and analyse information. Cloud accounting is changing the way accountants work and visualisation, including dashboards, is increasingly used to present information in a way that is easier for stakeholders to understand. Data security and breaches are regularly reported in the press, and therefore it is imperative that students are aware of the importance of keeping all data secure and consider the confidential nature of the data that they will be processing as part of their everyday role.
Finally, students will evaluate the impact of changes on the system and its users, identifying different methods of support that can be given to users of the accounting system to assist them in adapting to the recommended improvements.
Learning outcomes
1. Understand the role and responsibilities of the accounting function within an organisation
2. Evaluate internal control systems
3. Evaluate an organisation’s accounting system and underpinning procedures
4. Understand the impact of technology on accounting systems
5. Recommend improvements to an organisation’s accounting system
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting Course Syllabus – Optional Units
Business Tax (BNTA) Unit
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.
In learning how to prepare tax computations, students will gain the skills required to apply the tax treatment of capital expenditure and the adjustment of accounting profits for tax purposes. Students will allocate profits to tax years for ongoing businesses as well as in opening and closing years. In addition, students will allocate profits between partners in a partnership and will calculate National Insurance (NI) contributions for the self-employed, advising clients on the tax implications of making losses.
Students will understand the administrative requirements of UK tax law, including the implications of errors in tax returns, late filing of returns, late payment of tax and not retaining records for the required period. Students will compute tax on the sale of capital assets by companies and will understand the capital gains implications of the sale of a business and the tax reliefs available to businesses.
Tax advice is an important part of many accountancy roles in recognising tax planning opportunities for businesses. Students will discuss the ethical issues facing business owners and managers in reporting their business tax and the responsibilities that an agent has in giving advice on tax issues to business clients.
This unit is optional in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
Learning outcomes
1. Prepare tax computations for sole traders and partnerships
2. Prepare tax computations for limited companies
3. Prepare tax computations for the sale of capital assets by limited companies
4. Understand administrative requirements of the UK’s tax regime
5. Understand the tax implications of business disposals
6. Understand tax reliefs, tax planning opportunities and agent’s responsibilities in reporting taxation to HM Revenue & Customs
Personal Tax (PNTA) Unit
This unit provides students with the fundamental knowledge of the three most common taxes that affect taxpayers in the United Kingdom (UK): income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. With this knowledge, students 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.
Students will study the underpinning theory of taxation and will gain knowledge of taxes that affect every taxpayer in the UK. Within income tax, students will cover employment income, income from investments and income from property. Deductions and reliefs that apply to income tax are covered so that students can compute the net income tax liability for a UK taxpayer. National Insurance completes this topic area.
Students will also study capital gains tax and inheritance tax. The fundamental principles of these taxes will be covered so that students can appreciate how they may affect UK taxpayers.
With their knowledge of these three taxes, students will then understand the taxation implications of decisions made by clients, and understand that advice and guidance may be offered to ensure that the taxpayer is complying with tax legislation.
The overall learning aim of the unit is to equip students with a knowledge of taxation as it applies to UK taxpayers so that accurate and fair taxation liabilities can be computed. It also enables students to appreciate the theory behind taxation, including the ethical aspects as it specifically applies to a taxation practitioner.
This unit is optional in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
Learning outcomes
1. Understand principles and rules that underpin taxation systems
2. Calculate UK taxpayers’ total income
3. Calculate income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers
4. Calculate capital gains tax payable by UK taxpayers
5. Understand the principles of inheritance tax
Audit and Assurance (AUDT) Unit
As many organisations and businesses now operate in the global marketplace, the role of audit and assurance is becoming increasingly important as it is seen as providing a measure of confidence in the rapidly changing accounting and business environment. This is as a result of their impact upon the overall success of a business and achievement of strategic objectives. Audit and assurance services have also come under increased scrutiny from the profession following high-profile corporate failures.
This unit aims to develop a wider understanding of the principles and concepts, including the legal and professional rules of audit and assurance services. The unit will provide students with an awareness of the audit process from planning and risk assessment to the final completion and production of the audit report. The unit also aims to provide a practical perspective on audit and assurance, with an emphasis on the application of audit and assurance techniques to current systems. Students will be equipped with the skills required to undertake an audit under supervision and will gain an understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks and ethical requirements.
Students will explore issues such as independence as well as the audit process, from the initial planning process, including risk assessments and gathering evidence, through to completion and reporting findings. The unit places an emphasis upon the application of techniques to current situations and as such, offers a practical as well as a theoretical perspective. Throughout the unit, the concept of professional scepticism is explored and challenged.
This unit is optional in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. Students will require an understanding of financial accounting, as this knowledge will be used during the practical application of audit techniques.
Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the audit and assurance framework
2. Demonstrate the importance of professional ethics
3. Evaluate the planning process for audit and assurance
4. Evaluate procedures for obtaining sufficient and appropriate evidence
5. Review and report findings
Cash and Financial Management (CSFT) Unit
This unit focuses on the importance of managing cash within organisations and covers the knowledge and skills required to make informed decisions on financing and investment in accordance with organisational policies and external regulations.
Students will identify current and future cash transactions from a range of sources. They will learn how to eliminate non-cash items in the financial information provided. Using various techniques, students will prepare cash budgets considering the timing of transactions required to monitor the flow of cash into and out of organisations.
Understanding the importance of cash management is key to the sustainability of organisations, therefore students will identify shortfalls and surpluses in cash budgets and take appropriate action to deal with them. Students will understand how to reforecast cash budgets and reasons for deviations from budget.
Students will appreciate how an organisation needs to meet its financial obligations to avoid the risk of financial failure and the different methods of financing available to meet short- and long-term financing requirements, along with the types of investments available for surplus funds.
Students will gain an understanding of the external regulations and considerations that relate to cash and finance, including any financing and investment decisions, to comply with an organisation’s policies and principles, which may not be purely focused on maximising wealth.
This unit is optional in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
Learning outcomes
1. Prepare forecasts for cash receipts and payments
2. Prepare cash budgets and monitor cash flows
3. Understand the importance of managing finance and liquidity
4. Understand ways of raising finance and investing funds
5. Understand regulations and organisational policies that influence decisions in managing cash and finance
Credit and Debt Management (CRDM) Unit
This unit provides an understanding and application of the principles of effective credit control systems, including appropriate debt management systems. Organisations will usually offer credit terms to its customers, which could lead to financial difficulties if customers pay late or do not pay at all. It is therefore important to determine that potential credit customers can honour any credit terms agreed.
This unit will consider the techniques that can be used to assess credit risks in line with policies, relevant legislation and ethical principles. Equally, once the credit decision has been approved, it will be important to ensure that any debts due from the customer are paid within the terms agreed. Students will also consider what techniques are used to enable the collection of any overdue debts, following organisational policies, legal procedures and methods for collecting debts.
Knowledge and use of performance measures relating to liquidity, profitability and gearing are fundamental to this unit. Students will also develop their understanding of liquidity management, bankruptcies and insolvencies, as well as the mechanisms of invoice discounting, factoring and credit insurance.
This unit is optional in the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
Learning outcomes
1. Understand relevant legislation and contract law that impacts the credit control environment
2. Understand how information is used to assess credit risk and grant credit in compliance with organisational policies and procedures
3. Understand the organisation’s credit control processes for managing and collecting debts
4. Understand different techniques available to collect debts
In this AAT level 4 Online course you can browse our new course materials for the AAT Q2022 syllabus.
This e-learning software will allow you to study and revise for your final assessment efficiently in a structured format. Your personal timetable sets the pace of your accountancy online course informing you which assignment and assessment needs to be completed by its assigned date. To prepare you for the final assessment each unit contains three assignments and a mock assessment. Between each assignment are study resources such as chapters from study books, videos, quizzes and helpsheets which allow you to gain the relevant knowledge to complete the online assignments.
My experience with Premier Training has been nothing but positive. I signed up for AAT Level 2 Bookkeeping with no prior experience and was learning within a few minutes. Thanks to the amazing learning resources and support I have quickly picked up new skills and confidence, and progressed on to AAT Level 3 Accounting in…
I have been a student of Premier Training since February 2024 – since then I have passed my AAT Level 1 qualification and the first part of my Level 2 Bookkeeping course. I highly recommend using Premier Training as a provider and their exam centre. Anytime I have needed help and guidance the team are…
Premier Training are very helpful and kind. I have found the training very easy to follow and having the ebook, resources and hard copy of the AAT Level 1 Bookkeeping book, the course was straightforward. Videos clarified information and I liked the idea of the practice assessments to support the learning. Results from these were…
Mark has been an absolutely brilliant tutor with me. I suffer with severe anxiety and depression, as well as other long-term chronic illnesses. The ability to be able to study at my own pace via distance learning, but with the amazing support of tutors like Mark, is so valuable to students. He has tailored contact…
I really enjoy my studies with Premier Training. The study material is very detailed and straightforward. My personal tutor is really approachable and helpful with his feedback on my assignments – not to mention always prompt in marking my assignments. Online learning is the best way for me to complete my studies as, with a…
I have now completed Levels 2 & 3 of my AAT qualification with Premier Training and can speak nothing but highly of the service and learning tools provided. The course is extremely flexible, meaning I have been able to continue my studies during major life milestones (including having a baby). With all of the revision…
I have just finished the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping and I am very impressed with the quality of the course. It is very well written and I could very easily understand everything even if my English is not great. I like the videos at the end of each chapter, because it deepens my…
The tutors are super friendly and happy to answer any questions – they’re always quick to reply too. Results come back quickly, often within hours, and the feedback really helps to understand how you might have gone wrong on a question and what you can do to improve marks. The course material is fantastic and…
