About the course
This qualification is intended for those either working or aspiring to work, in a junior accounting position to gain an understanding of the processing role. It is the progression route through the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications for those with AAT Level 1 Access, or for those without the experience of double entry book keeping. The course is supported with e-learning materials and by an experienced, supportive team of qualified and experienced staff.
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.
Qualifications
AAT Level 2 Certificate 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:
"Introduction to Bookkeeping" - you will learn how to understand how to set up bookkeeping systems, process customer transactions, process supplier transactions, process receipts and payment and process transactions into the ledger accounts.
"Principles of Bookkeeping Controls" - you will learn how to use control accounts, reconcile a bank statement with the cash book, use the journal and produce trial balances.
"Principles of Costing" - you will learn how to understand the cost recording system within an organisation, use cost recording techniques, provide information on actual and budgeted cost and income and use tools and techniques to support cost calculations.
"The Business Environment" - you will learn how to understand the principles of contract law, understand the external business environment, understand the key principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and sustainability. You will also understand the impact of setting up different types of business entity, finance function within an organisation, produce work in appropriate formats and communicate effectively and understand the importance of information to business operations.
"The Business Environment Synoptic" - a computer based assessment which pulls together the knowledge learnt from Introduction to Bookkeeping, Principles of Bookkeeping Controls, Principles of Costing and The Business Environment. This module will be the final assessment undertaken, to complete your level 2 studies.
Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A*-C or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
Students must successfully complete four unit assessments and one synoptic assessment to achieve this qualification. All assessments are computer based, time limited and are set and marked by the AAT. The assessments will take place at our Bury St Edmunds campus. To achieve the qualification and be awarded a grade, a student must pass all the mandatory unit assessments and the synoptic assessment.
Successful students may wish to progress to the AAT Level 3 Diploma and the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting.
For a career in accounting or finance, you will need to have an interest in figures, and an analytical mind. Being a mathematician is not required but an inquisitive thought process and a problem solver with an ability to communicate information is important. Jobs you could apply for after studying AAT level include:
Accounts Administrator
Accounts Assistant
Accounts Payable Clerk
Bookkeeper
Payroll Administrator
Payroll Officer
Purchase/Sales Ledges Clerk
Tax Assistant/Trainee
Trainee Accounts Technician
Salary ranges from £10,000 to £24,000
Non-completion of the course (including the taking of examinations) or failure to attend 3 consecutive sessions without notification or good reason may result in a charge of £185
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
This course is delivered via Distance Learning. You will be given access to our e-learning platform (self-study) and have regular meetings with a tutor over Teams. All exams are to be taken in person, at West Suffolk College.
How much will it cost?
The course fee is £900.00 + AAT registration (£180).
You may be eligible for government funding if:
- you are in receipt of certain benefits (such as Universal Credit)
- are employed and earn less than 22,308 gross per annum (recent proof required)
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please "APPLY ONLINE" to secure your place on the course.
Days & times
Starting 20/09/2024