Accounting - Advanced Diploma Accounting

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a well-respected and recognised qualification within the accounting profession and employers.

Students who gain this Advanced Diploma as well as the Professional Diploma and who have relevant accounting work experience can apply for membership of the AAT and will normally get exam exemptions from the Chartered Accounting Bodies.

The Advanced Diploma covers more complex financial processes including the preparation of accounts for sole traders and partnerships, VAT, management accounting and costings and professional ethics.

Four mandatory units plus a synoptic exam which includes Ethics and Spreadsheets:

• Financial Accounting: Preparing financial statements

• Management accounting techniques

• Tax processes for Business

• Business Awareness

There are 5 computerised assessments in total which are set by the AAT and taken online at the College. The four units will be marked electronically, and results will be given within a few hours of the exam.

One of the assessments is a synoptic assessment which tests students' knowledge of all the units taught on the course. As this assessment should be taken after all other units have been taught and may take up to 6 weeks for the results to be known, it might not be possible for a student requiring a re-sit on this synoptic assessment to take the re-sit in the same academic year.

You will need to have successfully completed the AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting. Consideration will be given to students who have a suitable alternative qualification in accounting AND have a job role in Finance or Accounting.

Students will also need GCSE maths and English grades A*-C or 9-4.

Students may progress through the AAT levels then to further Accounting qualifications with one of the Chartered bodies. The AAT has close links with various accountancy bodies and exam exemptions may be available if you choose to progress to Chartered level.

Various job roles are available for people holding the Level 3 Diploma: 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.