AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians (HTQ) for Adults

Level 4

Course Code: P038266

Key Information

  • Course type:

    Vocational

  • Campus:

    Highbury Campus

  • Next Start Date:

    25/01/2027 (Evening)

  • Duration:

    1 year

  • Attendance:

    Part-time

  • Fees:

    £2,573.00

Level 4 AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting (Daytime)

The AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians, taught at City of Portsmouth College, is a nationally recognised Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) designed for those who wish to develop advanced accounting and finance skills and progress into senior accounting roles.

This qualification has been developed in partnership with employers and is aligned to the Professional Accounting Technician occupational standard, ensuring you gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours valued by industry. Successful completion can support progression into roles such as Professional Accounting Technician, Assistant Management Accountant, Senior Finance Officer, Commercial Analyst and other higher-level finance positions.

If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil AAT's work experience requirements, you can apply for full AAT membership and use the letters MAAT after your name. ​

This course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education through a flexible blended learning model that combines online learning with weekly evening classes at City of Portsmouth College. ​​

You will develop advanced accounting and finance knowledge, building on the skills gained at Level 3.

Topics include financial accounting, management accounting, audit and internal controls, the principles of taxation and advanced business awareness.

You will learn how to:

  • prepare and interpret financial statements
  • apply budgeting and management accounting techniques
  • support business decision-making through financial analysis
  • understand taxation principles affecting individuals and organisations
  • evaluate risk, internal controls and audit processes
  • develop professional communication, ethical awareness and business skills
  • apply digital technologies and data analysis within finance environments.

You'll also learn broader professional themes including sustainability, ethics, digital innovation, communication and inclusion, helping prepare students for a modern accounting profession. 

This qualification is recognised as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) by Skills England and has been approved against employer-led occupational standards. HTQs are designed to provide high-level technical skills that employers need and can support progression into employment, apprenticeships or further professional study. 

Benefits include:

  • industry-recognised accounting qualification
  • employer-focused curriculum
  • development of advanced accounting and finance skills
  • progression towards professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or ACA
  • eligibility to apply for AAT full membership (MAAT)
  • flexible blended learning delivery.

You should normally hold:

  • AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, or
  • An equivalent accounting qualification

All applications will be considered individually and may be subject to an interview with the course tutor.

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this qualification through our flexible online and on-campus model.

Online, you will study high-quality video lessons and learning materials that can be accessed at a time and place that suits you. Lessons are supported by interactive resources, practice activities and assessment preparation materials.

On campus, you will attend weekly evening classes with an experienced lecturer who will review learning, provide additional teaching and support your progress towards assessment and achievement.

This flexible approach allows you to balance study alongside work and other commitments while still benefiting from face-to-face tutor support.

The qualification is assessed through computer-based examinations for each unit.

Assessments are designed to test both technical accounting knowledge and the practical application of skills required in the workplace.

Successful completion can support progression to:

  • Professional Accounting Technician roles
  • Senior Finance Assistant positions
  • Assistant Management Accountant roles
  • Finance Officer and Analyst roles
  • Professional accountancy qualifications including ACCA, CIMA and ACA

The qualification also provides a strong foundation for further higher-level study and professional development. 

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.
Good to know:

We work hard to keep our course information up to date. Occasionally we may make small changes to course content, start dates, locations or fees to keep our courses current and relevant. If anything important changes after you apply, we’ll always let you know.

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