By Harry Rogers AAT news AAT’s new Level 4 qualification will focus on real-world skills for the future 12 Feb 2026 Employers, tutors and students were brought together at AAT’s head office in Canary Wharf to celebrate the launch of its Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians. The morning event took place on 6 February and was created not only to officially launch the qualification, but to also explore its potential and build early momentum for what will be a transformative qualification for the sector. AAT CEO, Sarah Beale welcomed guests, before they were introduced to the vision, purpose and impact of the new qualification by Product Manager (AQ), Clare Dye. Different panels made up by subject matter experts and key sector employers then explored the qualification’s potential, offering real-world perspectives. This was followed by a networking lunch which concluded the event. Preparing students for modern finance roles With one in three businesses struggling to recruit for finance and accounting roles last year, employers consistently report difficulty finding candidates with the right blend of technical knowledge, problem solving ability and interpersonal skills. The role of an accountant is rapidly changing, so the need for personal skills to coincide with technical ability is where the new qualification comes in. Clare Dye, who spoke to guests on the day about how the qualification will prepare students for accounting roles in the future, said: “The AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians provides the real-world ready skills needed to thrive in a fast-moving finance landscape. “We’ve worked closely with employers, training providers and students to develop something that really enables students to be ready to contribute to business success from day one. “Employers noted this qualification creates a solid foundation for success, building professionals who are ethical, data-savvy and future ready.” Emily Orchard-Pain, who has completed her Level 2 qualification and attended the event, said the qualification is definitely something she will consider in the future. “It was really great to be at the event,” she said. “Everyone was so friendly and I think what really came through for me was the amount of input that AAT looks to get from students, tutors and training providers. “The qualification really feels like a well-rounded course and one that is going to be relevant for students as they’re taking steps into new technology and other issues that we’re facing in all sorts of industries. “I’m also quite excited to see that all the modules are mandatory as I’ve looked ahead when I’ve been planning out my route and thinking about what I will study at level four. It feels fresh and relevant, and I’m looking forward to moving on.” James Wright, Senior Lecturer and Program Leader of Accounting and Finance at the University of Chichester, also attended the event and said: “The level four qualification, in my opinion, is not just for a student who’s fresh out of college or university, but also for students who are maybe later in their career or wanting a change. It really gives you that foundation knowledge.” Co-designed with employers and informed by training providers, the new qualification ensures students gain experience in communicating financial information, applying digital capabilities and the real skills needed for the workplaces of today and the future. As a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), it also means students can access the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, opening up greater flexibility in how they continue their studies. Key takeaways from the launch event The qualification reflects how finance roles now operate: turning data into insight, influencing decisions and shaping business performance. Students are being prepared for how finance teams work today: analytical, commercial, digital and ethically grounded. A single, mandatory core gives employers, providers and students clarity on what a Level 4 professional can do. Therefore, there is no variation and no ambiguity. The qualification is designed for where finance is going: greater use of data, stronger controls, strategic contribution and professional judgement. This is a deliberate step forward for students, providers and employers by raising capability while supporting a smooth, collective transition. What modules make up the Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians? There are two units which make up 50% of the qualification which target business acumen. These units will develop the critical thinking and broader perspective required for strategic advisory roles. They are: Financial Accounting (weighting 25%), this includes: drafting financial statements (single entity) in line with international standards, interpreting financial statements using ratio analysis and analysing performance. Management Accounting (weighting 25%), this includes: use of cost and management accounting techniques to aid control, critically evaluating organisational performance, short/ long-term decision-making support, budgeting and forecasting, as well as skills to monitor and manage liquidity. Another three units then make up the rest of the qualification which targets technical skills that confirm the student’s ability to handle complex computational tasks with precision. These are: Audit and Internal Controls (weighting 15%), this includes: evaluating internal control systems, understanding risk and compliance, along with reporting audit findings Principles of Taxation (weighting 15%), this includes: calculations for UK taxpayers (Income Tax, Capital Gains), identifying tax planning, tax avoidance, tax evasion and money laundering, as well as Corporation Tax calculations. Advanced Business Awareness (weighting 20%), this includes: strategy, ethics and sustainability, using complex business concepts to support informed decisions, along with Technology and data privacy. Registrations for the Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians will open on 1 September 2026. For more information go to aat.org.uk/BeFutureReady Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.