What is AAT?
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a globally recognised professional body that offers qualifications in accounting and finance. With over 130,000 members, the AAT qualifications are highly regarded in the accounting profession and are ideal for those who want to become accounting technicians, progress to higher qualifications, or pursue a general career in finance. Whether you’re just starting out in accounting or looking to upskill, AAT qualifications provide a solid foundation on which to build a rewarding career.
AAT qualifications are structured into different levels depending on the stage you are at in your career. Many finance roles are conditional on having an AAT qualification so studying with Reed Business School is sure to put you on a pathway to success.
We currently offer five AAT qualifications for you to choose from:
Foundation
Advanced
Professional
Each qualification builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous level, helping you to progress from basic bookkeeping to advanced financial management.
AAT qualifications with Reed Business School
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
This course offers a solid foundation in bookkeeping principles, covering essential skills like double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements and basic accounting. Ideal for those starting out in finance, this qualification usually takes three months to complete.
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
Ideal for those new to accountancy and finance, this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your career including:
Basic bookkeeping and ledger management
Understanding financial documents
Accounting software proficiency
Introduction to cost accounting.
This qualification is ideal for a range of entry-level roles including accounts assistants, purchase ledger clerks, trainee accounting technicians or payroll clerks. It takes between six and 12 months to complete.
AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
Be ready for more advanced bookkeeping and accounting roles with this Level 3 AAT qualification. Completing this certificate will help you to become competent in financial processes including:
Accounting principles and concepts
Advanced Bookkeeping
Preparing financial statements
Understanding documents on payroll software
Business issues regarding payroll and VAT.
Depending on your study method, this takes 6 to 12 months to complete.
AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting
Equivalent to A Level study, this diploma offers technical training in accounting to prepare you for more challenging finance positions such as an assistant accountant, credit controller, finance officer or payroll supervisor. It gives you a solid foundation for further study and can lead to AAT Level 4. Topics covered include:
Financial accounting – preparing financial statements
Management accounting techniques
Tax processes for businesses
Business awareness.
This qualification usually takes one year to complete but depending on the study method you choose, could be achieved in as little as six months.
AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting
Aimed at those looking to become fully qualified accounting professionals, this Level 4 diploma is the highest AAT qualification and provides advanced and higher technical accountancy training. Modules include:
Mandatory units
Applied Management Accounting
Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
Internal Accounting Systems and Controls
Optional units (choose two)
Business Tax
Personal Tax
Audit and Assurance
Cash and Financial Management
Credit and Debt Management
This prestigious qualification leads to a full AAT membership and will prepare you for dealing with complex accounting and finance tasks. Achieving this qualification will ensure you are ready for a wide variety of well-paid accountancy and finance roles including:
Professional Accounting Technician
Assistant Auditor
Assistant Management Accountant
Senior Fund Accountant
Assistant Financial Accountant
VAT Accountant.
The AAT Level 4 diploma is also a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications leading to chartered accountant status. The course usually takes 12-18 months to complete.
Benefits of being AAT qualified
Widely recognised: AAT qualifications are respected by employers globally and serve as a mark of professional competence.
Practical skills: The courses are designed to provide you with practical accounting skills, making you highly employable from the start.
Accessible: Whatever your experience, there will be a course that’s right for you.
Career progression: AAT qualifications provide a clear pathway to more senior roles in finance, and can also serve as a stepping stone to other professional qualifications.
Flexible learning: AAT qualifications can be completed at your own pace, through online or in-class learning.
Affordable: Compared to other accounting qualifications, AAT is relatively affordable and offers a high return on investment.
Study methods
At Reed Business School, we have flexibility in mind for all our AAT courses and therefore offer a blended learning approach. This means that you can choose how, when and where you want to study.
We combine regular live workshops with an expert AAT tutor with online materials, videos and lectures. The mixture of online study, hard copy materials and face-to-face lessons with a tutor provide both flexibility and the strong support required to succeed. We do not leave you to get on with your learning alone. Direct tutor support and learning with others is there and available for all.
We offer three study packages with separate levels of support so you can choose the one that’s right for your learning needs.
Explore our AAT courses
Want to know more?
Contact our specialist team for further information about all our accountancy and other professional qualifications.