AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Manual bookkeeping is the basis for all jobs in accounting and finance. Studying for the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping gives students the essential knowledge and skills needed for these fields and prepares them for more advanced bookkeeping or accounting studies. Students completing this qualification will be able to confidently carry out typical bookkeeping transactions and tasks. This qualification is suitable for those already working in finance, those returning to work after a break or those wishing to change career. The qualification is open to those who are working and those who are not currently in employment. It also offers progression for students who have started studying accountancy and bookkeeping with AAT.

What topics will I study?

The purpose of the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is to ensure that students have the solid bookkeeping skills necessary for most finance roles. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to carry out typical bookkeeping transactions and tasks in two mandatory units

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

A student completing this qualification will develop practical accountancy skills in the double-entry bookkeeping system and in using associated documents and processes. Students will be able to check transactions for accuracy, make entries in appropriate books and ledgers, and calculate sales invoices and credit notes. They will also cover more complex Foundation level bookkeeping procedures, including dealing with VAT, reconciliation and trial balances, and will develop their understanding of the relationship between the various accounting records.

Next steps: 

The skills developed by studying this qualification will enable a student to seek employment with confidence and/or to progress to the next level of learning. A student completing this qualification will develop the underpinning skills required in all accountancy and finance roles. They will use bookkeeping skills to confidently perform accounting transactions and understand how to process financial information in accordance with set procedures and schedules. The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping can lead to employment as:

• a Clerical Assistant
• a Trainee Bookkeeper
• an Accounts Clerk
• a Finance Assistant
• an Accounts Administrator

You don’t need any prior accounting qualifications, skills, knowledge, or experience to get started (although good basic numeracy and literacy skills are needed).

The Digital and Data Centre is a £10.3million building which opened in July 2021. Complete with digital learning laboratories, state-of-the-art IT suites and interactive seminar spaces, learners have access to cutting edge equipment to help gear them to move directly into industry or further study.

AAT membership costs approximately £68* (per bookkeeping level).

AAT coursebooks and question banks (currently around £85 for all required books*)

*You may be eligible for a bursary to help with these costs. Please see our Financial Support page.