About the course
This qualification will develop complex skills and knowledge necessary to work in a bookkeeping role or to progress to higher level accountancy roles or study. Students completing this qualification will become competent in financial processes including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and preparing financial statements. They will also be introduced to business issues regarding payroll and value added tax (VAT), including an understanding of the documents and reports produced on payroll software, timescales for submissions and payments.
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 are 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 £1512 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 £94. 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
AAT does not set any prerequisites for the study of the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping. However, for the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and Maths.
If you have not completed AAT level 2, but have relevant 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and one of our tutors will help advise.
Qualifications
AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping awarded in conjunction with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
What you'll learn (core modules)
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 organisations accounts using a manual bookkeeping system. Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 70%.
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.
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 & Customs. The unit provides students with the knowledge and skills 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: 30%.
Learning outcomes
Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.
Calculate VAT.
Review and verify VAT returns.
Understand principals of payroll.
Report information within the organisation.
Students must successfully complete two unit assessments to achieve this qualification.
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)
In the classroom, face to face at West Suffolk College Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JW.
Where will this course take me?
You may wish to progress to the AAT Level 3 Diploma in accounting, or this qualification could enable you to find one of the following job roles:
Professional bookkeeper
Senior bookkeeper
Accounts manager
Ledger managerHow much will it cost?
The course costs £1512.00 although there is government funding available. Please send your enquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will clarify if you are eligible.
If you need help with funding
There is funding available to support this training for students who are 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 £1512 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 send in your enquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will contact you shortly.
Days & times
Starting 08/01/2025
Wednesday 09:15 - 16:30