AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting Level 4

"Course Content The course is split into 10 units, with unit 10 being an additional revision unit for the synoptic assessment. Units 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 are mandatory units and you will then pick two specialist units from a selection of the remaining five: Unit 1: Management accounting: budgeting In this unit, you will learn how to prepare forecasts of income and expenditure, how to prepare budgets and report budgetary information to management and learn about the different ways you can demonstrate how budgeting can improve organisational performance. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at a local centre of your choice. Topics from this unit may also appear within the synoptic assessment. Unit 2: Management accounting: decision and control This unit covers the skills and techniques used in accounting when making decisions and managing accounts. You will learn how to analyse costing techniques, calculate standard costing, analyse business information and evaluate a range of cost management techniques. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at one of our centres (Lincoln/Newark). Topics from this unit may also appear within the synoptic assessment. Unit 3: Financial statements of limited companies In this unit, you will explore key aspects of financial statements, such as the reporting frameworks and ethical principles that underpin financial reporting and the key features of a published set of financial statements. You will also learn how to draft statutory financial statements for a limited company and consolidated financial statements. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at one of our centres (Lincoln/Newark). Topics from this unit may also appear within the synoptic assessment. Unit 4: Business tax In this unit you will learn how to complete tax returns for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships. Once you have completed this unit, you will be able to provide advice on the UK’s tax regime and advise business clients on tax reliefs, as well as prepare tax computations for sales. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at one of our centres (Lincoln/Newark). Unit 5: Personal tax This unit looks at how to analyse the theories, principles and rules that underpin taxation systems, how to calculate a UK taxpayer’s total income, national insurance and income tax. You will also look at the basics of inheritance tax within this unit. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at one of our centres (Lincoln/Newark). Unit 6: External auditing In this unit you will look at how to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of auditing and the importance of professional ethics. You will learn how to evaluate the audit entity’s system of internal control and audit procedures. This unit also covers key aspects of the planning process and audit procedures. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at one of our centres (Lincoln/Newark). Unit 7: Cash and treasury management This unit covers the use of statistical techniques and financial information to prepare forecasts of cash receipts and payments, and the preparation of cash budgets. You will learn how to evaluate the principles of cash management and the different ways of investing surplus funds within organisational policies. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at one of our centres (Lincoln/Newark). Unit 8: Credit management Completing this unit will enable you to analyse relevant legislation and contract law, critically analyse information from a variety of sources, evaluate a range of techniques to collect debts and critically evaluate credit control alongside organisational policies and procedures. On completion of this unit, you will sit a computer-based test at one of our centres (Lincoln/Newark). Unit 9: Accounting systems and controls (synoptic unit) In this unit you will explore the role and responsibilities of the accounting function in an organisation. You will learn how to evaluate internal control systems and an organisation’s accounting system. After completing this unit, you will be able to analyse recommendations made to improve an organisation’s accounting system. Once you have completed this unit and Unit 10, you will be ready to sit your synoptic exam. Unit 10: Synoptic assessment preparation This is an additional bonus unit that has been created to prepare you for the synoptic examination. You will recap all the key points you learnt about in units 1, 2 and 3. This allows you to revise appropriately for the synoptic examination until you feel fully prepared."""