Online AAT Training

If you are a professional who wants to get ahead in your career AAT courses are the best place to start. The Association of Accounting Technicians is an organisation that offers some of the most well-known accounting qualifications both in the UK and internationally. AAT training is highly valued by employers and a qualification can lead to some excellent career prospects in many different industries. The AAT specialise in bookkeeping and accountancy qualifications, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to practice competently in an accounting capacity. There are lots of accounting technicians who work in highly regarded job roles and at a senior level in well known and recognised organisations around the world.

What is the AAT?

The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians is a leading professional body in the UK for accounting staff and there are more than 120,000 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 an endless range of 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.

Studying AAT qualifications

Once you have decided that you wish to pursue a career in finance and accounting, it is important to be aware of the various levels of study. There are four main levels within the AAT pathway, from the basic, introductory courses at Level 1 to the more advanced training at Level 4 which concludes the AAT qualification. All online AAT qualifications will broadly follow the same or a very similar syllabus for each level;

Level 1 (AAT Access) – This level is a very basic introduction to the world of finance and accounting. Studying at this level is the very first step in your journey and is suitable if you don’t have any previous experience or qualifications in accounting or finance. Ideal for school leavers.

AAT Level 2 – The foundation level which introduces you to basic accounting skills and principles such as the double entry system, credit control and trial balances. You don’t need to complete Level 1 before starting this course.

AAT Level 2 in Bookkeeping – If you would rather not study the full Level 2 qualification you can specialise in book keeping only.

AAT Level 3 – Accounting topics will be more detailed, and you will build on what you have already learned in the foundation course exploring accounting tasks and how to prepare accounts. Upon completion of Level 3 you will be qualified with an AAT Diploma in Accounting.

Level 4 – This is the final level in the AAT pathway and covers more complex topics and in more detail. Students studying at this level will learn about budgets, financial performance and drafting statements. Once qualified you will become an automatic affiliate member of the AAT.

The AAT syllabus

Although the AAT don’t deliver training themselves, there are plenty of providers who offer AAT accredited courses such as ourselves. The course syllabus will typically follow the following framework:

AAT Level 2

At Level 2 students will explore a range of accounting principles and techniques including:

• Effective business communications
• Methods of processing receipts and payments
• The correct approach for invoice preparation
• How to use accounting software and functions such as formulas and formatting

There are four units of study with five assessments. Four of which are computer-based assessments and the final is a synoptic, end of course examination.

AAT Level 3

Building on your knowledge from Level 2, the Level 3 qualification is an intermediate course where you will learn more about accounting tasks such as cost accounting and reporting. Students will acquire the necessary skills in financial processes, bookkeeping, ethical practices and final accounts preparation in addition to:

• Understanding the importance of professional ethics in finance and accounting
• Using spreadsheets to collect, collate and manage accounting information
• Conducting analysis and reconciliations
• Implementing relevant provisions for irrecoverable and doubtful debts

Students will cover four units and complete five assessments including the end of course Synoptic examination.

Level 4

The Level 4 qualification is the most advanced and it covers detailed accounting tasks required in senior roles such as preparing financial statements, evaluating performance and managing budgets. Students studying this course will cover:

• How to draft and interpret financial statements
• Techniques to prepare income and expenditure forecasts
• Preparing and revising draft budgets
• Managing budgets and issuing variance reports
• Conducting financial reviews to identify risk and making recommendations

Successful qualification will require students to complete a total of 3 compulsory and 2 optional units and pass the Synoptic assessment.

Why study AAT courses?

AAT courses are suitable for everyone, from career changers through to young people. Studying an accredited course from the AAT will allow you to:

• Obtain a qualification that is internationally recognised – an AAT qualification is based on practical, real world accounting knowledge and expertise that you can implement from you first day of study. AAT is an internationally recognised professional body which is highly respected. Students who study for an AAT accredited course can do so with the knowledge that they are studying a professional, well respected course which is a mark of excellence in the finance and accounting industry.
• Access in demand qualifications – good financial management is at the core of any successful business, so demand for these skills is high in all sectors. With an AAT qualification on your CV, you will be able to demonstrate a level of skill and competence which is highly sought after. The practical skills and industry focused qualifications will allow you to manage accounting processes, coordinate budgets and oversee cashflow with confidence and competence. If you already hold a degree, the AAT qualification will enable you to develop practical skills which you can then apply in a real business environment.
• Access excellent opportunities for progression – studying online AAT courses will allow you to progress your career in several ways. You could:
  • Secure employment in finance or accounting
  • Build your knowledge and skills further by completing a degree qualification
  • Progress onto Chartered Accountant Status
  • Establish your own book keeping or accounting practice

Chartered Accountancy

With the AAT qualification you will be able to receive generous exemptions with several Chartered and Certified accounting bodies in the UK.

AAT structure

The AAT currently offer four qualifications in accounting which take varying lengths of time to complete. The shortest is six months and the longest is 18 months. These qualifications equip students with a comprehensive skill set which will open up opportunities in many different industries besides financial services. You can begin with any qualification depending on your qualifications, experience and areas of interest. Course advisors are always happy to provide any guidance or information you need to make an informed choice about which course is best for your requirements.

The three AAT Qualifications include:

• Level 2 Foundation Certificate
• Level 3 Advanced Diploma
• Level 4 Professional Diploma

How are AAT courses taught online?

One of the great things about studying for an AAT course is that there are plenty of providers who offer online learning. AVADO are multi-award winning providers of AAT qualifications and have many years’ experience in delivering a comprehensive AAT syllabus at all levels. Online courses are usually delivered through a dedicated learning platform where you can progress through your learning materials and connect with fellow students and your tutor. Being an online student, you are in complete control of your study schedule and you set the pace at which you learn. Depending on the provider, you will usually be issued with a login and password to access your own learning area. The online learning platform will allow you to access the course from wherever you are whether you are learning on a laptop, mobile or tablet.

AAT training provider

AAT qualifications are delivered by training providers such as AVADO rather than offered directly from the AAT. AVADO courses are accredited and meet very high standards. They have received multiple awards for training and aim to deliver exceptional content and excellent learning experiences for students. You will always be supported throughout your course both by your fellow students and by an experienced accounting tutor.