AAT CERTIFICATE ACCOUNTING

Intro to the course:

The AAT Certificate in Accounting is a professional qualification which is a route to some of the most in-demand skills in the world and provides candidates with professional status.

The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is ideal for anyone wishing to study accountancy and delivers a solid foundation in finance administration and core accounting skills.

The purpose of the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is to offer the foundation accounting knowledge needed to progress to employment or further study in accountancy and finance, alongside business and personal skills that are transferable to any sector and additional business knowledge relevant to accountancy.  The qualification offers a broader focus across several subject areas which enhances employability.

Who is the course for?

Students should choose the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting if they're interested in developing transferable business and personal skills alongside their core accountancy skills.  This qualification may also be valuable for those entering the workplace for the first time or for those changing careers who would like additional support in upskilling to enter, or re-enter, a business environment.

In developing this qualification, AAT has carried out extensive consultation with and received input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including industry experts, employers and training providers.  AAT qualifications benefit from being globally recognised and they are  valued by leading employers, from small high street firms to large accountancy businesses.  

What will I study?

The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting covers a broad range of core accounting skills, as well as accountancy  related business skills and personal skills.  Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications, including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.

The qualification comprises of  the following four mandatory units:

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

Next Step Course Options

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

A student completing this qualification will develop skills in double-entry bookkeeping and will understand how to use journals, control accounts and trial balance.  Students will also gain an understanding of accounting software packages, how to process financial information in accordance with company procedures and schedules, and how to provide information to colleagues, suppliers and/or customers as required.

The accountancy and finance knowledge developed in this qualification is also the underpinning knowledge needed for the higher-level accountancy and financial skills developed in the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

This Certificate is included as a recognised qualification for students to demonstrate competence as part of the Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting at SCQF Level 6.

Candidates can also progress onto HNC/D and Degree Level courses in Accounting and Finance.

How will I be assessed?

Students must successfully achieve the mandatory unit assessments and one synoptic assessment to achieve this qualification.  The proportion of this qualification assessed by externally marked assessment is 100%.

All assessments in this qualification:

• are set and marked by AAT 
• are computer based
• are time-limited
• take place at the college which is an approved training provider

Why should I choose this course?

The Finance and Business Services was identified in Scotland's Economic Strategy as one of the growth sectors in Scotland in which Scotland can increase productivity and growth.

The course ia an excellent introduction and stepping stone for anyone looking to start in a career in accounting, finance or business, whether they have previous experience of accounting or not.

Where can this course lead?

Skills developed through this qualification could lead to employment as:

• an Accounts Administrator
• an Accounts Assistant
• an Accounts Payable Clerk
• a Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
• a Trainee Accounting Technician
• a Trainee Finance Assistant

What are the entry requirements?

Relevant work experience 

Good numeracy, I.T.  and communication skills 

What are the interview arrangements?

No formal interview.  Students will be invited to attend an informal information/enrolment session to ensure suitability of the course, which is scheduled for Thursday 12th January at 10:00 a.m..