AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Unit 1: Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

In this unit, you'll learn how to use trial balances to produce profit and loss statements for sole traders and partnerships. You'll learn double-entry bookkeeping skills required to record financial transactions into a business account using a manual bookkeeping system.

This unit accounts for 70% of the overall grade for the qualification.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the accounting principles underlining 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.

Unit 2: Tax Processes for Businesses

You'll learn how to submit a VAT (Value-added tax) report to HM Revenue & Customs and explore the processes that influence business operations. This unit will teach you all you need to ensure that organisations and individuals comply with VAT and payroll laws.

This unit accounts for 30% of the overall grade for the qualification.

Learning outcomes

• Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.

• Calculate VAT.

• Review and verify VAT returns.

• Understand the principles of payroll.

• Report information within the organisation.

Format

AAT Level 2 has two objective-type unit assessments you must pass before earning the qualifications. The objective tests are computer-based and assess all component learning outcomes you have covered in the unit.

Duration

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

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements (150 min)

• Tax Processes for Businesses (90 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.

Course Level

This is a Level 3 course, which is equivalent to:

• A Level/AS Level

• SCQF Level 7 (Scotland)

The AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping is ideal for individuals who have previous qualifications or prior experience in the bookkeeping and accounting industry.

This bookkeeping qualification is an advanced bookkeeping certification for qualification holders who want to widen their bookkeeping skillset. It's also for aspiring bookkeepers who want to undertake additional study relevant to their field.

To study this AAT Level 3 course, we recommend that you:

• Have a solid understanding of the English language.

• Have basic numerical skills.

• Have achieved the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping or equivalent qualification from an accredited awarding body.

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

• Have access to a secure internet connection.

Completing this bookkeeping course can help you position yourself for senior bookkeeping roles and climb the next step in your bookkeeping career ladder.

• Wrap-around support: Benefit from a learning model crafted to support you, with easy access to the portal for tutor communication, induction videos, and knowledge checks designed to nurture you towards success.

• Experience total flexibility: Learn at your own pace through our industry-leading eLearning portal developed in-house. Whatever your location or device, our interactive content is available on demand.

• High-Quality Training: Access high-quality interactive courseware through our state-of-the-art platform - all with the support of seasoned AAT tutors.

• Benefit from live online sessions: Join your classmates in live online study classes and exam prep sessions led by one of our expert AAT tutors, as well as access to all past live session recordings.

• Study resources to suit you: Our online portal has every digital resource you could need, including PDF Kaplan pocket notes, workbooks, mock exams, slides, question banks, and recordings of live sessions. Prefer traditional study methods? We also deliver Kaplan textbooks straight to your door.

• Exceptional Tutor Support: Receive fantastic guidance and assistance from our dedicated tutors with 20+ years' experience in accounting, ensuring your success.

• Higher than average pass rates: Choose to learn from one of the largest AAT training providers in the country and take advantage of our expertise in driving our students to achieve pass rates well above the national average.

• Elevate your accounting career and earning potential: Gain an industry-standard AAT qualification that can unlock job roles and boost your income.

• Stand out with the AAT badge of excellence: AAT recognition holds national and international weight, ensuring your skills are transferable across businesses.

What is the difference between AAT bookkeeping and accounting?

AAT bookkeeping qualifications train learners the fundamental bookkeeping functions. The qualifications cover core accounting responsibilities ranging from recording transactions in the books to assisting in preparing financial statements.

The accounting qualifications, however, cover the bookkeeping fundamentals and a broader scope of accounting fields. These key areas that AAT accounting covers include taxation, management accounting, financial management, and auditing. AAT accounting also awards you diplomas in accounting once you've completed and passed AAT Levels 3 and 4.

Can I go straight to AAT level 3?

Yes! You can definitely go straight to AAT Level 3. Most of our students start at Level 2 to learn the core principles of bookkeeping. But if you have the relevant skills and experience, you can start learning bookkeeping at Level 3.

How long does Level 3 bookkeeping take?

Completing the AAT Level 3 Bookkeeping qualification usually takes 4 to 6 months, but it can vary based on your chosen study method and course timetable. We allow access to our courses for 12 months and have various study methods available, including interactive online sessions, virtual classrooms, and comprehensive materials.

You have the flexibility to learn according to your pace and schedule, ensuring a successful and fulfilling journey with us.

Does completing AAT Level 3 Bookkeeping qualify me for AAT professional membership and licensing?

Upon completing the AAT Level 3 Bookkeeping qualification, you can apply for the AAT Qualified Bookkeeping membership (AATQB). The membership recognition signifies your achievement and proficiency in bookkeeping, providing a professional status acknowledged by employers and clients.

By obtaining AAT membership and potentially becoming a licensed bookkeeper, you position yourself as a recognised and trusted professional in the field, enhancing your career opportunities and credibility in the bookkeeping industry.

What jobs can I get with AAT Level 3?

This AAT Level 3 Bookkeeping Certificate training course will take your knowledge of Bookkeeping to the next level and enhance your career opportunities.

Once you have successfully passed your Level 3 assessments, you will be eligible to apply for AAT Qualified Bookkeeper status and use the designatory letters AATQB after your name. You can also become a self-employed Bookkeeper through the AAT licensed bookkeeper membership and offer self-employed services in the UK, including Bookkeeping, Financial Accounts and Accounts Preparation for Sole Traders, VAT, Computerised Accountancy Systems, and Payroll.

You can also expand your salary expectations into the accounting side of the industry through the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Accounting training courses.

The skills developed throughout this course could help you move into the following careers:

• Bookkeeper - £27,000

• Accounts Assistant - £27,000

• Tax Assistant - £29,000

• Payable and Expense Supervisor - £30,000

• Senior Bookkeeper - £30,000

• Ledger Manager - £32,000