AAT Diploma in Accounting - Level 4

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is an established and well-respected international accountancy body with a growing membership totalling 120,000.

The qualification combines the theoretical knowledge required for accountancy with practical skills needed in the work place and it is this emphasis on skills that makes AAT highly valued and respected in the work place

Having qualified for those who wish to continue to take ACCA or CIMA the AAT Technician qualification gives exemptions for the Foundation level. AAT is also the non-graduate route into charted accountancy. One in 12 charted accountants now qualifies via the AAT route.

This is the final stage of the AAT series leading to an entitlement to use the designating letters MAAT (Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians). It is a natural progression for Diploma Level 3 AAT students who wish to complete this professional accountancy course.

If you do not have the AAT Diploma Level 3 qualification and want to join at Diploma Level 4 level, you must speak to the Course Coordinator Jackie Chapelow during term time (before 10th July or after 26th August) on 020 8607 8120 or email jchapelow@rutc.ac.uk. During the holidays please contact Jackie Chapelow by email but please be aware that you may not receive an immediate reply. If you still need to speak to Jackie please come along to our enrolment evening - details in our Course Guide for Adults.

This level covers 3 four compulsory units Units 1-4 and two optional units. One of the compulsory units Internal Control and Accounting Systems is assessed through a 4,000 word project). Students must set aside sufficient time to work independently, throughout the year particularly before Easter to complete the project.

The six units that make up this qualification are:
• Unit 1 - Financial Statements
• Unit 2 - Budgeting
• Unit 3 - Financial Performance
• Unit 4 - Internal Control and Accounting Systems

It is planned that students will take the following optional units:
• Unit 5 - Credit Management and Control
• Unit 6 - External Auditing

If there is sufficient demand you will have the option of taking Personal Tax instead of either Unit 5 or 6.

You will be to:
• collect, analyse and interpret information to help managers in controlling costs
• monitor accounting information
• draft and prepare budget proposals for management
• identify opportunities for improving the effectiveness of an accounting system
• draft financial statements
• monitor, control and manage cash budgets
• contribute and plan towards an audit

The teaching involves lectures, discussions and lots of worked examples. With regard to your project you will be assigned a mentor to guide your progress.

Internal Control and Accounting Systems and Credit Management and Control are both assessed through students submitting a project. All other units are assessed via a computerised examination which is available on demand.

Throughout the course your teacher will record your progress and provide informal, regular feedback throughout the course. At the end of your study programme you will be asked to self assess your own progress and achievement against the expected achievements as outlined above.

You will have constant contact with your teacher throughout the length of the course and there will be an opportunity to evaluate your course at the end. In addition classes will be tasked to appoint two students as representatives for their courses to meet regularly with the college management

As a qualified AAT Technician you would look at profit and loss, trial balance and the analysis of accounting. You would supervise purchases and sales ledgers and management and financial accounts. You might work as the company bookkeeper in a management capacity. You could work in a supervisory role in the accounts department in the public sector or for a large or small commercial organisation. You might be employed by a professional accountancy firm or, of course, run your own business.

This qualification will also lead to exemptions at ACCA and CIMA which are also offered at the College and the non-graduate route to chartered accountancy.

www.aat.org.uk

Course fee: £1100

Registration and Exam Fees: £284

You will only need to speak to Jackie Chapelow, the Programme Manager, if you wish to join the AAT Intermediate or Technician stage courses without completing and passing the previous levels. She can be contacted by on 020 8607 8120 during term time (before 10th July or after 26th August) or email jchapelow@rutc.ac.uk anytime.

You can get additional information at www.aat.org.uk/jobsearch
You may enrol in any of the following ways:
Post – anytime before the start of the course Please send in your completed application form and cheque or credit card details for the full tuition and exam fees to Courses Information Unit, Richmond upon Thames College, Egerton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7SJ. We will confirm that you have a place on the course.

Telephone – anytime before the start of the course. Please telephone 020 8607 8305/8314 with your credit card details and we will confirm the availability of places and enrol you on the course.

In person - You can come into the college anytime during the working day to enrol. Please ask for Courses Information Unit.

Employer paying – If your employer is paying your fees you should complete the appropriate section on the enrolment form and we will invoice direct. current benefit should be provided anytime after 1st August and not later than two weeks before the start of the course, otherwise full payment of the fees will be required. If you are claiming a fee waiver on the grounds of age you will need to provide evidence of your date of birth.

Advice and Enrolment evenings – 5.30pm-7.30pm
Thursday 9th September for all courses

If you have not already spoken to one of the teaching staff and you would like to speak to the course coordinator before enrolling, please visit the college during one of the enrolment evenings. You will need to pay your tuition fees during the evening. You will need to have your photograph taken for your ID card either during enrolment or before the first class. All students must complete full enrolment before attending any classes.