AAT Levels 3 & 4 in Accounting

Is the AAT Level 3 & Level 4 in Accounting Package suitable for me?

If you’re looking to work towards your AAT Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Accounting you must have gained some experience working in accounting, or if you currently have a relevant qualification in level 2 accounting or equivalent and are looking to gain the advanced qualification, this course is for you.

Due to the nature of this course, we also recommend that students:

•    Are at least 16 years old (or have the consent of a parent or guardian).
•    Have a solid understanding of the English language.
•    Are comfortable with mathematics.
•    Have access to a PC or Laptop (This course is both Mac and Windows compatible)

What can I expect from a job in accounting?

At this level, you will be very comfortable working on high level accounting tasks required of a Finance Officer or Senior Accountant, where responsibilities may include:

•    Reviewing financial reports.
•    Reconciling account balances and bank statements.
•    Maintaining general ledger and preparing month-end close procedures.
•    Managing cash controls.
•    Producing error-free accounting reports and presenting results.

What jobs can I apply for after my AAT training? 

When you have completed your AAT Level 3 and Level 4 training and exams, you can apply for senior accounting roles or move into the accounting industry for those new to the industry or considering how to get into accounting.  It will take you approximately 12 months to complete AAT Level 3 and 15 months to complete AAT Level 4.   

Typical job roles at this level include:

• Senior Bookkeeper - £31,000
• Accounts Payable/Expenses Supervisor - £33,000
• Commercial Analyst - £34,000
• Senior Finance Officer - £37,000
• VAT Accountant - £37,000
• Payments & Billing Manager - £39,000
• Payroll Manager - £40,000
• Cost Accountant - £40,000
• Fixed Asset Accountant - £45,000
• Indirect Tax Manager - £56,000

(Source: Payscale)

You’ll also be able to apply for AATQB status and apply for professional MAAT status. Both allow you to have the letters AATQB and MAAT after your name and be able to submit final balances for a variety of organisations.

AAT Salaries

Salaries for AAT certified professionals in the UK has risen this year. The average salary by job level has been outlined below: 

• Administrator - £20,000
• Accounts/Finance Assistant - £21,989
• Accounts/Finance Officer - £27,000
• Team Leader/Supervisor - £28,000
• Junior Manager - £31,000
• Middle Manager - £36,000
• Director/Senior Manager - £46,000

Services you will be certified to offer

When you have earned your AAT Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications, you can set up your own business and apply to provide both level 3 and level 4 services. These services include:

AAT Licensed Bookkeeper (Level 3) - bookkeeping, financial accounts, VAT, computerised accountancy systems, and payroll.  

AAT Licensed Accountant (Level 4) - All the above plus: financial accounts and accounts preparation for statutory purposes, budgeting and forecasting, management accounting, personal and business income tax, inheritance, capital gains and corporation tax, limited assurance engagement, independent examination, company secretarial services, Internal audit, and forensic accounting.    

Designatory Letters

Earning your AAT Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications will give you the opportunity to apply for AATQB and professional MAAT status, letting you use the designatory letters AATQB and MAAT after your name. These designatory letters show you have gained the skills, experience, and knowledge to work that employers are looking for, which can result in an increase in your earning potential. You can also now legally submit final balances for a variety of organisations.

AATQB (gained with AAT Level 3) - Once you have completed AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, you can apply to earn your AATQB status, and can use the designatory letters AATQB after your name. You can then apply to run your own practice as an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.

MAAT (gained with AAT Level 4) - When you have earned your level 4 qualification, you can apply to earn your MAAT status and use the designatory letters MAAT after your name. You can then apply for a licence to run your own practice as an AAT Licensed Accountant or Bookkeeper.

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting Syllabus

Building on the skills and techniques you developed throughout Level 2, the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting will enable you to understand and perform more complex accounting processes, such as advanced double-entry bookkeeping, implementing procedures for acquisition and disposal of non-current assets, preparing and recording depreciation calculations, and more!

The 4 modules that you’ll cover throughout this course, are:

•    Unit 1 - Business Awareness
•    Unit 2 – Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
•    Unit 3 - Management Accounting Techniques
•    Unit 4 – Tax Processes for Businesses

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification Syllabus

The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification comprises three mandatory units: an assessment, and a choice of five optional units. You’ll need to complete all the mandatory units and two of the five optional units, to complete the course. The assessment fees are not included in the cost of the course.

It’s best to complete the mandatory units first, before deciding which optional units you'll want to study.

We include the study text so that you have everything you need to learn, including study and exam revision kits so that you can test yourself at home and be sure you’re fully prepared for the exam.

As this course is delivered via textbook, your course will not expire, meaning you can take the exams when you’re ready.

Mandatory Units

• Mandatory Unit 1- Applied Management Accounting
• Mandatory Unit 2 - Drafting and interpreting Financial Statements
• Mandatory Unit 3- Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Optional Units

• Optional Unit 1 - Business Tax
• Optional Unit 2 - Personal Tax
• Optional Unit 3 - Audit and Assurance
• Optional Unit 4 - Cash and Financial Management
• Optional Unit 5 - Credit and Debt Management

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting Exam Details

Your course contains all the support and resources you need to pass your exams with flying colours. You will have access to mock papers, past recorded sessions, and the ability to contact your tutor with any questions you may have. Online classes cover revision sessions and practice papers on all the modules needed to pass your exams such as Business Awareness, Management Accounting Techniques and Audit and Assurance.

There are 4 computer-based exams in total, which will need to be taken at your local AAT test centre.

Exams

•    Business Awareness (2 hours 30 mins)
•    Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements (2 hours 30 mins)
•    Management Accounting Techniques (2 hours 30 minutes)
•    Tax Processes for Businesses (1 Hour 30 minutes)

The exam format includes multiple-choice questions, selecting answers from a drop-down menu and typing numbers and text into form fields.

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting Assessment Details

Mandatory Assessments

• Applied Management Accounting (3hrs)
• Drafting and interpreting Financial Statements (2hrs 30min)
• Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (2hrs 30 min)

Optional Exams

• Business Tax (2 hrs)
• Personal Tax (2hrs)
• Audit and Assurance (2hrs 30min)
• Cash and Financial Management (2hrs)
• Credit and Debt Management (2hrs)

Questions include multiple-choice, selecting answers from a drop-down menu and typing numbers into form fields. For some assessments, you will be required to type essay-style answers with the Synoptic assessment.

AAT Membership

Membership is not included in this course but will be required to sit exams. As a student AAT member, you will benefit from: 

• Access to AAT learning portal
• Green light tests to check if you’re exam ready
• Helplines to support you throughout your career
• Free events
• Discussion forums
• Exclusive networking events
• And more…

Pass Rates

We’re proud to have achieved some of the highest pass marks in the UK. 

•  AAT Level 2: National pass rate is 85.0% | e-Careers pass rate is 91.2%
•  AAT Level 3: National pass rate is 75.0% | e-Careers pass rate is 87.6%
•  AAT Level 4: National pass rate is 68.8% | e-Careers pass rate is 82.2%

AAT Exams Update - COVID-19

Covid restrictions for England and Wales have now been removed. Please check with your local exam centre for advice on COVID-19 processes

What is the TOTUM PRO Card?

This course is eligible for the TOTUM PRO Card, which is the replacement of the card commonly known as the NUS card, which offers discounts in a wide range of shops and websites, helping you get money off food, holidays and flights, clothes, make-up gym memberships and much more. TOTUM PRO card is aimed at professional learners, giving you access to exclusive discounts.