Heard of bookkeeping but don’t really know what it entails? Or do you know you want to study it, but aren’t sure which qualification to aim for? We believe our AAT Bookkeeping qualifications are the best on the market, so we’ve tried to answer some common questions below.
What is bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping is the process of recording the financial transactions of a company, like purchases, sales, and payments. This is part of accounting, which is a broader discipline.
The law requires all businesses to “keep books” in this way, which means that bookkeepers are always in demand.
Who are the AAT?
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the UK’s leading professional body for Accounting and Finance employees. They have over 130,000 members worldwide and award thousands of vocational qualifications every year. Their qualifications are globally recognised and respected, with their syllabuses being frequently updated to reflect the newest trends and skills.
Why study bookkeeping with AAT?
Our bookkeeping courses are ideal for a wide range of people: Level 2 is perfect for those looking for a first job, a change in career, or a return to work after a break. Level 3 suits those with some existing bookkeeping experience who are looking to develop their skills even further.
Even if you are not looking to pursue a career in bookkeeping, AAT qualifications can be extremely useful if you are looking to perform the bookkeeping function in your own small business.
Because AAT qualifications are so highly regarded by employers, they add instant value to your CV and improve your chances of landing that ideal job. Once you have completed your Level 3 Bookkeeping course you will be able to apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and achieve professional AAT Bookkeeper status. This allows you to put the letters “AATQB” after your name, demonstrating the quality of your training and your commitment to the profession.
Not only that, but completing Level 3 also allows you to apply to the AAT for “Licensed Bookkeeper” status. This means you are allowed to set yourself up as a self-employed bookkeeper, doing the books for other businesses. This is usually difficult to do because of anti-money laundering legislation, but the AAT’s supervision makes it possible for those with the qualification.
Finally, getting a bookkeeping qualification with the AAT allows you to transition to the full AAT Accounting qualification. Content is shared between their bookkeeping qualifications and the bookkeeping papers in the accounting courses. This means you are granted exemptions from those papers and gain a fast track route to the next stage in your career, should you want it.
Key benefits:
- Gain highly in-demand skills necessary in all businesses
- Perfect for those looking for a first job or returning to work
- Globally respected accrediting body will give your CV an instant boost
- Acquire Licensed Bookkeeper status and become self-employed
- Gain exemptions from the full AAT Accounting qualification to develop your career even further
- AVADO are the largest online learning provider for AAT in the UK, and were double-award winners at the AAT Awards 2016
If you’re interested in an AAT Bookkeeping Qualification, or any of our other courses, head over to our courses page for more info.