AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting - Level 3
Overview
This covers a range of essential and complex accounting tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.
The course is a blended delivery model, combining the latest online learning resources with weekly classroom classes on-campus.
AAT accountancy courses are designed to teach you practical skills that you can transfer directly to your workplace or aid your career progression.
An AAT qualification offers you a professional status that reflects the skills you’ve worked so hard to gain. So, when employers see the letters MAAT after your name, they’ll know they’re dealing with a credible, up-to-date professional.
As a member of the AAT, you’ll have the support of the largest professional body for accounting technicians worldwide.
Start dates and fees
The course will take place on a Tuesday evening.
You will need to purchase an AAT student membership at the appropriate level for your course. The membership fee lasts for the whole duration of the qualification. This will be available on the AAT website aat.org.uk
This course may be available free of charge to anyone meeting the eligibility criteria for the Lifetime Skills Guarantee programme.
The table below shows you the week in which the course starts. You may be charged a fee for your course depending on your age and circumstances. If you are aged 24 or over and studying a qualifying Level 3,4 or 5 course you may be able to apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to cover the costs.
The total fee is the cost of one year only.
What will I study?
Business Awareness
- Understand business types, structures and governance, and the legal framework in which they operate
- Understand the impact of the external and internal environment on businesses, their performance and decisions
- Understand how businesses and accountant comply with principles of professional ethics
- Understand the impact of new technologies in accounting and the risks associated with data security
- Communicate information to stakeholders
Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
- Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets
- Record period end adjustments
- Produce and extend the trial balance
- Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships
- Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios
Management Accounting Techniques
- Use techniques required for dealing with costs
- Investigate deviations from budgets
- Use spreadsheet techniques to provide management accounting information
- Use management accounting techniques to support short term decision making
- Understand principles of cash management
Tax Processes for Businesses
- Understanding legislation requirements relating to VAT
- Calculate VAT
- Review and verify VAT returns
- Understand principles of payroll
Entry requirements
Level 2 qualification in accounting.
This course is for learners aged 19+ only. If you are aged16-18 and wishing to pursue a career in accounting, please consider a Level 2 business course or an apprenticeship.
How long is the course?
This is a part-time course that runs over one year on a Tuesday evening.
How will I be assessed?
- External assessment in each of the units.
- If you are an external student and want to sit the Spreadsheet Software Assessment (Excel) at the college you are required to attend an assessment preparation class. Please email sally.willey@wnc.ac.uk or call 01623 0900128 for more details.
What does the course lead to?
AAT qualifications are recognised by employers as practical and technical qualifications that prepare students for the world of work and for working specifically in accountancy and finance roles. Find out more about where AAT can take you in your career.
This course can lead to employment as:
- Accounts assistant
- Accounts payable and expenses supervisor
- Accounts payable clerk
- Assistant accountant
- Audit trainee
- Bookkeeper
- Credit controller
- Finance assistant
- Payroll administrator
- Payroll supervisor
- Practice bookkeeper
- Tax assistant
What can I progress onto?
You can progress onto the Level 4 AAT qualification also available at the college.
Career opportunities