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Where will this course lead?

The AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2) is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in accounting and Finance. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the world's leading professional body for Accounting Professionals.

Accounting skills are one of the most desired by employers in the wider Birmingham area. The qualification will prepare you for junior and entry level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration - covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping to basic costing principles and using accounting software.

All Learners wishing to study at Level 3 must complete this course.

AAT is a internationally recognised and respected qualification that shows potential employers that you have been trained to the highest standard.

Each completion of an AAT Level is a qualification in its own right. Full completion of the Level 4 Diploma in Accounting and work experience will lead to designated letters (MAAT) after your name. If you wish to progress further with your career and academic qualifications you can achieve chartered accountancy status by further study.

What will I study?

The AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting covers a range of foundation accounting and finance skills in five mandatory units. These are as follows:

? Bookkeeping Transactions

? Bookkeeping Controls

? Elements of Costing

? Using Accounting Software

? Work Effectively in Finance (assessed via the Foundation Certificate Synoptic Assessment)

? Foundation Certificate Synoptic Assessment

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered based on industry standard theory and practice. Delivery is heavily focused on taught sessions and there is an expectation that you will complete independent study as you prepare for examinations.

What qualifications will I get?

AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2).

How will I be assessed?

The AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2) comprises of five mandatory units. Four units are assessed individually in end-of-unit assessments. A end of year synoptic assessment draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across the qualification.

How do I get a place on the course?

Places are offered by interview only.

What are the entry requirements?

We expect you to have at least five Grade 4 or above GCSEs, and they must include GCSE English Language, and Mathematics.

If you have any learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview and during the course.

What else do I need to know?

You will need to arrange your own work placement (minimum of 30 hours across the whole of the academic year) during the autumn term so that it can be completed later on in the academic year.

You are expected to dress appropriately, as if you were in a real working environment. Whilst the dress code will be discussed further at interview and covered at induction, please be aware that you will not be allowed to wear tracksuits, hoodies or branded clothing.

What can I do after this course?

On completion of the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting you will have the knowledge and skills for many positions in an accounting / financial / business environment. You can choose from 3 main options:

Continue with your full-time studies at Level 3.

Enter the workplace in a junior role and study Level 3 on a part time basis.

Gain employment as an Apprentice and continue accounting studies at Level 3.

Please note completion of AAT qualifications is the most popular route to further studies leading to full professional accreditation with various accountancy bodies including the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

AFAAF151BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Business Project and Finance Manager

Job holders in this unit group manage and oversee major projects across all sectors of modern industry, commerce and the public sector, in areas such as e-commerce, business analysis, finance, product development, marketing, human resources.

What’s Involved?

Business Project and Finance Managers find out what the client or company wants to achieve. They agree timescales, costs and resources needed. They also draw up a detailed plan for how to achieve each stage of the project. They select and lead a project team. They negotiate with contractors and suppliers for materials and services. They also ensure that each stage of the project is progressing on time, on budget and to the right quality standards. They report regularly on progress to the client or to senior managers.

Finance Manager/Director

Financial managers and directors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate financial information and advise on company financial policy.

What’s Involved?

Finance Managers/Directors participate in the formulation of strategic and long-term business plans, assess the implications for the organisation financial mechanisms and oversee their implementation. They plan external and internal audit programmes, arrange for the collection and analysis of accounting, budgetary and related information, and manage the company's financial systems. They determine staffing levels appropriate for accounting activities. They also assess and advise on factors affecting business performance.

Accounting Technician

Financial and accounting technicians work alongside accountants and other financial professionals in managing the financial affairs of organisations.

What’s Involved?

Accounting Technicians maintain profit and loss accounts, budget, cash flow forecasts and other accounting records. They produce, collate and report financial information for managers. They also liaise with clients to ensure that payments are made on time and credit limits are not exceeded. They ensure invoices and payments are correct and sent out on time. They monitor accounting systems to determine accounts are being maintained effectively and provide information on accounting practices to auditors.

Accountant

Jobholders in this unit group provide accounting and auditing services, advise clients on financial matters, collect and analyse financial information and perform other accounting duties required by management for the planning and control of an establishment's income and expenditure.

What’s Involved?

Accountants plan and oversee implementation of accountancy system and policies. They prepare financial documents and report for management, shareholders, statutory or other bodies. They audit accounts and book-keeping records. They also prepare tax returns, advise on tax problems and contest disputed claim before tax official. They conduct financial investigations concerning insolvency, fraud, possible mergers, etc. They also evaluate financial information for management purposes. They liaise with management and other professionals to compile budgets and other costs. They prepare periodic accounts, budgetary reviews and financial forecasts. They also conduct investigations and advise management on financial aspects of productivity, stock holding, sales, new products, etc.

Chartered Accountant

Chartered accountants provide accounting and auditing services, advise clients on financial matters, collect and analyse financial information and perform other accounting duties required by management for the planning and control of an establishment's income and expenditure.

What’s Involved?

A Chartered Accountant plans and oversees implementation of accountancy system and policies. They prepare financial documents and report for management, shareholders, statutory or other bodies; audits accounts and book-keeping records. They prepare tax returns, advise on tax problems and contest disputed claim before tax official . They also conduct financial investigations concerning insolvency, fraud, possible mergers, etc. They evaluate financial information for management purposes. They liaise with management and other professionals to compile budgets and other costs. They also prepare periodic accounts, budgetary reviews and financial forecasts and conduct investigations and advise management on financial aspects of productivity, stock holding, sales, new products, etc.

Finance Officer

Finance officers oversee book-keeping, general accounting and other financial and related clerical functions mainly within local government and a variety of public sector organisations.

What’s Involved?

A Finance Officer oversees the recording and checking of daily financial transactions, the preparation of provisional balances and reconciliation of accounts. They prepare or arrange the preparation of financial reports for managers. They plan work schedules and assign tasks to financial clerks. They also coordinate the activities and resources of finance departments.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.