Build a well-rounded foundation across bookkeeping, costing and the business environment, ready to start a career in accounting and finance.
This qualification delivers a solid foundation in finance administration and core accounting skills, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers.
Alongside the technical skills, you’ll learn about accountancy-related business and personal skills, and be introduced to four key themes woven through the qualification: ethics, technology, communications and sustainability.
This course is designed to take 6–12 months to complete, though this depends on your chosen study method and course timetable. It’s equivalent to GCSE grades 4–9 in England, and referenced at SCQF Level 6 in Scotland.
Across four units, you’ll build practical accountancy skills in double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and the wider business environment finance sits within — plus the accountancy-related business and personal skills, and the four key themes (ethics, technology, communications and sustainability) that run through the whole qualification.
This course is made up of flexible units, so you can choose the topics most relevant to your interests and circumstances. It’s internally assessed, with no exams and no grades – you’ll demonstrate what you’ve learned through your coursework, supported by a dedicated tutor.
This course is designed to be completed over 2-4 months. To achieve the qualification, learners must build up a minimum of 13 credits by completing their chosen units. Once enrolled, you’ll have access to your course deadlines to help keep you on track.
You’ll sit 4 assessments to complete the qualification – you can read more about how AAT assessments work on AAT’s website.
Funding is available for eligible residents of Greater London through the Greater London Authority and for Buckinghamshire residents through Buckinghamshire Council.
This course is recognised and accredited by AAT.
Funding is available for eligible Buckinghamshire residents through Buckinghamshire Council.
You must meet the following criteria to be able to study for free:
If you enrol onto this course but fail to complete, please be aware there will be a £250 + VAT administration charge.
Week 1 – Submit Your Enquiry Form.
We’ll call to talk you through the course and answer any questions you may have. You will then be sent a Course Registration Form to complete.
Week 2 – We’ll Process Your Application.
Our Enrolment Team will then ask you to complete an application form. A tutor will be assigned to you to support you throughout your course and they can be contacted by phone, text or email.
Weeks 3–16 – You’ll Receive Email Reminders When Your Units Are Due.
Your tutor will mark and return your work within 7 days.
Completion – After Submission.
Once you’ve completed your course, we’ll apply for your certificate, which will be posted to your home address within 2–4 weeks.
This course is fully free for eligible adults aged 19 and over living in London or Buckinghamshire, funded through the Adult Skills Fund. Funding is generally available to people who are unemployed or on a lower income and is subject to residency and eligibility checks when you enrol.
This is a nationally recognised qualification that provides a comprehensive introduction to accounting and finance for people starting their careers. It covers bookkeeping, bookkeeping controls, costing and the business environment while developing practical skills in double entry bookkeeping, financial record keeping and understanding how businesses operate.
No, this qualification is suitable for complete beginners and does not require previous accounting or bookkeeping experience. It is ideal for people looking to start a career in accounting, finance or bookkeeping and provides a strong foundation for progressing to higher level AAT qualifications.
The qualification can support progression into roles including Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Accounts Administrator, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Accounts Payable Assistant and Trainee Accounting Technician. Learners can also progress to the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and other higher level accounting qualifications as they develop their skills and experience.
The course is delivered through flexible blended learning, with online learning materials and ongoing guidance, feedback and support from a dedicated tutor. Assessment is completed through AAT computer based examinations for each unit alongside a synoptic assessment that tests knowledge and understanding across the qualification.
