Accounting
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Starting Off have been a regular finalist in the national AAT awards for the last 12 years running

Start an Accounting qualification for the best start to your career in finance

AAT is the UK’s leading professional body offering skills-based accountancy and finance qualifications. Their qualifications are practical, internationally recognised and can open doors in any industry across the world.

 

AAT is open to everyone – you don’t need previous qualifications or experience, and you can work at a pace that fits in with your  lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for your first job in accountancy, want to change careers, or simply want to enhance your existing accounting skills, AAT will give you the training you need.

 

AAT offers a range of benefits for students, including study support, topical news and updates, and exclusive discounts. AAT also offers an excellent route into chartered accountancy. If you choose to further your studies with one of the leading chartered professional bodies, such as ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA, your AAT qualification will give you generous exemptions. Your AAT qualification could also give you the opportunity to run your own accounting or bookkeeping practice.

 

 

Find out more about AAT qualifications and courses:

 


Accounting courses

Starting Off delivers structured AAT tuition via distanced learning with full tutor support and mentoring available at all times. We run a rolling AAT programme with opportunities to join cohorts throughout the year at all levels.

 

Apprentices will be required to sit exams, either at our Northampton-based centre or another exam centre local to them. Starting Off Account Managers will be available to support learners through the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standards, which in part requires the completion of a portfolio of work-based evidence.


AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Most students will start their career in accounts at foundation level. As a starting point we offer the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping which covers the following units:


  • Introduction to Bookkeeping
  • Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

Each unit is assessed by a computer-based exam. The qualification introduces the core skills and accounting theory in relation to double-entry book-keeping. Learners will join a live, recorded Zoom call once a week for 2 hours and the qualification will take approximately 6 months. Learners are also provided with study textbooks and resources, which will be used to consolidate the skills and knowledge gained from the sessions. This qualification is also a fast-track route to the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and is delivered as part of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship. 

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

In this qualification you will master more complex accounting disciplines such as preparing financial statements for sole trader and partnership businesses, including year-end adjustments. This level also covers the core elements of VAT and the key information required for submission of a VAT return. Cost accounting will look at a wide range of skills required for managing materials, labour and overheads of manufacturing and service industries. The syllabus also covers an introduction to spreadsheets, business and accounting legislation and lastly, professional ethics. 

Four units are undertaken:

  • Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
  • Tax Processes for Businesses
  • Management Accounting Techniques
  • Business Awareness


Learners will join a live, recorded Zoom call once a week for 2 hours and the qualification will take approximately 18 months. Learners are provided with resources and textbooks which can be used to consolidate the skills and knowledge from the sessions. 


A shorter version of this qualification – the AAT Level 3
Certificate in Bookkeeping is also available which takes approximately 9
months. In this, candidates undertake the Financial Accounting: Preparing
Financial Statements and Tax Processes for Businesses units.  On successful completion of this, candidates can apply
for AAT Qualified Bookkeeper status. 

AAT Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship

All units will be studied as part of the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship requires completion of an End Point Assessment which consists of a knowledge test and interview, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence. 

AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting

In this qualification learners will build upon the skills and knowledge gained from the previous levels and cover more complex accounting skills and theory including: preparing financial statements for limited companies, planning and controlling income and expenditure, and the last core module will entail reviewing accounting systems and processes, looking for opportunities to improve them. 


Three mandatory units are undertaken:

  • Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
  • Applied Management Accounting
  • Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

 

Plus two optional units:

  • Personal Tax
  • Business Tax

 

All units are assessed by computer-based exams. Learners will join a live, recorded Zoom call once a week for 2 hours and the qualification will take approximately 18-24 months. Lesson resources and textbooks are provided to all learners which will be used to consolidate the skills and knowledge gained from the sessions. 

AAT Level 4 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship

The three mandatory units at Level 4 are studied as part of the Level 4 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship.  The Apprenticeship requires completion of an End Point Assessment which consists of a synoptic exam and interview, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence. 

Working with you on Functional Skills

All Apprenticeships require learners to demonstrate a minimum level of Maths & English, however learners may be exempt from these with relevant GCSE grades. Don’t worry if you need to work with us on this as we’ll get you through them as part of your training.

"I feel that I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked my way through an Apprenticeship. My career has progressed all thanks to the AAT qualification."

Ben Haynes – Motor Neurone Disease Association