Description

The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is your gateway to a career in finance. This practical course covers all the foundational aspects of accounting, from bookkeeping and costing to mastering software and understanding business environments. Designed with flexibility in mind, this qualification suits both beginners and those looking to refresh their financial knowledge. Completing this course opens doors to further study and entry-level accounting roles, setting you on a clear path to professional success.

Course Modules and Learning Outcomes

This qualification consists of four key modules, each designed to develop specific skills and knowledge essential for accounting professionals:

1. 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%.

Outcomes:

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

2. 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%.

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.

3. 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 as well as the receivables and payables ledger accounts. They’ll use the journal to record a variety of 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%.

Outcomes:

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

4. 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%.

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.

Who Is This Qualification For?

• Individuals seeking to start a career in accounting or finance.
• Adults returning to education to upskill or change careers.
• Entrepreneurs or small business owners looking to manage their own finances more effectively.

Career Progression

• After completing this qualification, you can pursue roles such as:
  • Accounts Assistant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Finance Administrator
• Further Study: Progress to the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting to deepen your expertise and unlock higher career opportunities.

Study and Assessment Methods

• Study Format:
  • Flexible, self-paced online learning or structured in-person classes.
  • Access to study resources, video tutorials, and practice assessments.
• Assessment:
  • Computer-based exams for each module.
  • Practical assignments to demonstrate understanding and skills.