About the course
Aimed at experienced bookkeepers, this qualification studies areas such as double entry bookkeeping, financial statements and indirect tax (VAT).
If you successfully complete this qualification, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and achieve professional AAT Bookkeeper status (AATQB).
This course is mainly self-study with access to an online learning platform and books that you will need to collect from your local learning centre. You will have regular contact from your designated tutor throughout your studies.
You are expected to schedule in your exams in 3 month intervals following your start date. This will ensure that the course is completed within a 6 month period.
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, AAT Skillcheck | AAT.
Qualifications
AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping.
What you'll learn (core modules)
1) Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statement
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.
Students will work to the following 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.
2) 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.
Students will work to the following learning outcomes
- Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.
- Calculate VAT.
- Review and verify VAT returns.
- Understand principals of payroll.
- Report information within the organisation
How will I be assessed?
Both modules are assessed via a computer based assessment, at one of our learning centres.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
The course is delivered via Distance Learning. You will be given access to our e-learning platform for self-study and have regular meetings over Teams with your tutor. All exams are to be taken in person, at your nearest West Suffolk College location.
How much will it cost?
The course costs £1512.00 + AAT registration fee (£96).
You may be eligible for government funding if:
- you are in receipt of certain benefits
OR
- you are employed but earning less than £25,000 gross per annum (proof required)
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please "APPLY ONLINE" now or contact us on aatenquiries@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk.
Days & times
Starting 15/09/2025