• bag
OR

Where will this course lead?

The AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 3) 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.

Those who have completed Level 3 Accounting have several options.

1. You can progress to university, particularly withing Business and Finance fields.

2. Accounting skills are one of the most desired by employers in the wider Birmingham area. Typical job roles for those who complete Level 3 are

  • Accounts Assistant
  • Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
  • Assistant Accountant
  • Audit Trainee
  • Credit Controller
  • Finance Assistant
  • Finance Officer
  • Payroll Supervisor
  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Tax Assistant.

 

3. You also can enter work and continue to study AAT at Level 4, on a part time basis. This is the typical choice for those working towards full Chartered Accounting status.

AAT is an 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. 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?

You will study for main units detailed below, each of which is formally assessed. At the end of the course there is a synoptic assessment which draws on knowledge from the whole curriculum.

  • Business Awareness
  • Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
  • Management Accounting Techniques
  • Tax Processes for Businesses.

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 Diploma in Accounting (Level 3).

    How will I be assessed?

    Four units are assessed individually in end-of-unit assessments. At the end of year a 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.

    You will also need to have completed Level 2 with a minimum of a merit grade.

    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?

    Those who have completed Level 3 Accounting have several options.

    1.You can progress to university, particularly withing Business and Finance fields.

    2. Accounting skills are one of the most desired by employers in the wider Birmingham area. Typical job roles for those who complete Level 3 are

    • Accounts Assistant
    • Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
    • Assistant Accountant
    • Audit Trainee
    • Credit Controller
    • Finance Assistant
    • Finance Officer
    • Payroll Supervisor
    • Senior Bookkeeper
    • Tax Assistant.

    3. You also can enter work and continue to study AAT at Level 4, on a part time basis. This is the typical choice for those working towards full Chartered Accounting status.

    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

    AFAAT151BCF0

    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.