There can be many reasons for choosing to study a course in finance, accounting or bookkeeping. You could be moving towards a new career, upskilling for your role or handling the accounts of your own business. Whatever your reason, you’ve probably come across AAT courses and perhaps now have the predicament of choosing which one to study.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a professional body for accounting technicians. Its aim is to provide practical, real-world qualifications that give every learner essential industry skills.
Their qualifications are open to everyone, so no matter your current ability you can become financially savvy with the AAT.
You just need to determine what it is you want to get out of your learning experience. An aspiring Accountant will take an entirely different set of courses to someone who wants to refine their budgeting skills.
To help, we’ve listed the AAT courses you can study below. Along with the skills you’ll gain from each and the employment opportunities they can lead to.
AAT Essentials
These short courses are perfect for both finance and accounting professionals and non-finance staff wanting to learn key financial processes.
They teach you how to apply practical skills that will help you manage business finances more effectively. This will enable you to improve your performance and productivity.
Budgeting
Effective budgeting allows you to monitor performance and identify any red flags. Through this course, you learn to prepare budgets and make informed budgeting decisions. As well as how to properly communicate financial information to the bank and business partners. Afterwards, you will be able to produce cash flow forecasts and use budgets as a control mechanism through divisional performance.
Cashflow Management
Through this course, you come to recognise the importance of cash flow management within a business. After this course, you’ll be able to prepare a cash budget, manage cash flows and evaluate their performance. You’ll also know how to expand your cash assets using debtor management.
Finance for Non-Finance Managers
This course is specifically designed to help those in non-financial roles. Whether you’re a small business owner, self-employed, or need to learn key accounting concepts for a new role. This course can help you develop the skills you need. It teaches you how to understand and interpret financial statements and ways to use data to measure a company’s performance. You’ll also learn the differences between profit and cash and how to use budgets to manage business activity.
AAT Bookkeeping Courses
The AAT’s online bookkeeping courses can be completed in just 6-12 weeks. Helping you progress quickly to a variety of bookkeeping roles.
Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
This course is great for those wanting to get a better understanding of finances. Or for anyone who wants to start a new career as a bookkeeper. It prepares you for the role by teaching you key topics like double-entry bookkeeping, calculating sales invoices and credit notes. Once completed, it can lead you into employment in roles like a Clerical Assistant, Trainee Bookkeeper or Accounts Clerk.
Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
If you’d like to progress to a Senior Bookkeeper or Ledger Manager, you can through this advanced certificate. The course teaches you everything required to carry out complex bookkeeping transactions. You’ll go into more challenging subjects like advanced bookkeeping, final accounts preparation, and indirect tax. Developing your existing skills and knowledge to an advanced level.
Upon completion, this qualification can lead to employment as a Professional Bookkeeper, Accounts Manager or Ledger Manager.
AAT Accounting Courses
The AAT's online accounting qualifications take between 6-18 months to complete. They are respected by employers worldwide and can lead to a host of prosperous and dynamic careers.
Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
This foundation certificate provides the perfect platform for you to enter into accountancy. It’s the first of many available qualifications and it teaches you everything you need for junior and entry-level roles. You’ll cover modules like bookkeeping transactions and controls, the elements of costing and how to use accounting software. From this, you’ll have the skills to start managing client books or handle your own business finances.
With this foundation certificate, you could seek employment as an Accounts Administrator, Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk or Trainee Accounting Technician.
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
If you’re looking to take on more senior roles, you can progress to the next stage with this Level 3 accounting qualification. It challenges you with more complex tasks and teaches you to master various advanced subjects. During the course, you’ll cover modules like accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and final accounts. All of which will ensure you’re ready for an immediate start in business, finance or professional accountancy.
Once qualified, you’ll be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status. This qualification can also lead you into employment as an Accounts Payable Clerk, Assistant Accountant or a Credit Controller.
Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
As the most advanced qualification offered by the AAT, this course helps you achieve full AAT membership and professional MAAT status. It covers more complex accounting theory and teaches you how to expertly draft financial statements for limited companies. Plus, how to recommend strategies around accounting systems.
You are also provided with the option of choosing two out of five subjects to specialise in. These are:
- Business Tax
- Personal Tax
- Audit and Assurance
- Cash and Financial Management
- Credit and Debt Management
With this qualification, you can seek employment as an Assistant Financial Accountant, Commercial Analyst or Indirect Tax Manager. From here, you can also go onto study as a Chartered Accountant.
Study AAT courses online
Aside from having plenty of courses to choose from, the AAT has a worldwide reputation for training capable finance professionals.
With over 35 years of experience, more than 80,000 individuals choose to train with them each year. They’re recognised as the UK’s leading qualification and membership body for vocational accountants. And they award 80% of all vocational accounting and finance qualifications in the UK.
That means you can be assured that the education you’re receiving is of exceptional quality. So, whatever your financial learning goals, you can achieve them with The Association of Accounting Technicians.
Another benefit of their courses is that they are all available to study online. Allowing you to upskill or get the qualifications for a new financial career, around your existing commitments. Just log on and learn when it suits, and complete the course materials at your own pace.
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