Description 

The AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping is designed to deepen your knowledge of bookkeeping, equipping you with the skills to manage complex financial records and produce essential financial statements. This qualification is ideal for those looking to enhance their career prospects as bookkeepers or progress to higher-level accounting qualifications. With a focus on practical application, this course prepares you for roles requiring a thorough understanding of financial reporting and account management.

Course Modules and Learning Outcomes

This qualification consists of three advanced modules, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills for bookkeeping professionals:

1. Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

This unit provides students with the skills required to produce statements of profit or loss and statements for financial position for sole traders and partnerships, using a trial balance. Students will gain the double-entry bookkeeping skills needed to record financial transactions into an organisation’s accounts using a manual bookkeeping system.

Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 70%

Learning outcomes

• Understand the accounting principles underlaying final accounts preparation.
• Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping.
• Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets.
• Prepare and record depreciation calculations.
• Record period end adjustments.
• Produce and extend the trial balance.
• Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships.
• Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios.
• Prepare accounting records from incomplete information.

2.Tax Processes for Businesses

This unit explores tax processes that influence the daily operations of businesses and is designed to develop students’ skills in understanding, preparing and submitting Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to HM Revenue & Customs. The unit provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to keep businesses, employers and clients compliant with laws and practices that apply to VAT and payroll.

Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 30%.

Learning outcomes

• Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.
• Calculate VAT.
• Review and verify VAT returns.
• Understand principals of payroll.
• Report information within the organisation.

Who Is This Qualification For?

• Individuals progressing from the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping.
• Those aiming to specialise in bookkeeping or advance to mid-level accounting roles.
• Entrepreneurs or small business owners managing their own financial records.

Career Progression

• After completing this qualification, you can pursue roles such as:
  • Professional Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Manager
  • Finance Officer
• Further Study:
  • Progress to the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting for advanced knowledge or the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting for broader accounting expertise.

Study and Assessment Methods

• Study Format:
  • Flexible, self-paced online learning or structured tutor-led classes.
  • Access to study resources, video tutorials, and mock exams.
• Assessment:
  • Computer-based exams at the end of each module.