Bookkeeping - Level 2 Certificate (AAT)

Careers/Progression

Achievement of this qualification can lead to jobs such as:

• Trainee bookkeeper

• Accounts administrator

• Finance assistant

• Clerical assistant

Entry Requirements

AAT does not set any entry requirements for this qualification.  However, for the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and Maths.

Accountants work at the very heart of a business and are expected to be able to communicate information clearly and appropriately to a given audience. Students should also have a basic level of IT skills and be confident in using computer systems. A prior understanding of recording some financial transactions would also be an advantage.

AAT recommends that students use AAT Skillcheck to ensure that they’re ready to start on a particular qualification.

Course Content

The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping provides an entry point for anyone wishing to start a career in accountancy or finance. It may also support career progression for those already in employment by formally recognising their skills in manual bookkeeping.

Manual bookkeeping underpins all accountancy and finance roles. Studying this qualification will help students to develop a strong foundation of bookkeeping knowledge and skills needed to work in accountancy and finance or to go on to study higher-level bookkeeping or accountancy.

Students completing this qualification will be able to confidently carry out typical bookkeeping transactions and tasks. Students will also gain an understanding of how typical tasks are automated through use of accounting software.

A student completing this qualification will develop practical accountancy skills in the double-entry bookkeeping system and in using associated documents and processes. Students will be able to check transactions for accuracy, make entries in appropriate books and ledgers, and calculate sales invoices and credit notes.

They will also cover more complex level bookkeeping procedures, including dealing with VAT, reconciliation and trial balances, and will develop their understanding of the relationship between the various accounting records.

This qualification is suitable for those already working in finance, those returning to work after a break or those wishing to change career. The qualification is open to those who are working and those who are not currently in employment. It also offers progression for students who have started studying accountancy and bookkeeping with AAT.

Assessment Methods

Students will study 2 mandatory units, both of which are assessed by way of a computer based assessment and marked by AAT:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping (Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 50%)

• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 50%)