Accounting (AAT)

This AAT course is for anyone wishing to study the basics of accountancy and gain first level knowledge of accounting systems and is an ideal starting point for anyone wishing to pursue a career in accountancy or finance.

It includes a range of basic accounting principles and techniques, from costing and double entry bookkeeping to computerised accounting. This introductory level is where you will develop your skills in finance administration: basic costing principles, double-entry bookkeeping and purchase, sales and general ledgers.

This level 2 qualification will suit you if:

• You work in accounts and would like a formal qualification in the field
• You would like to acquire new skills to help with a change in your career
• You’re a school leaver looking for an introduction to accounting and finance
• You are not currently in employment or training and you need workplace skills
• You would like to go onto be an AAT full member or study for chartered status

The course includes all materials, books and exam fees.

* Great news... if you're aged 19 or over and earning less than £20,319 a year (gross salary), you may not have to pay for this course. Apply online now!

Important Notice

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers. If there are too few enrolments, the College may cancel the course. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until enrolment is complete and any relevant fees are paid.

If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.

Tel: 023 8048 4848
Email: enquiries@southampton-city.ac.uk 

The Level 2 AAT Certificate in Accounting is comprised of four modules.

Introduction to Bookkeeping

This unit provides you with an understanding of manual and digital bookkeeping systems, including the associated documents and processes. You will learn the basic principles that underpin the double-entry bookkeeping system and will learn that digital accounting systems are automating some of the stages in the process. Areas of study will include:

• Understanding how to set up bookkeeping systems
• Processing customer transactions
• Processing supplier transactions 
• Processing receipts and payments
• Processing transactions into the ledger account

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. It takes you through a number of processes used in bookkeeping that help verify and validate the entries made. These processes enable the student to understand the purpose of control accounts and associated reconciliations. Areas of study will include:

• Using control accounts
• Reconciling a bank statement with the cash book
• Using the journal
• Producing trial balances

Principles of Costing

This unit gives you 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. You will learn the importance of the costing system as a source of information that allows management to plan, make decisions and control costs. Areas of study will include:

• Understand the cost recording system within an organisation
• Use cost recording techniques
• Provide information on actual and budgeted costs 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. You 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. Areas of study will include:

• Understand the principles of contract law
• Understand the external business environment
• Understand 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

All of the course is based in the classroom with no distance learning.

No prior accountancy or bookkeeping experience is required to undertake this qualification but, due to the content of this course and the required level of work commitment, a good level in both English and numeracy is required for enrolment.

You will be required to attend an interview with the course tutor during which a literacy and numeracy assessment will take place to ensure you are proficient enough to complete the course.

The finance, accountancy, business and communications skills developed in the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting can lead to employment as:

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

As your career in accounting progresses you may wish to move on to the AAT Level 3 and AAT Level 4, and then perhaps to the certified and chartered accountant qualifications.

The course includes all materials, books and exam fees.