About the course
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.
This course is run at 3 sessions. On either Tuesday evening from 18.00-21.00 or Thursday morning from 09.15 - 16.30 or Thursday evening from 18.00 - 21.00. (please specify which day/time you would like to attend on application)
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.
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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
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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.
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
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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.
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 Business
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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.
Learning outcomes
- Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.
- Calculate VAT.
- Review and verify VAT returns.
- Understand principles of payroll.
- Report information within the organisation
Successful students are encouraged to progress to the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting.
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 3 include:
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Assistant
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Assistant Accountant
- Audit Trainee
- Bookkeeper
- Credit Controller
- Finance Assistant
- Payroll Administrator
- Payroll Supervisor
- Practice Bookkeeper
- Tax Assistant
Salary ranges from £11,000 to £25,000
There is funding available to support this training for 19+ students who do not hold an existing Full Level 3 qualification or in receipt of any benefits or low wage (less than £18525 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.
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 £225
How will I be assessed?
All of the above modules will be assessed individually via a computer based exam.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
The University Studies and Professional Development Center, Weston Way, Bury St Edmunds.
How much will it cost?
The course costs £2573.00. 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 £18525 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.
Days & times
Date(s) to be confirmed