AAT Certificate in Accounting - Level 2

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is an established and well-respected international accountancy body with a growing membership totalling 120,000.

The qualification combines the theoretical knowledge required for accountancy with practical skills needed in the work place and it is this emphasis on skills that makes AAT highly valued and respected in the work place

Having qualified for those who wish to continue to take ACCA or CIMA the AAT Technician qualification gives exemptions for the Foundation level. AAT is also the non-graduate route into charted accountancy. One in 12 charted accountants now qualifies via the AAT route.

The Certificate in Accountancy is open to all, regardless of educational background and has no minimum entry requirement. However you will need to be reasonably competent in basic mathematics and the English language. The course does require commitment as it requires attendance at College two evenings a week and you will need to go through the work during your own time.

If you already have relevant work experience or qualifications you may want to join at the Diploma in Accountancy Level 3. The AAT has developed an online Skillcheck to test your accounting knowledge and, depending on your score, it will guide you towards the appropriate entry level. Skillcheck can be found by going to www.aat.org.uk website and type skillcheck into the search facility on the top of the Home page.

This course will give you a broad and thorough introduction to the accounting function. The foundation level requires you to reach competence in five units. The five units that make up this qualification are as follows:
• Unit 1 - Basic Accounting 1
• Unit 2 - Basic Accounting 2
• Unit 3 - Work Effectively in Accounting and Finance
• Unit 4 - Basic Costing
• Unit 5 - Computerised Accounting

For those students who are taking an Accountancy Apprenticeship there is an additional unit of Professional Ethics in Accounting and Finance.

You will be able to:
• complete many bookkeeping tasks such as preparing invoices, credit notes, recording cash, cheques and card transactions
• prepare a trial balance
• write memos and letters presenting simple accounting information in a logical and systematic manner
• understand the requirements of health and safety in the work place
• use planning aids, monitor and reflect on your work practices

Class teaching will involve lectures, discussions and lots of worked examples.

Units 1, 2 and 4 will be assessed through a computerised examination which is available on demand. Unit 3 will be assessed by the student producing a project/case study and Unit 5 will be assessed through observation, witness testimonies or project.

Throughout the course your teacher will record your progress and provide informal, regular feedback. At the end of your study programme you will be asked to self assess your own progress and achievement against the expected achievements as outlined above.

You will have constant contact with your teacher throughout the length of the course and there will be an opportunity to evaluate your course at the end. In addition classes will be asked to appoint two students as representatives for their courses to meet regularly with the college management.

Once you have completed this level you should be able to find work in any sector of the economy as an accounts assistant, accounts payable or accounts receivable clerk, a cashier assistant dealing with petty cash and expenses or apply for any position using your bookkeeping skills. If you are self employed, you should be able to keep your own accounting records. If you wish to study further you could move on to the Diploma in Accounting Level 3 which would open up more opportunities to you. The next stage is offered at this college.

The course spec is available at www.aat.org.uk/jobsearch

Course fee: £495

Registration/Exam fees:£258

Post – anytime before the start of the course Please send in your completed application form and cheque or credit card details for the full tuition and exam fees to Courses Information Unit, Richmond upon Thames College, Egerton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7SJ. We will confirm that you have a place on the course.

Telephone – anytime before the start of the course. Please telephone 020 8607 8305/8314 with your credit card details and we will confirm the availability of places and enrol you on the course.

In person - You can come into the college anytime during the working day to enrol. Please ask for Courses Information Unit.

Employer paying – If your employer is paying your fees you should complete the appropriate section on the enrolment form and we will invoice direct. current benefit should be provided anytime after 1st August and not later than two weeks before the start of the course, otherwise full payment of the fees will be required. If you are claiming a fee waiver on the grounds of age you will need to provide evidence of your date of birth.

Advice and Enrolment evenings – 5.30pm-7.30pm
Thursday 9th September for all courses

If you have not already spoken to one of the teaching staff and you would like to speak to the course coordinator before enrolling, please visit the college during one of the enrolment evenings. You will need to pay your tuition fees during the evening. You will need to have your photograph taken for your ID card either during enrolment or before the first class. All students must complete full enrolment before attending any classes.

For more information contact the Courses Information Unit on 020 8607 8305/8314 or email courses@rutc.ac.uk.