AAT Level 3 - Certificate in Bookkeeping

This qualification is designed to Learn enhanced skills and expertise in bookkeeping activities, critical for the smooth and efficient running of all finance departments.

Generally, student progress to Level 3 Bookkeeping after completing Level 2. The AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping provides you with all the necessary skills you will need to become an advanced Bookkeeper, making it the ideal qualification for experienced Bookkeepers who are looking to support and authenticate their knowledge, and carry out more advanced tasks in double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements, spreadsheets and software use with the backing of one of AAT’s renowned certificates. If you take and pass both the Level 2 and 3 qualifications, you can become a Professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB). If you're considering starting your own practice, you’ll be eligible to apply to become an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.

What it covers?

This qualification will equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in bookkeeping or for progressing to higher-level accountancy roles or further study. Students who complete this qualification will gain competence in key financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, and the preparation of financial statements. Additionally, the course introduces business issues related to payroll and Value Added Tax (VAT), providing an understanding of payroll software, the documents and reports it generates, and the timelines for submissions and payments.

This Level 2 qualification includes two (2) units. You must complete the below two units to gain the certificate.

Unit 1: Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

This unit provides students with the skills required to produce statements of profit or loss and statements for financial position for sole traders and partnerships, using a trial balance. Students will gain the double-entry bookkeeping skills needed to record financial transactions into an organisation's accounts using a manual bookkeeping system.

Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 70%.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the accounting principles underlaying final accounts preparation.
• Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping.
• Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets.
• Prepare and record depreciation calculations.
• Record period end adjustments.
• Produce and extend the trial balance.
• Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships.
• Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios.
• Prepare accounting records from incomplete information.

Unit 2:  Tax Processes for Businesses

This unit explores tax processes that influence the daily operations of businesses and is designed to develop students' skills in understanding, preparing and submitting Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to HM Revenue & Customs. The unit provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to keep businesses, employers and clients compliant with laws and practices that apply to VAT and payroll.

Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 30%.

Learning outcomes

• Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT.
• Calculate VAT.
• Review and verify VAT returns.
• Understand principals of payroll.
• Report information within the organisation.

Who is it suitable for?

The Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping is ideal for:

This level will be completed by students with previous study specific to accounting. If you begin studying for your AAT qualification from Level 3 you will be expected to demonstrate an aptitude for the main areas covered within the Foundation Certificate in Accounting level bookkeeping modules.

We would expect this qualification to take 6-12 months to complete for most students or 3-6 months on a fast-track basis.

Potential Career Opportunities

Upon completing this qualification, you will be well-prepared to apply for roles such as:

• Professional bookkeeper
• Senior bookkeeper
• Accounts manager
• Ledger manager

How long it takes?

The qualification usually takes between 6-12 months to complete, but this will depend on study method and course timetable.

How and where to study?

You can choose to study through online distance learning, blended learning, or in the classroom—whatever suits you best. Whether you prefer evening classes, part-time, or full-time study, there’s an option to fit your schedule. Even if you opt for distance learning, you'll need to find a training provider. We’ll assist you every step of the way, including with registration. Once a cohort of students is registered, we’ll schedule sessions at times that work best for the group.

What to expect from us?

We provide flexible study options through block-teaching sessions, available both online and in-person, tailored to fit your lifestyle and schedule. To ensure personalised support and cost-effective delivery, we create small cohorts of learners, allowing us to offer comprehensive attention to each individual.

For those in full-time employment, we recognise the challenges of balancing work and personal commitments. That's why we schedule sessions around your availability, including daytime, evenings, and weekends. Throughout your studies, you’ll receive continuous support and guidance from your personal AAT tutor, who will be with you every step of the way.

You will have seven-day-a-week access to our team of fully qualified, highly experienced tutors and course advisors, selected for their deep industry knowledge. Our mission is to equip you with everything needed to confidently progress through your AAT course and achieve your qualification in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

What is the cost?

The total cost for the course, including all registration and assessment fees, is £920. This includes:

• A course fee of £700, which covers tuition (if attending in-person classes) and is paid directly to us.
• A standard qualification fee of £220, payable to AAT from 1 September 2024. This fee comprises a registration fee of £94 and two (2) unit assessments, each priced at £63 (i.e. £63*2=£126).

The registration fee, paid directly to AAT, grants access to study support resources and covers assessment scheduling for the duration of the qualification, typically four to five years. The assessment fee is paid to your training provider or assessment venue.

Please be aware that training providers and assessment venues may charge an additional administrative fee for the assessment, which can vary between organisations.

Entry requirements

Students can start with any qualification based on their existing skills and experience. For the best chance of success, we recommend that students have a strong foundation in English and maths before beginning their studies. Ideally, A Level/AS Level (Grades A–E) and/or UCAS points: Distinction = 28, Merit = 20, Pass = 16

If you already have some accounting experience, use the AAT Skill check to assess your knowledge and determine the most suitable qualification to start with. We will assist you on this entry requirements. Please contact us for your skills check.

Contact us about studying an AAT Qualification

• Whatsapp: +44(0)7841144988    
• Email: admin@aprcb.com

We will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

Office Hours:

Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 UK time