Finance Officers
Up to £43,408Finance officers oversee book-keeping, general accounting and other financial and related clerical functions mainly within local government and a variety of public sector organisations.
The Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians offers technical training in accounting and is ideal for anyone wishing to pursue a career in accountancy or finance.
The purpose of the qualification is to enhance the skills developed from the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting enabling students to maximise their employment opportunities.
By studying this qualification, students will acquire professional accountancy and financial skills that will be useful throughout their careers, including:
- drafting financial statements
- having the knowledge and skills to use complex management accounting techniques
- the ability to analyse internal control systems as part of the audit process
- carry out tax calculations for UK taxpayers and companies
- the ability to analyse and interpret financial and accounting information to assist with decision making
- how to use complex business concepts and practices to support informed decisions, improve organisational effectiveness, and contribute to sustainable business practices.
Also at our other colleges
Across the group
Next steps at our other colleges
University Campus Doncaster
North Lindsey College
University Campus North Lincolnshire
What You’ll Learn
Course Structure
The Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians will enable students to become confident with a wide range of financial and management accounting skills and applications, and will gain competencies in drafting financial statements, reviewing and reporting audit findings, and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports.
Students will also gain a sound understanding of the UK tax regime and will be able to carry out key tax calculations for both individual UK taxpayers and for companies.
Finally, students will be equipped with practical business skills through study of strategy and decision making, personal effectiveness, professional ethics, and sustainable business practices.
Alongside these core skills, six green themes run through the qualification, ensuring students develop the broader skills and awareness needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. These future-focused themes go beyond technical knowledge, embedding practical mindsets that prepare students to:
- navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes
- think critically, resolve conflicts, and uphold the highest ethical standards
- champion sustainability in business
- foster equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging
- harness digital innovation for smarter decisions
- communicate financial information with clarity and confidence.
Together, these themes form a powerful foundation for a career that is not only successful, but impactful.
The course aligns in full to the Professional Accounting Technicians occupational standard.
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
This qualification includes five mandatory units:
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Audit and Internal Controls
- Principles of Taxation
- Advanced Business Awareness
Students must successfully complete five end-of-unit assessments to achieve this qualification. The proportion of this qualification assessed by external assessment is 100%.
All assessments in this qualification:
- are set and marked by AAT (with the exception of RPL, which is marked by the training provider)
- are computer based
- are time-limited
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
Financial and Accounting Technicians
Up to £126,904Financial and accounting technicians work alongside accountants and other financial professionals in managing the financial affairs of organisations.
Book-keepers, Payroll Managers and Wages Clerks
Up to £42,597Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks maintain and balance records of financial transactions, oversee the operation of payroll functions and calculate hours worked, wages due and other relevant contributions and deductions.
Credit Controllers
Up to £36,111Credit controllers perform financial, administrative and other tasks in relation to credit control and debt collection.
With further study or experience
Where this course can lead in time
- Chartered and Certified Accountants
- Finance and Investment Analysts and Advisers
- Management Consultants and Business Analysts
- Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
- Financial Managers and Directors
Your progression pathway
Before this
Level 3 qualification
This course
Level 4 Level 4 Professional Accounting AAT Diploma
Student Voice
“
This course has helped me improve my communication and computer skills, make new friends, and feel more confident about finding a job with my qualification. The lecturers are really kind and help with everything.
Progression
Progression
The primary and most important outcome of the Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians is that it can lead to a wide variety of highly skilled accountancy and finance jobs, some of which include:
- Accountant
- Assistant Auditor
- Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
- Assistant Financial Accountant
- Assistant Management Accountant
- Commercial Analyst
- Finance Adviser
- Junior Analyst
- Professional Accounting Technician
Costs
Course Fees
UK
The full costs for the course they are as follows:
• 19 + – £2,573
The course fees will include your membership to AAT, all materials for the course and all exam fees for 1 sitting and one resit per exam should you need it. This does not include books. It is suggested that you should buy books, but not MANDATORY.
Please Note Course Fees are subject to change.
For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 4
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Part-Time
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Applications are open. Apply online in minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 7575