CoursesAAT Level 2 Certificate

AAT Level 2 Certificate

The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting includes five mandatory units which will require 210 hours of guided learning

Course overview

The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting includes five mandatory units which will require 210 hours of guided learning. Once students have studied this course, they should be able to:

  • Utilise cost recording systems to accurately collect, store and retrieve information relating to the income and expenditure relating to a business and make comparisons between projected and actual figures
  • Create and maintain spreadsheets to communicate financial data
  • Manage computerised accounting systems, passwords and follow backup procedures
  • Explain ethical issues and sustainability
  • Describe how the double entry book keeping system operates and the related procedures
  • Outline the features and functions of the banking system
  • Accurately process financial documentation
  • Efficiently maintain journals and handle accounts, reconcile balances and make the necessary corrections

 

Your learning experience with AVADO will be unique and aims to deliver the highest quality tuition to students to help you develop and use valuable work-based accountancy skills while providing plenty of opportunity to develop professionally throughout your journey on the course. During the initial stages of the course you will be introduced to a dedicated tutor who will:
  • Work with you to identify your career goals, aspirations and important considerations from the outset so you can study the course with confidence
  • Develop a personal schedule and pace for studying the course that fits in with your requirements
  • Build rapport so you know that there is always a friendly and helpful tutor available to answer queries or address concerns no matter how trivial they may seem
Courses are accessed through the Virtual Learning Campus, an online platform containing all the required learning materials to see you through the course. The VCL can be accessed on all internet-enabled devices, including tablet and mobile. The course will provide bite-size learning content, frequent live classes, regular learning checks and practice tests, and tutor support to monitor your progress. Courses includes 24-hour access the online campus, which is accessible on mobile and tablet; a course textbook; the online units outlined below; a tutor and community team; regular online live classes; revision classes; access to AVADO’s premium Career Development Hub; and a free NUS card offering a wide range of discounts to students.
The AAT Level 2 Certificate is delivered over five units and they will provide you with the skills and know-how to undertake basic accounting functions. Unit 1: Bookkeeping Transactions The first unit of this course will guide you through the basics of double entry book keeping and the related systems and processes. Students will be able to use various accounting books such as the prime entry and ledger to process and record financial documents. In doing so you will progress through the following sections:
  • Section 1 Understand the Principles of Processing Financial Transactions
  • Section 2 Understand the Double Entry Book Keeping System
  • Section 3 Understand Discounts
  • Section 4 Prepare and process financial documentation for customers
  • Section 5 Process Supplier Invoices and Credit Notes and Calculate Payments
  • Section 6 Maintain the Cash Book
  • Section 7 Maintain Petty Cash Records
  • Section 8 Process Ledger Transactions and Extract a Trial Balance
Unit 2: Bookkeeping controls Within Module 2 you will cover the function of journal and control accounts, reconcile balances and apply corrections as well as redrafting where necessary the trial balance. The banking system will also be explored and as you study each of the units you will learn the following:
  • Section 1 Understand the purpose and use of control accounts and journals
  • Section 2 Maintain and use control accounts
  • Section 3 Maintain and use the journal
  • Section 4 Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book
  • Section 5 Process supplier invoices and credit notes and calculate payments
  • Section 6 Understand retention and storage requirements relating to banking documents
Unit 3: Elements of costing As you study this unit, you will acquire the knowledge to use cost recording systems in order to prepare information that relates to income and expenditure. Once you have mastered this you can then make comparisons and identify any discrepancies or differences between projected and actual figures, communicating this information using a spreadsheet. The three sections in this unit include:
  • Section 1 Understand the cost recording system within an organisation
  • Section 2 Be able to use the cost recording system to record or extract data
  • Section 3 Use spreadsheets to provide information on actual and budgeted income and expenditure
Unit 4: Using Accounting Software This unit will introduce you to accounting software, guiding you through how to use electronic systems to enter transactions, conduct reconciliations, address errors and generate reports. In Unit 5 you will explore:
  • Section 1 Enter accounting data at the beginning of an accounting period
  • Section 2 Record customer transactions
  • Section 3 Record Supplier Transactions
  • Section 4 Record and reconcile bank and cash transactions
  • Section 5 Be able to use journals to enter accounting transactions
  • Section 6 Produce reports
  • Section 7 Maintain the safety and security of data held in the computerised accounting system
Unit 5: Work Effectively in Finance As a skills-based unit, you will learn how to use your existing literacy and numeracy abilities to work effectively in an accounting role. You will also learn how to manage your time to maximise productivity. The following topics will be discussed in this unit:
  • Section 1 Understand the accounting or payroll function within an organisation
  • Section 2 Be able to use a range of communication skills
  • Section 3 Work independently or as part of a team
  • Section 4 Develop skills and knowledge to meet personal and organisational needs
  • Section 5 Understand ethical values and principles
  • Section 6 Understand sustainable values
The AAT Level 2 Course will require you to complete five examinations. Four of these will be Computer Based Assessments and there is a requirement for you to complete a synoptic examination.
AVADO believe in creating an engaging and inspiring environment in which students can learn and achieve. Courses are developed to help you succeed. With 26 years’ experience in delivering training, AVADO have excellent AAT pass rates. Proficient tutors and inspirational content When you join a course, you will be assigned a dedicated course tutor who has been hand picked for their knowledge and expertise. As well as your tutor who is a valuable resource throughout the course, you will also have access to a range of engaging learning materials directly through your VLC. Ongoing support from start to finish Your tutor will work with you every step of the way and will always be there when you need them. AVADO believe in building an active online community, so you can build connections and make friends with fellow students. Learning is a collaborative process and AVADO help you connect and communicate at any time. Dedicated online platform The VLC environment has been designed with students in mind. It works well on any device whether you are studying from your mobile while on the train or your laptop at home. Learn at your own pace in an environment that is suited to your study requirements. Affordable pricing Education should be accessible for all and that’s why AVADO offer a range of payment options, whether you prefer to pay in full or spread the cost, there are many options available. Award winning training provider AVADO Learning is the winner of two AAT Awards including the Best use of E-Learning and the PQ Magazine Editor’s Choice Award in 2017. AVADO have 6,000 students studying (and qualifying) every year.
Although the Level 2 AAT Course is a foundation qualification, students are not required to hold any previous qualifications or possess relevant work experience. However, it is recommended that individuals have a basic understanding of mathematics or a strong commitment to pursuing accounting as a career. To study this course, you must:
  • Be over the age of 18 years
  • Have a good understanding of the English language
  • Be able to access a computer and the internet at regular intervals for the duration of your course
  • Be able to attend all examinations at an approved AAT examination centre in the UK
Students who are paying for courses themselves have a number of options. You can either:
  • Pay in full immediately
  • Split your course fees over two or three instalments at no additional charge
  • Make an application for a payment plan over 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months. Finance is offered through Omni Capital and is subject to eligibility criteria.
The AAT Foundation Certificate (Level 2) provides a good base of foundational knowledge and skills from which to build an accounting career. On qualifying, you will gain “part-qualified” status from which you will be eligible for a number of entry-level accounting roles. On completion of this course, the next step in the full AAT pathway is the Advanced Diploma in Accounting (Level 3), which then progresses on to the Professional Diploma (Level 4). Once you complete the full pathway, you will have in-depth knowledge of advanced accounting processes and will also be eligible to become an AAT Full Member (MAAT). Examples of roles you will be eligible for on qualification are Accounts Officer for which the estimated salary is £21,000, and payroll administrator, for which the estimated salary is £23,000.
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians is a leading professional body in the UK for accounting staff and there are more than 150,000 members across 90 countries. Within the UK, the AAT are sponsored by several chartered accounting bodies including the ICAEW, CIMA, CIPFA and ICAS. Qualifications from the AAT will provide you with the practical skills in finance and accounting that you can apply to many industries and occupations. AAT is available for anyone; you don’t need any prior knowledge of accounting or experience in the industry and with many of the online AAT courses you can study at your own pace around your personal and work commitments. Whether you are hoping to start your career in accounting or you want to develop your skills, AAT will provide you with the in-depth training that you need. AAT also offers students several benefits if you join as a member. With an AAT membership you can enjoy ongoing study support, careers advice and exclusive discounts. The AAT will also offer advice and guidance if you wish to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy.