PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS - LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA (HTQ)
Awarded By: AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
Duration: 18 months
Level: Level 4
This level 4 Professional Accouting Technician qualification is designed for those looking for advanced technical and professional skills in both management and financial accounting, that employers demand in today's evolving finance sector.
You'll learn how to prepare and interpret financial statements, manage budgets, and evaluate financial performance, while also developing the confidence to analyse and communicate financial insights that support decision-making.
Alongside technical development, the course integrates six key professional themes—sustainability, ethics, digital innovation, communication, regulation, and equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB)—preparing you to work responsibly and effectively in a changing, technology-driven world shaped by AI and digital transformation.
Core units include Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Audit and Internal Controls, Principles of Taxation, and Advanced Business Awareness.
On completion, you will be well prepared for progression into roles such as Senior Finance Officer, Assistant Financial Accountant, or Tax Supervisor.
Course Information
Duration: September 2026 - March 2028 or January 2027 - June 2028
When: Tuesday, 9am - 4.05pm
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The key units covered on this course include:
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Audit and Internal Controls
Principles of Taxation
Advanced Business Awareness
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?
Each session is delivered in accordance with industry standards set by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), providing opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed to progress onto higher levels of study or employment roles with additional responsibilities.
Further independent learning will be required in addition to the taught sessions in college.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
This course is based on learning and applying theory within a set exam. Knowledge and skills are tested via computer based assessments (CBAs), run entirely on PCs or laptops. To achieve competency each exam requires 70% to pass.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
Tuition fees: £2,573*, plus £320 for exam and registration fees.
(You may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fees for this course.) For January 2027 intake, you may be funded through your Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). You can discuss this further with a career advisor.
AAT Membership: You will be expected to register as a student member of the AAT and pay the relevant registration and membership fees. Membership costs up to £257 (pricing correct at date of publication - please see AAT website for further information).
Academic Books: approximately£178, books can be purchased directly from the College or elsewhere.
*Please note: 2026-2027 tuition fees have not yet been confirmed and therefore may be subject to change.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
To qualify as a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT), it is necessary to complete Levels 3 and 4 and to have completed appropriate accounting or financial work experience. Upon completion of the Level 4 students can look to undertake CIMA for student wishing to progress into Management accounting. Students looking to progress onto a chartered accountant are able to study ACCA.
Please note the CIMA and ACCA are not an offer at Preston College.
Job roles available on successful completion of a Level 4 qualification includes: Assistant Financial Accountant, Commercial Analyst, Cost Accountant, Fixed Asset Accountant, Indirect Tax Manager, Payments and Billings Manager, Payroll Manager, Senior Book Keeper, Senior Finance Officer, Senior Insolvency Administrator, Senior Fund Accountant, Tax Supervisor and VAT Accountant.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
Mode of Study: 18 months duration. Running on a Tuesday from 9.00am - 4:05pm. The timetable for 2026-27 academic year may be subject to change.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry on to the course will require you to have previously achieved a Level 3 Accounting qualification. Current accounting experience may be considered in lieu of a formal qualification. This will be discussed at application suibmission.
You will also be required to undertake an accounting skills assessment as part of the admissions process. It is also recommended that you hold a Maths and English Level 2 qualification (either Functional Skills or GCSE grade 4).
