Students completing this qualification will develop a broad range of accounting skills, as well as accountancy related business and personal skills. Double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers are also covered. Students will gain an understanding of accounting software and develop skills and behaviours needed to contribute effectively in the workplace.  This includes communication and IT skills and an understanding of the business environment.

This course is delivered using a blended learning approach which combines face-to-face and online activities in a seamless and complementary flow of learning.

AAT will require all students to register with the professional body. Restrictions to membership may apply. More information is available at www.aat.org.uk.

The AAT Certificate in Accounting covers a range of accounting and finance and business skills in four mandatory units:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
• Principles of Costing
• The Business Environment

The first three units are assessed individually in end-of-unit assessments.  The fourth unit, is a synoptic assessment that draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from the other units.

The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable students to seek employment with confidence and/or to progress to the next level of learning.

The finance, accountancy, business and communications skills developed in the AAT Certificate in Accounting can lead to employment as:

• Accounts administrator
• Accounts assistant
• Accounts payable clerk
• Purchase/sales ledger clerk
• Trainee accounting technician
• Trainee finance assistant

The accountancy and finance knowledge developed in this qualification will enable students to progress onto the Diploma in Accounting (level 3) and Diploma in Professional Accounting (level 4) qualifications.

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualifications (Level 3 and then on to Level 4). Under the Free Courses for Jobs initiative, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course. Alternatively, you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover the cost of your Level 3 study. Please ask a member of college staff for more information.

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model. 

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons last for around 45 minutes and are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further and learners should expect to spend around 4-5 hours studying independently online each week. 

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group. 

Assessments in this qualification are computer based and time restricted.

Students will be presented with a range of question types and formats in the assessment. These may include multiple-choice questions, extended written responses, numeric gap-fill questions, or question tools that replicate workplace activities, such as making entries in a journal.

AAT does not set any prerequisites for the study of the AAT Certificate in Accounting. However, for the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths.

Students with any relevant school or college qualifications, a degree or some accounting experience, in certain circumstances may be entitled to claim exemptions.

Students need to provide their own stationery and textbooks (if required).  Additional costs may be incurred if the department arranges educational visits.