Computerised Book-keeping and Accounting Level 3 Certificate

Overview

The Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Book-keeping and Accounting is primarily designed to appeal to learners who already have a good working knowledge of the software and wish to further their studies of computerised book-keeping within a working environment. Learners will gain a qualification at level 3 on the regulated qualification framework.

This course will equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage financial records and perform accounting tasks using computerised systems. This certificate provides a solid foundation in bookkeeping principles and practices, combined with practical training in popular accounting software.

Throughout the course, participants will gain a deep understanding of the role of bookkeeping and its significance in maintaining accurate financial records.

They will learn about the fundamental principles of double-entry bookkeeping, including the recording of transactions, journal entries, and the preparation of financial statements. Participants will also explore the importance of internal controls, financial analysis, and reporting in effective decision-making.

Owners of small businesses may find the qualification useful as it covers the wide range of tasks that can be carried out using commercially available accounting software suitable for maintaining accounts for a small business.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully achieved the Level 2 Computerised Bookkeeping (Sage Cloud) or provide a letter from their employer outlining their experience using Sage Cloud.

What Will I Study?

Principles of Advanced Computerised Accounting

• Understand the purpose of accounting concepts and standards, and recognise the qualitative characteristics of financial information

• Understand the basics of computerised accounting

• Understand terms used in accounting

• Understand the purpose of VAT accounts and the VAT return

• Understand the process of accounting for a stock valuation

• Understand the process of accounting for fixed assets

• Understand the process of accounting for prepayments and accruals

• Understand the process of accounting for bad and doubtful debts

• Understand the purpose of a trial balance and a suspense account

• Understand the purpose of financial statements

• Understand the principles of accounting for partnerships

• Understand the purposes of budgeting

Use a Computerised Accounting Package

• Set up a computerised accounting system

• Enter business transactions

• Prepare and post journal entries

• Account for a stock valuation

• Account for fixed assets

• Account for prepayments and accruals

• Account for bad and doubtful debts

• Make end of period adjustments

Amend the chart of accounts and generate reports

How Will I Be Assessed?

Online Knowledge Test
Online knowledge tests are a series of independent short answer questions made up of multiple choice, gap fill, and true or false type questions. They are assessed via IAB online and are open book. They may be taken in class or at home.

Paper Examination
Paper examinations are assessed under examination conditions. There will be a scenario which will be worked through using computerised accounting. A series of printouts will be generated throughout the examination and at the end. These printouts will then be submitted back to IAB.

Examinations require a minimum of 5 weeks notice in the UK and 8 weeks for those outside of the UK, before the examination date. This allows the awarding body enough time to process the registrations and get the examination papers dispatched.

Examinations can be taken in any month and on any day (subject to the examination centre). This means that you can move up through the levels quickly.

Further Study

Upon successful completion of this qualification, students may be able to apply for professional membership at the grade of 'Member' with IAB.

Careers

Successful students may pursue employment opportunities in a variety of industries, including small businesses, accounting firms, and finance departments of larger organisations. They may work in roles such as bookkeepers, accounting assistants, or progress to higher-level qualifications in accounting or finance.