AAT Levels 2, 3, & 4 in Accounting with Work Experience

AAT Level 2 in Accounting Syllabus

The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting establishes the fundamentals of financial accounting. This level has four units that equip you with foundational knowledge and skills to carry out key accounting procedures and maintain accurate financial records. These units are:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping

• Principles of Bookkeeping

• Principles of Costing

• The Business Environment

Introduction to Bookkeeping

The Introduction to Bookkeeping focuses on understanding the fundamentals of double-entry bookkeeping systems. You'll learn the basics of recording financial transactions, including preparing books of prime entry and ledgers.

Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

Principles of Bookkeeping Controls cover the control procedures, systems, and practices essential for maintaining accuracy and preventing errors in bookkeeping. You'll learn about control accounts, journals, bank reconciliation, and trial balances.

Principles of Costing

Principles of Costing teaches the tools and techniques to support cost calculations. You'll learn how to determine the cost of products, calculate inventory costs, understand cost behaviours, and accurately allocate costs within an organisation.

The Business Environment

The Business Environment tackles the key factors influencing business operations and organisational performance. This unit discusses the various economic, legal, and social factors affecting business activities. You'll learn about the dynamics of market conditions, regulatory frameworks, and competitive landscapes.

AAT Level 3 in Accounting Syllabus

The Level 3 Diploma in Accounting further explores the core accounting concepts. This level has four units that deepen your understanding of financial and management accounting, preparing you for higher-level responsibilities in the finance sector. These units are:

• Business Awareness

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

• Management Accounting Techniques

• Tax Processes for Businesses

Business Awareness

Business Awareness discusses the various concepts about the business structure and its external and internal environment. You'll explore how different business functions interact, the importance of business ethics, and how to assess the overall business environment for effective management.

Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements involves the processes and standards for creating accurate financial reports. You'll learn how to compile balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements according to established accounting principles.

Management Accounting Techniques

The Management Accounting Techniques unit focuses on the methods and practices used to analyse financial data for internal management purposes. You'll gain insights into attributing cost, cash management, and supporting short-term decision-making processes.

Tax Processes for Businesses

The Tax Processes for Businesses unit explores tax processes in VAT and payroll that influence the daily operations of businesses. You'll learn the knowledge and technical skills needed to comply with the laws and practices that govern VAT and payroll.

AAT Level 4 in Accounting Syllabus

The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting focuses on advanced accounting concepts. This level has three mandatory units that build and expand your knowledge of core accounting practices. These units are:

• Applied Management Accounting

• Drafting and interpreting Financial Statements

• Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

In AAT Level 4, you'll also need to take two units out of five options that tackle specialised areas of accounting and finance. These optional units are:

• Business Tax

• Personal Tax

• Audit and Assurance

• Cash and Financial Management

• Credit and Debt Management

Applied Management Accounting

Applied Management Accounting teaches the planning, control, and decision-making techniques that optimise financial performance and strategic outcomes. You'll learn to apply various cost control techniques, budget constructions, forecasting, and performance evaluation.

Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements

Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements focuses on drafting and interpreting financial statements of single limited companies and consolidated financial statements for groups of companies. You'll learn the various accounting standards and conceptual frameworks that govern the preparation of these particular financial statements.

Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Internal Accounting Systems and Controls addresses the strategies and tools for establishing and maintaining robust internal accounting systems. You'll learn to develop procedures that support the accuracy of financial information and the effectiveness of financial controls.

Business Tax

Business Tax explores the regulations and practices surrounding business taxation. You'll learn skills in handling business tax calculations, managing tax liabilities, complying with tax laws, and staying informed about changes in tax legislation.

Personal Tax

Personal Tax addresses the fundamentals of income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. You'll learn how to calculate and file personal income tax returns and provide tax relief options to legally minimise tax obligations.

Audit and Assurance

Audit and Assurance explores the frameworks and methodologies for performing audits and ensuring the integrity of financial information. You'll develop skills in audit planning, evidence gathering, and reporting to support accurate financial reporting.

Cash and Financial Management

Cash and Financial Management focuses on effective techniques for managing an organisation's cash flow and financial resources. You'll learn strategies for liquidity management, cash forecasting, and financial planning to ensure efficient use of funds.

Credit and Debt Management

Credit and Debt Management involves techniques for controlling and optimising credit and debt functions. You'll learn skills in credit assessment, debt recovery, and credit control measures to manage and mitigate financial risks.

Format

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting has three objective-type tests and one synoptic assessment. AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting has four objective-type tests you must pass before earning the qualification. Meanwhile, the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting has three objective-type tests from mandatory units and two objective tests from optional units.

The objective tests are computer-based and assess all component learning outcomes you have covered in the unit. Meanwhile, the synoptic assessment is also a computer-based format that assesses your knowledge across all units.

Duration

Below are the duration for each exam in AAT Level 2:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping (90 min)

• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (90 min)

• Principles of Costing (90 min)

• The Business Environment (120 min)

Here are the exam durations for AAT assessments in AAT Level 3:

• Business Awareness (150 min)

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements (150 min)

• Management Accounting Techniques (150 min)

• Tax Processes for Businesses (90 min)

Here are the exam durations for the mandatory units in AAT Level 4:

• Mandatory Unit 1- Applied Management Accounting (150 min)

• Mandatory Unit 2- Drafting and interpreting Financial Statements (150 min)

• Mandatory Unit 3- Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (150 min)

Here are the exam durations for the optional units in AAT Level 4

• Optional Unit 1- Business Tax (150 min)

• Optional Unit 2- Personal Tax (150 min)

• Optional Unit 3- Audit and Assurance (150 min)

• Optional Unit 4- Cash and Financial Management (120 min)

• Optional Unit 5- Credit and Debt Management (120 min)
  
  

Availability

All AAT exams from these levels can be taken at AAT testing centres. Make sure to shop around to get the most competitive rates and locations for your exams. We'll provide you with all the support and resources you need to prepare for your exams. (See Additional Benefits tab).

You must become an AAT member to sit your AAT assessments. AAT student membership and exam fees are separate from the course price.

Objective tests are computer-marked, so you'll receive your results within 48 hours via MyAAT. The synoptic assessment is human-marked, so you'll receive the results within six weeks of the last day of the synoptic window.

If you want to earn a living as an accountant, this course is for you. Our AAT Level 2, 3, & 4 Accounting Career Academy with Work Experience caters to aspiring accountants regardless of their work experience, qualifications, and educational backgrounds.

To enrol in our AAT Level 2, 3, & 4 Career Academy with Work Experience programme, we recommend that you:

• Are at least 16 years old or have the consent of a parent or guardian.

• Have a solid understanding of the English language.

• Are comfortable with basic Mathematics.

• Have access to a PC or laptop (This course is compatible with both Mac and Windows).

While this qualification is delivered online, we also include the textbooks to assist you with your studies. (see Additional Benefits tab below).

• Guaranteed Work Experience: Gain certified working experience with leading companies across various industries. Our programme ensures you work on live projects that align with your career goals.

• Extended Job Opportunity: Typically, 1 in 4 students are offered a job.

• Comprehensive Accounting Courses: Our online courses cover all the fundamental concepts, accounting principles, practical skills development, and industry best practices.

• Accountancy Qualifications: Earn an internationally recognised AAT accounting qualification that enhances employability in the job market.

• Professional Designation: Upgrade to professional membership and earn your MAAT designation after passing all your AAT assessments.

• Employability Preparation: Receive employability preparation services to enhance job prospects, including CV writing, LinkedIn profile and cover letter optimisation, and growth masterclasses.

• High Exam Pass Rates: We are one of the UK's leading AAT training providers, with a pass rate of 87.2% in AAT Level 2, 84.8% in AAT Level 3, and 69.1% in AAT Level 4.

• Interest-free payment options: Our interest-free payment options make your education more accessible so you can study the course and start your learning journey without worries.

• Dynamic eLearning Platform: Access our eLearning platform, which integrates the official courseware, learning materials, digital resources, and all the support you need to finish your training.

• Live Classrooms: Learn from award-winning instructors who conduct weekly sessions online, making studying in your own space easy and convenient.

• Flexible learning: Study AAT as you can access the course in our eLearning platform for 12, 15, and 18 months.

• Sage Course: Gain access to Sage Accounting and learn computerised accounting skills.

• Sage Certification: Earn your Sage Certificate upon completing the course and passing the final assessment.

• Study Books: Receive physical copies of Kaplan textbooks as additional study materials delivered straight to your door.

• Responsive Tutor Support: Request unlimited support from the 2024 AAT Tutor of the Year, who aims to assist you with your learning and respond to you within 24-48 hours.

• Ongoing Professional Development: Receive support from your success coach and benefit from our weekly feedback loop throughout your AAT journey.

How Does AAT Accounting Career Academy with Work Experience Work?

Our AAT Accounting Career Academy is a comprehensive programme that combines guaranteed work experience with our comprehensive AAT online course and industry-standard AAT qualifications. Here's a detailed look at how our AAT Accounting Career Academy with Work Experience works:

1. Online Training and Live Classrooms

The training phase consists of AAT courses, Sage Accounting courses, and live classrooms from award-winning tutors, which train you with fundamental concepts and accounting skills.

2. AAT Exam and Certification

Earn your AAT qualification from the Association of Accounting Technicians after sitting your exams at an AAT testing centre.

3. Employability Preparation

We offer various employability preparation services to enhance job prospects, including CV writing, LinkedIn Bio optimisation, cover letter creation, and growth masterclasses.

4. Work Experience Placement

Engage in a 4-16 week remote work experience with host companies, working on real projects to enhance your practical skills and employability.

5. Support and Resources

Benefit from dedicated success coaches, 24/7 guidance, regular industry webinars, and weekly feedback loops.

6. Completion and Certification

Receive a certification of completion and an evaluation report upon finishing the programme that you can show to potential employers.

What are the Requirements for Getting Work Experience?

To qualify for the Career Academy's work experience, you must complete our training modules and exams. You must also be 18+ years old and speak English fluently and effectively so we can match you with a global company. 

How Long Will the AAT Level 2, 3, & 4 Career Academy Programme Take?

Completing the AAT Level 2, 3, and 4 training course depends on various factors, such as the preferred learning style, existing skills, prior knowledge in the industry, and the amount of time you can dedicate to studying each week.

On average, our students typically complete their AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting course within 6 to 9 months. They also usually complete their AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting course within 9 to 12 months and 12 to 15 months for AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. Upon successfully passing the exams and completing the required coursework, students can apply for the AAT professional membership and use the designatory letters MAAT beside their name.

Meanwhile, the work experience component takes 4 to 16 weeks, which you can take either full-time or part-time.

What Jobs Can I Apply for After My AAT Level 2, 3, & 4 Career Academy Programme?

Completing our AAT Accounting Career Academy with Work and earning your MAAT designation can help you pursue an accounting or finance role. Some of those positions include:

Finance Assistant

A Finance Assistant supports the finance department by managing financial records, processing transactions, and preparing financial reports. They play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial data. The average annual salary for a Finance Assistant is £25,000.

Accounts Assistant

Accounts Assistants support qualified accountants and finance teams by preparing financial documents, reconciling accounts, and managing data entry. The annual salary for an accounts assistant is £27,000.

Accounting Technician

An Accounting Technician handles various accounting tasks, including managing financial transactions, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with accounting regulations. The average salary for an Accounting Technician is £27,000.

Payable and Expenses Supervisor

A Payable and Expenses Supervisor oversees the accounts payable process, ensuring that invoices are processed accurately and on time. They also manage expense reporting and ensure adherence to company policies. Their average salary is £30,000.

Assistant Accountant

An Assistant Accountant assists in preparing financial statements, performing reconciliations, and managing ledgers. They support senior accountants in ensuring the accuracy of financial records and compliance with accounting standards. The average salary for an Assistant Accountant is £30,000.

Assistant Auditor

An Assistant Auditor supports audit processes by examining financial statements, evaluating internal controls, and identifying areas of risk. They assist auditors in ensuring that financial records are accurate and comply with regulations. The average salary for an Assistant Auditor is £31,000.

Commercial Analyst

A Commercial Analyst evaluates financial performance and market trends to support business decision-making. They analyse sales data, create financial models, and provide insights to improve profitability and strategic planning. The average salary for a Commercial Analyst is £38,000.

Cost Accountant

A Cost Accountant analyses and manages costs associated with production and operations. They develop cost-control measures, prepare cost reports, and help in budgeting and financial forecasting. The average salary for a Cost Accountant is £40,000.

Fixed Asset Accountant

A Fixed Asset Accountant manages and tracks an organisation's fixed assets, including acquisition, depreciation, and disposal. They ensure accurate reporting and compliance with accounting standards for asset management. The average salary for a Fixed Asset Accountant is £45,000.

Indirect Tax Manager

An Indirect Tax Manager oversees and manages indirect tax matters, including VAT and sales tax compliance. They develop strategies for tax efficiency, ensure compliance with tax regulations, and handle audits and disputes. The average salary for an Indirect Tax Manager is £56,000.