Bookkeeping - Level 1 Award

The Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping provides a valuable platform for developing practical bookkeeping skills. This qualification is ideal for students with limited work experience or those who require extra support in their progression.

By choosing to study the Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of manual bookkeeping. This knowledge can be applied in various finance and business roles, both in the private and public sectors.

This is for those aspiring to pursue careers in finance or business; this qualification serves as an essential stepping stone. It can also be complemented by the Level 1 Award in Business Skills, forming a strong foundation for future studies with AAT in either accountancy or bookkeeping.

Fundamentals of Bookkeeping

This unit aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the significance of accurate and up-to-date financial information in the workplace. It explores the essential roles performed by bookkeepers, including data entry, bank statement reconciliation, managing accounts receivable and accounts payable.

You will delve into the foundational theory underlying bookkeeping, such as recognising assets, liabilities, income, expenses, capital, and profit or loss. You will gain knowledge about the distinctions between cash trading and credit trading. Practical skills will be developed to process customer and supplier transactions, record receipts and payments in the cashbook, and reconcile amounts with bank statements to facilitate accurate bank reconciliation.

The concept of dual-effect transactions will be introduced, shedding light on how different types of software can support bookkeeping activities. You will explore the benefits and risks associated with various software options, comparing cloud accounting software with traditional accounting software. Emphasis will be placed on software security and the implementation of measures to safeguard data.

Furthermore, you will grasp how the data they generate and the reports they produce serve as valuable resources for management and business owners in making informed decisions. The unit underscores the importance of timely and accurate communication and ethical conduct, emphasising the significance of confidentiality and data protection.

You will need:

• Functional Skills with a minimum of Entry 3 or above in English (both reading and writing) and Maths.

In addition, you may be required to pass an initial assessment test to ensure your skills are at the necessary level to cope with the course.

The qualification is assessed through a single end-of-qualification assessment.

Adults - ENTRY LEVEL/LEVEL 2

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course, but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee.

Some courses have other additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

AAT Registration fees of £47.00 payable directly to the Awarding Body AAT at the start of the programme.

Upon successful completion of this course, you who possess level 1 qualifications in both English and Mathematics will be eligible to apply for the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting qualification. The skills acquired throughout this qualification open doors to employment opportunities in various sectors, offering junior or supporting administrative roles in companies. Some potential job roles include:

• Trainee Bookkeeper: Develop the necessary expertise to assist with bookkeeping tasks and contribute to financial record-keeping processes.
• Accounts Administrator: Take on administrative responsibilities related to accounts, assisting in tasks such as data entry, reconciliations, and supporting financial transactions.
• Billing/Payments Administrator/Coordinator: Play a key role in billing and payments operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in processing invoices and coordinating payment activities.
• Accounts Junior: Support the accounting team with basic financial tasks, including data input, financial reporting, and assisting in the preparation of financial statements.

By acquiring these skills and qualifications, learners position themselves for entry-level positions that provide a solid foundation for further growth and development in the accounting and finance field.