AAT Levels 2, 3 & 4 in Accounting

Is the AAT Accounting Levels 2, 3 and 4 package suitable for me? 

If you’re interested in working in an accounting team and have no experience, or you want to start your own business as a Bookkeeper, or Accountant, this AAT Accounting package is perfect for you.

This course is suitable for anyone new to the industry, or those who currently work in the accounting sector but not qualified and now looking for an official accreditation. 

Both AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting will allow you to apply to use designatory letters after your name, become a licenced Bookkeeper, and offer a wide range of services, including Bookkeeping, Financial Accounts and Accounts Preparation for Sole Traders, VAT, Computerised Accountancy Systems, and Payroll.

Due to the nature of this course, we recommend that students:

• 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 mathematics
• Have access to a PC or Laptop (This course is both Mac and Windows compatible)

What can I expect from a job in accounting?

Accounting responsibilities and salaries vary by job role and organisation however, once you have completed the three courses in this package, you’ll be comfortable working on senior accounting tasks, like:

•    Reviewing financial reports
•    Reconciling account balances and bank statements
•    Managing cash controls

What jobs can I apply for after my AAT Professional training? 

Delegates who completed all three levels are considered highly trained and knowledgeable candidates prepared to undertake roles of an intermediate or senior level. It will take you approximately 9-months to complete AAT Level 2, 12-months to complete AAT Level 3 and 15-months to complete AAT Level 4. 

New career opportunities in accounting include:

• Accounts Payable Manager - £30,789
• Payroll Manager - £31,446
• Commercial Analyst - £34,000
• Billing Manager - £34,091
• Senior Bookkeeper - £35,000
• Senior Finance Officer - £37,000
• Cost Accountant - £40,000
• VAT Accountant - £42,500
• Fixed Asset Accountant - £45,000
• Indirect Tax Manager - £56,000

(Source: Payscale)

AAT Salaries

Salaries for AAT certified professionals in the UK has risen this year. The average salary by job level has been outlined below: 

• Administrator - £20,000 
• Accounts/Finance Assistant - £21,989 
• Accounts/Finance Officer - £27,000 
• Team Leader/Supervisor - £28,000 
• Junior Manager - £31,000 
• Middle Manager - £36,000 
• Senior Manager - £46,000 

 Licence types and Services

When you have earned your AAT Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications, you can set up your own business and apply to provide a wide range of services, including Bookkeeping, Financial accounts, VAT, Computerised accountancy systems, Payroll, Financial accounts and accounts preparation for statutory purposes, budgeting and forecasting, management accounting, personal and business income tax, inheritance, capital gains and corporation tax, limited assurance engagement, independent examination, company secretarial services, Internal audit, and forensic accounting.    

Designatory Letters

Earning your AAT Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications will give you the opportunity to apply for AATQB and professional MAAT status, letting you use the designatory letters after your name, showing you have gained the skills, experience, and knowledge that employers are looking for, which can result in an increase in your earning potential. You can also legally submit final balances for different businesses.  

AATQB (gained with AAT Level 3) - An AAT Bookkeeping member is a qualified Bookkeeper, earning AATQB status. Delegates who have earned their AATQB status can apply to run their own practice as an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.

At this level, you can offer 5 out of the 18 different services, including:

• Bookkeeping
• Financial accounts and accounts preparation for sole traders and partnerships
• VAT
• Computerised accountancy systems

MAAT (gained with AAT Level 4) - An AAT full member is a qualified accountant who has successfully demonstrated the experience and skills necessary to be approved for MAAT status. Delegates who have earned their MAAT status can apply for a licence to run their own practice as an AAT Licensed Accountant or Bookkeeper. 

You can legally offer all 18 services at this level. As well as the 5 services listed above, you can also offer services for:

• Financial accounts and accounts preparation for statutory purposes
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Management accounting
• Personal income tax
• Business income tax
• Inheritance tax
• Capital gains tax
• Corporation tax
• Limited assurance engagement
• Independent examination
• Company secretarial services
• Internal audit
• Forensic accounting

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting Syllabus

AAT Level 2 Accounting training will provide you with a basic knowledge of accounting principles and skills. At this level, your knowledge in accounting will start to develop and finance administration is your focus.    

The four units you'll cover through this course, are:

• Unit 1 – Introduction to Bookkeeping
  • Sage Business Cloud
• Unit 2 – Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
• Unit 3 - Principles of Costing
• Unit 4 – The Business Environment

Average course completion time – 9-12 months

These qualifications will teach you how to process payments and receipts, prepare invoices, complete bank reconciliations, and have the skills required to work effectively in the finance industry.  

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting Syllabus

Building on the skills and techniques you developed throughout Level 2, the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting will enable you to understand and perform more complex accounting processes, such as advanced double-entry bookkeeping, implementing procedures for acquisition and disposal of non-current assets, preparing, and recording depreciation calculations, and more!

The 4 units that you’ll cover throughout this course, are:

•    Unit 1 - Business Awareness
•    Unit 2 – Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
•    Unit 3 - Management Accounting Techniques
•    Unit 4 – Tax Processes for Businesses

Average course completion time – 12-15 months

Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification Syllabus

The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification comprises three mandatory units: an assessment, and a choice of five optional units. You’ll need to complete all the mandatory units and two of the five optional units, to complete the course. The assessment fees are not included in the cost of the course.

It’s best to complete the mandatory units first, before deciding which optional units you'll want to study.

We include the study text so that you have everything you need to study, including exam revision kits so that you can test yourself at home and be sure you’re fully prepared for the exam.

This training package includes official Kaplan hard copy books, and additional resources to help you throughout your studies, including Pocket Notes, LRP paper (mock paper), integrated workbooks, question bank, and more!

As this course is delivered via textbook, your course will not expire, meaning you can take the exams when you’re ready.

Mandatory Units

• Mandatory Unit 1- Applied Management Accounting
• Mandatory Unit 2 - Drafting and interpreting Financial Statements
• Mandatory Unit 3- Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Optional Units

• Optional Unit 1 - Business Tax
• Optional Unit 2 - Personal Tax
• Optional Unit 3 - Audit and Assurance
• Optional Unit 4 - Cash and Financial Management
• Optional Unit 5 - Credit and Debt Management

Average course completion time – 15-18 months

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting Exam Details

Your personal AAT tutor will run your live online classes so that you get the benefits of learning in a college class without leaving your home. Live online classes cover revision sessions and practice papers on the units you need to pass your exams.

There are four exams in total - 3 computer-based exams and 1 Synoptic Assessment. 

Exams

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
• Principles of Costing
• The Business Environment

When you are ready to take your assessments, you need to book your exam at an AAT approved assessment venue. We can help find the closest one to you. Exam fees vary from centre to centre.

Exam fees are not included in the course cost. 

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting Exam Details

There are 4 computer-based exams in total for AAT Level 3, which will need to be taken at your local AAT test centre.

Exams

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

The exam format includes multiple-choice questions, selecting answers from a drop-down menu and typing numbers and text into form fields.

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting Assessment Details

Mandatory Assessments

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

Optional Exams

• Business Tax
• Personal Tax
• Audit and Assurance
• Cash and Financial Management
• Credit and Debt Management

Questions include multiple-choice, selecting answers from a drop-down menu and typing numbers into form fields.

AAT Membership

Membership is not included in this course but will be required to sit exams. As an AAT member, you will benefit from:

• Access to AAT learning portal
• Helplines to support you throughout your career
• Free events
• Discussion forums
• Exclusive networking events
• And more…

Pass Rates

We’re proud to have achieved some of the highest pass marks in the UK.
e-Careers pass rates

•  AAT Level 2 is 91.2%, National average is 85%
•  AAT Level 3 is 87.6%, National average is 75%
•  AAT Level 4 is 82.2%, National Average is 68.8%

AAT Exams Update - COVID-19

Covid restrictions for England and Wales have now been removed. Please check with your local exam centre for advice on COVID-19 processes. 

TOTUM PRO Card

What is the TOTUM PRO Card?

This training package is eligible for the TOTUM PRO Card, which offers discounts in a wide range of shops and websites, helping you get money off food, holidays and flights, clothes,