Accounting and Business Skills (With ESOL) - Level 1 Award (AAT)

The AAT Access Award in Business Skills offers students the opportunity to develop key practical skills used in every business as a route into employment. On completion of this qualification, students will also be equipped with a strong foundation from which to progress to further study with AAT in either Accountancy or Bookkeeping.

This qualification will suit students with minimal work experience and those who require additional support to progress. This may include younger learners, those on traineeships seeking basic employability skills, and adults seeking to validate their existing skills to enter into the workplace.

For the best chance of success, we recommend students begin their studies with basic English. Basic numeracy will be developed within this qualification so is not required before starting this course.

Units include:

• Preparing for Work
• Using Numbers in Business
• Sales and Purchases in Business

A student completing this qualification will develop an understanding of how different organisations operate across both the public and private sectors. They will learn how to contribute effectively in the workplace by working with others, managing their time, behaving professionally and maintaining the security of data. Students will develop the skills to identify jobs that match their skills and abilities and to apply for a job using an application form or CV. Other skills developed will be basic numerical skills needed in the workplace, and in life outside work. These numerical skills range from simple calculations that are used in business, to working with decimals, percentages and fractions, and applying proportions and ratios.

Mathematics for accounting:

• Understanding and developing skills in a range of basic mathematical functions using financial data
• Understanding basic mathematical concepts and applying a range of numerical skills required by financial professionals

Essential accounting procedures:

• Applying basic accounting terminology to business documents and procedures
• Understanding the principles of single-entry accounting systems, including preparing to record business transactions in the books of prime entry
• Identify types of coding and batch control
• Preparing documents to process receipts and payments
• Preparing a basic profit statement

Creating business documents:

• Understanding which documents should be used within the accountancy function and other areas of business
• Understanding the importance of good quality communications, including knowledge of formal and informal written communications
• Identifying different types of business documents and understanding why it is important to choose the right style for internal and external communications

Accounting in a professional environment:

• Understanding how efficient working practices and personal development will help both individuals and businesses to succeed
• Appreciating how the legal framework and ethical behaviour affect the way a business is run

• You are currently seeking employment and looking for strong new skills to take to the workplace
• English is your second language and you want to build on your business communication skills
• You are looking to complete a short qualification before committing to a larger study programme
• Functional Skills Entry 3 (Reading and Writing)
• Functional Skills Entry 3 Maths

There is one assessment for all four units and it is computer-based.

Adults - Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2

If you will be aged 19+ on 31st August prior to the start date of your course, up to Level 2, then your study with us will be free. You must have lived for 3 years within the EU/EEA/UK prior to the start of your course, you must have lived in the UK before 1st January 2021 and you must have permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months from the first day of learning. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, or into employment in roles in business and accounting.

Helen joined CONEL in May 2023. She began her teaching career in 2008 and spent the next 15 years teaching a range of courses such as AAT Level 1 and 2, AAT Level 3; Advance Bookkeeping and Indirect Tax, IAB Payroll Level 1 to 3, IAB Bookkeeping and Accounting Level 1 to 3, IAB Computerised Accounting Level 1 and 2, City and Guilds Level 1 and 2 Bookkeeping.

Helen has taught to various settings and ages, at various colleges and centres including Stanmore College, College of North East London, Haringey Adult Learning Services and Enfield College.

Helen’s commitment to education and training has been recognised on many platforms. She has received the following awards:

• The Best Tutor Award at the Haringey Adult Learning Services
• The IAB Honorary Ambassador Award at The House of Commons.
• Based on Helen’s excellent delivery of IAB courses and the excellent team’s support, the centre Haringey Adult Learning Services was awarded IAB Silver and Gold Centre Awards
• IAB Tutor of the Year Award, at The House of Commons
• Stanmore College Staff Awards
• An Outstanding Advocate in Education Award, IAB, at The House of the Lords

Helen is an experienced teacher and holds qualifications BA Hons in Accounting and Finance and Business Pathways, from Thames Valley University, a PTLLS, CTLLS, and DTLLS, a Certificate in Adult Literacy Subject Support Levels 2 and 3 at The College of Haringey Enfield and North East London, and a A1 Assessor certificate from City and Guilds.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.

This course gives you a strong foundation from which to progress to further study with AAT in either accountancy or bookkeeping. If English is your second language and you want to build on your business communication skills, this course is ideal as it is taught with ESOL support.

You will develop an understanding of how different organisations operate across both the public and private sectors, as well as how to contribute effectively in the workplace by working with others, managing your time, behaving professionally and maintaining security of data. The course will help you develop basic numerical skills needed in the workplace and life outside of work.

Topics covered can include:

• Mathematics for Accounting
• Understanding and developing skills in a range of basic mathematical functions using financial data
• Understanding basic mathematical concepts and applying a range of numerical skills required by financial professionals essential accounting procedures
• Applying basic accounting terminology to business documents and procedures
• Understanding the principles of single-entry accounting systems, including preparing to record business transactions in the books of prime entry 
• Identifying types of coding and batch control
• Preparing documents to process receipts and payments
• Preparing a basic profit statement
• Creating business documents
• Understanding which documents should be used within the accountancy function and other areas of business
• Understanding the importance of good quality communications, including knowledge of formal and informal written communications Identifying different types of business documents and understanding why it is important to choose the right style for internal and external communications
• Accounting in a professional environment
• Understanding how efficient working practices and personal development will help both individuals and businesses to succeed 
• Appreciating how the legal framework and ethical behaviour affect the way a business is run

You do not need to have any previous qualifications. All applicants must have an initial assessment and interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

There is one assessment for all four units and it is computer-based.

Adults - Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2

If you will be aged 19+ on 31st August prior to the start date of your course, up to Level 2, then your study with us will be free. You must have lived for 3 years within the EU/EEA/UK prior to the start of your course, you must have lived in the UK before 1st January 2021 and you must have permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months from the first day of learning. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher-level courses, or into employment in roles in business and accounting.

Mohamed has been an Accounting lecturer at City and Islington College since 2016. Mo is a PGCE (Westminster University, London) qualified trainer and assessor and enjoys sharing knowledge and practical skills in Accounting and Finance. Mo’s philosophy is deeply rooted in staying current with industry developments through CPDs in Accounting and Education.

Mo is an ACCA/FCCA certified accountant with over 15 years in the public sector with skills in budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management underpinned by developing and implementing robust accounting systems to support internal controls and uphold ethical standards.

Mo also holds an ACCA Certificate in Digital Innovation for Finance (2023) and is certified in Business Objects Designer/Reporter/Supervisor and IBM Cognos reporting.

Mo has a passion for working in education and has supported over a thousand learners in Lifelong Learning and Employability. Mo’s career also spans adult education services (Haringey Adult Learning Service, North London), vocational training services (Mary Ward Centre, Central London), and Higher Education (University of Hertfordshire).

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.

The AAT Access Award in Business Skills offers students the opportunity to develop key practical skills used in every business as a route into employment. On completion of this qualification, students will also be equipped with a strong foundation from which to progress to further study with AAT in either Accountancy or Bookkeeping.

This qualification will suit students with minimal work experience and those who require additional support to progress. This may include younger learners, those on traineeships seeking basic employability skills, and adults seeking to validate their existing skills to enter into the workplace.

For the best chance of success, we recommend students begin their studies with basic English. Basic numeracy will be developed within this qualification so is not required before starting this course.

Units include:

• Preparing for Work
• Using Numbers in Business
• Sales and Purchases in Business

A student completing this qualification will develop an understanding of how different organisations operate across both the public and private sectors. They will learn how to contribute effectively in the workplace by working with others, managing their time, behaving professionally and maintaining the security of data. Students will develop the skills to identify jobs that match their skills and abilities and to apply for a job using an application form or CV. Other skills developed will be basic numerical skills needed in the workplace, and in life outside work. These numerical skills range from simple calculations that are used in business, to working with decimals, percentages and fractions, and applying proportions and ratios.

Mathematics for accounting:

• Understanding and developing skills in a range of basic mathematical functions using financial data
• Understanding basic mathematical concepts and applying a range of numerical skills required by financial professionals

Essential accounting procedures:

• Applying basic accounting terminology to business documents and procedures
• Understanding the principles of single-entry accounting systems, including preparing to record business transactions in the books of prime entry
• Identify types of coding and batch control
• Preparing documents to process receipts and payments
• Preparing a basic profit statement

Creating business documents:

• Understanding which documents should be used within the accountancy function and other areas of business
• Understanding the importance of good quality communications, including knowledge of formal and informal written communications
• Identifying different types of business documents and understanding why it is important to choose the right style for internal and external communications

Accounting in a professional environment:

• Understanding how efficient working practices and personal development will help both individuals and businesses to succeed
• Appreciating how the legal framework and ethical behaviour affect the way a business is run

• You are currently seeking employment and looking for strong new skills to take to the workplace
• English is your second language and you want to build on your business communication skills
• You are looking to complete a short qualification before committing to a larger study programme

There is one assessment for all four units and it is computer-based.

Adults - Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2

If you will be aged 19+ on 31st August prior to the start date of your course, up to Level 2, then your study with us will be free. You must have lived for 3 years within the EU/EEA/UK prior to the start of your course, you must have lived in the UK before 1st January 2021 and you must have permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months from the first day of learning. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, or into employment in roles in business and accounting.