About the course
This qualification covers a range of essential and higher-level accounting techniques and disciplines. Students will learn and develop skills needed for a range of financial processes, including maintaining cost accounting records, advanced bookkeeping and the preparation of financial reports and returns.
Whether progressing from AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, progressing from another book keeping qualification, or joining the course with work experience, with this course you will master more complex financial processes, including final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, management accounting, professional ethics and spreadsheets, making it perfect for anyone interested in a career in book keeping, or who wants to go on to become a fully qualified accountant.
Is there funding?
There is funding available to support this training for students who do not hold an existing Full Level 3 qualification or in receipt of any benefits or low wage (less than £25,000 (£30,491 for CPCA) gross per annum). If this is not the case for you then the course fee of £2,573 would be payable. This can be paid in instalments, paid via invoice by an Employer or you can apply for an Advance Learner Loan personally.
Will I have to do any work at home?
Yes, we recommend spending as much time studying at home as you do in the classroom. So, if you spend one day per week in class, you should also spend one day on self-study spread across the week.
What will I need to provide?
A basic calculator and something to write with. You will require the use of a computer outside of the classes.
Are there any other costs?
Yes, you are also required to register with AAT - the current fee is £235. Any re-sits of AAT exams are charged at rate of £80 per sitting.
Non-completion of the course (including the taking of examinations) or failure to attend 3 consecutive sessions without notification may result in a charge of £225.
Entry requirements
Unlike other qualifications there are no entry requirements with AAT and you don't need relevant work experience. This means that this course is ideal if you are leaving school, returning to work or thinking about a change in career. Useful strengths include confidence with numbers, time management, attention to detail and an ability to problem solve.
If you have not completed AAT level 2, but have some work experience in accounting/finance, it is advisable to undertake the AAT skills check prior to application, which can be found on this weblink, http://www.aatskillcheck.org/home.aspx, alternatively send us an email to adultskillsinfo@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk and one of our tutors will help advise.
Qualifications
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting awarded in conjunction with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
What you'll learn (core modules)
The course covers 4 modules over the year:
Business Awareness
This unit provides students with an understanding of the business, its environment and the influences that this has on an organisation's structure, the role of its accounting function and its performance. Students will examine the purpose and types for businesses that exist and the rights and responsibilities of the key stakeholders, as well as gain an understanding of the importance of professional ethics and ethical management within the finance function. Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 15%.
Learning outcomes
Understand business types, structure and governance and the legal framework in which they operate.
Understand the impact of the external and internal environments on business, their performance and decisions.
Understand how businesses and accounts 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
This unit provides students with the skills required to produce statements of profit or loss and statements for financial position for sole traders and partnerships, using a trial balance. Students will gain the double-entry bookkeeping skills needed to record financial transactions into an organisation's accounts using a manual bookkeeping system. Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 40%.
Learning outcomes
Understand the accounting principles underlaying final accounts preparation.
Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping.
Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets.
Prepare and record depreciation calculations.
Record period end adjustments.
Produce and extend the trial balance.
Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships.
Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios.
Prepare accounting records from incomplete information.
Management Accounting Techniques
This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the role of management accounting in an organisation, and how organisations use such information to aid decision making. Students will learn the principles that underpin management accounting methodology and techniques, how costs are handled in organisations and why organisations treat costs in different ways. Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 30%.
Learning outcomes
Understand the purpose and use of management accounting within organisations.
Use techniques required for dealing with costs.
Attribute costs according to organisational requirements.
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
This unit explores tax processes that influence the daily operations of businesses and is designed to develop students' skills in understanding, preparing and submitting Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The unit provides students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to keep businesses, employers and clients compliant with laws and practices that apply to VAT and payroll. Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 15%.
Learning outcomes
Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.
Calculate VAT.
Review and verify VAT returns.
Understand principles of payroll.
Report information within the organisation.
All of the above modules will be assessed individually via a computer based exam, the pass mark is 70% for each exam.
How will I be assessed?
Your tutor will assess your progress in a variety of ways, by checking your understanding in the classroom, setting mock exams and setting questions. The exams at the end of each unit are externally marked by AAT and you will receive a score each time you sit an exam. The pass rate for all exams is 70%.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
West Suffolk College Ipswich
11 Fore Street
Ipswich
IP4 1JW
(Sat Nav: IP4 1JG)
Where will this course take me?
You may wish to progress to the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma, or this qualification could enable you to find one of the following job roles:
Accounts assistant
Accounts payable clerk
Audit trainee
Credit controller
Payroll administrator/supervisor
Practice bookkeeper
Finance assistant
Tax assistant
Accounts payable and expenses supervisorHow much will it cost?
The course cost £2375.00 + AAT registration fee (£235).
There is funding available to support this training for 19+ students who do not hold an existing Full Level 3 or equivalent qualification or are in receipt of any benefits or low wage (less than £25,000 (CPCA £30,491) gross per annum). If this is not the case then the course fee would be payable. This can be paid in instalments, paid via invoice by an Employer or you can apply for an Advance Learner Loan personally.
If you need help with funding
There is funding available to support this training for students who do not hold an existing Full Level 3 qualification or in receipt of any benefits or low wage (less than £25,000 (£30,491 for CPCA) gross per annum). If this is not the case for you then the course fee of £2,573 would be payable. This can be paid in instalments, paid via invoice by an Employer or you can apply for an Advance Learner Loan personally. You can e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please "APPLY ONLINE" now to secure your place on the course.
Days & times
Starting 08/01/2025
Wednesday 09:15 - 16:30