This course covers a range of basic accounting practices and techniques, from costing and double-entry bookkeeping to computerised accounting. It's ideal if you are new to working in finance or are looking to develop your existing knowledge and skills.

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the professional body for qualified accounting technicians or support staff working in accounting or finance functions.

AAT student in the classroom
  • What you will study

    Introduction to Bookkeeping This unit provides students with an understanding of manual and digital bookkeeping systems, including the associated documents and processes. Students will learn the basic principles that underpin double-entry bookkeeping systems.

    Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 25%.

    Learning outcomes Understand how to set up bookkeeping systems. Process customer transactions. Process supplier transactions. Process receipts and payments. Process transactions into the ledger accounts.

    Principles of Bookkeeping Controls This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from studying Introduction to Bookkeeping and explores control accounts, journals and reconciliations. Students will develop the ability to prepare the value-added tax (VAT) control accounts and the receivables and payables ledger accounts. They'll use the journal to record various transactions, including the correction errors. Students will be able to redraft the initial trial balance, following adjustments.

    Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 25%.

    Learning outcomes Use control accounts. Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book. Use the journal. Produce trial balances.

    Principles of Costing This unit gives students an introduction to the principles of basic costing and builds a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for more complex costing and management accounting tasks. Students will learn the importance of the costing system as a source of information that allows management to plan, make decisions and control costs.

    Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 20%.

    Introduction to Bookkeeping This unit provides students with an understanding of manual and digital bookkeeping systems, including the associated documents and processes. Students will learn the basic principles that underpin double-entry bookkeeping systems. Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 25%. Learning outcomes

    • Understand the cost recording system within an organisation.
    • Use cost recording techniques.
    • Provide information on actual and budgeted cost and income.
    • Use tools and techniques to support cost calculations.

    Principles of Bookkeeping Controls This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from studying Introduction to Bookkeeping and explores control accounts, journals and reconciliations. Students will develop the ability to prepare the value-added tax (VAT) control accounts and the receivables and payables ledger accounts. They'll use the journal to record various transactions, including the correction errors. Students will be able to redraft the initial trial balance, following adjustments.

    Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 25%.

    Learning outcomes

    • Use control accounts.
    • Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book.
    • Use the journal.
    • Produce trial balances.

    Principles of Costing This unit gives students an introduction to the principles of basic costing and builds a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for more complex costing and management accounting tasks. Students will learn the importance of the costing system as a source of information that allows management to plan, make decisions and control costs.

    Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 20%.

    Learning outcomes

    • Understand the cost recording system within an organisation.
    • Use cost recording techniques.
    • Provide information on actual and budgeted cost and income.
    • Use tools and techniques to support cost calculations.

    The Business Environment This unit provides knowledge and understanding of key business concepts and their practical application in the external and internal environment in which students will work. Students will gain an understanding of the legal system and principles of contract law and an appreciation of the legal implications of setting up a business and the consequences this may have. This unit will also give an understanding of how organisations are structured and where the finance function fits.

    Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 30%.

    Learning outcomes

    • Understand the principles of contract law.
    • Understand the external business environment.
    • Understand the key principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and sustainability.
    • Understand the impact of setting up different types of business entity.
    • Understand the finance function within an organisation.
    • Produce work in appropriate formats and communicate effectively.
    • Understand the importance of information to business operations.
  • Entry Requirements
    • Aged over 19
    • Experience of working in an accounting environment
    • Selection is by interview and internal tests
  • Assessment

    You will have your skills and knowledge tested using computer based assessments (CBA)

  • Moving Forward

    Accounting Level 3 Advanced Diploma

  • Duration

    1 Year

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Student Support

Starting college can be a giant leap if you have just finished school or are returning to education after a few years. We will make this transition as easy as possible, providing all the support you need to settle in

Financial Support

We are committed to supporting students in order for them to overcome any financial barriers to learning.

Term Dates

Key term dates and opening times