AAT accounting qualifications
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“I had no intention of doing accounting as a career, but I was pretty good with numbers. I studied AAT and found it fun. Now I run my own accounting business. I’m probably taking on a new client every week, and it all started with AAT.”
Andy, running his own practice as an AAT Licensed Accountant since 2012
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AAT’s highly established, industry recognised accounting and finance qualifications consists of three levels – Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4.
Throughout each qualification you’ll learn practical skills to prime you for the workplace, from basic finance administration skills, preparing final accounts, through to complex management accounting tasks.
As you work through the qualification levels you’ll build skills and knowledge on the key business themes; communication, ethics, technology and sustainability – gaining an understanding of why these are important skills to have in the modern accounting world.
In this section you’ll see the topics you’ll cover at each level and the types of jobs and salaries you can expect on completion.
How long will it take?
You will spend about a year on each qualification but depending on your study method or course timetable it may be as little as six months or as long as 18 months.
How will it help my career prospects?
Each of the AAT accounting qualifications is a qualification in its own right. That means as you progress through each qualification, the skills you’ve learnt can be applied to a wider range of roles – from Accounts Administrator through to senior level positions such as Commercial Analyst and Management Accountants.
What’s my potential salary?
The average salary* for those studying at these levels:
Level 2 £21,000
Level 3 £21,000
Level 4 £23,400
*Average (median) salary for those working full-time, AAT Salary Survey 2021.
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There are three AAT accounting qualifications
Level 2
The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is where you’ll develop your skills in finance administration: double-entry bookkeeping, purchase, sales and general ledgers, basic costing and using accounting software.
Level 3
While studying the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, you’ll master more complex financial processes, including final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, reports and returns and professional ethics.
Level 4
The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers financial team leader skills, including financial statements for limited companies, complex management accounting tasks, management skills and specialist learning areas.