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Bookkeeping (AAT)

Course Code: AABK3
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
  • Duration: 18 weeks
  • Course type: Part-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Mondays, 9.30am - 4.30pm

What's it all about?

This qualification will develop complex skills and knowledge necessary to work in a bookkeeping role or to progress onto higher-level accountancy roles or study. Upon successful completion of the course, you will become competent in financial processes including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and preparing financial statements. You 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 and timescales for submissions and payments. 

Course information

The course comprises of two units: 


Financial Accounting – Preparing Financial Statements (FAPS): 

  • understand the accounting principles underlying 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 (TPFB): 
  • understand legislation requirements relating to VAT 
  • calculate VAT 
  • review and verify VAT returns 
  • understand principles of payroll 
  • report information within the organisation. 

For the best chance of success, students are required to have a level 2 in English and maths. You will have to pass an initial assessment in English and maths and you will need to demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject. You will also need to have the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (Merit) or AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (Merit). 

You will be required to pay a one-off registration fee of £91 to the AAT which will provide access to the qualification for as long as it takes to achieve it. It is recommended that all students purchase the study texts (available from Kaplan). Some will be available in the College’s Digital Learning Quarter to borrow. 

This course is assessed by computer-based assessments that are set and marked by AAT. 

The assessments will take place at the College’s Kings Road campus. 

The skills developed by studying this qualification; will give you a solid base from which to seek employment with confidence, and/or to progress to the next level of learning. 

If you successfully complete this qualification you can apply to become an AAT bookkeeping member (AATQB), and if you’re thinking of starting your own practice, you’ll be able to apply to become an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper. 

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

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Future careers

What you could earn:

Chartered and Certified Accountants

£67,389.03

Potential salary

£18,113.82

Entry level salary

£38,412.12

Average salary

15

Annual openings in Plymouth

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