BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING COURSES SEPTEMBER 2018

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1 ADULT EDUCATION BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING COURSES SEPTEMBER 2018 Access Award in Business Skills Level 1 Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping Level 2 Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Accounting Level 2 Advanced Diploma in Accounting Level 3

2 When the courses are available and fees: Estimated Course Fees (tbc) Title: Level Fee When available Duration Eve/time Access Award in Business Skills 1 225* September to December weeks Tuesday 6-9 pm Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping 2 425* September to April weeks Tuesday 6-9 pm Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping # September to July weeks Tuesday 6-9 pm Foundation Certificate in Accounting 2 650* (TBC) September to April weeks Monday AND Tuesday (2 terms) then Monday (1 term) 6-9 pm Advanced Diploma in Accounting # September to July weeks Monday AND Tuesday 6-9 pm FEES: The estimated fees quoted above include any text books and examination fees. Once accepted on a course with us, and in order to complete an AAT course, you will need to pay to be registered with AAT before your course commences. *NO FEE if you are in receipt of: You will need to bring evidence of your benefit at your first appointment for audit purposes. Job Seekers Allowance (including those receiving National Insurance credits only) Employment Support Allowance: a) Work activity group (WRAG) Universal Credit: a) All work related groups b) Work Preparation group c) Work Focused interview group #Level 3 bookkeeping or accounting: You have the option to pay fees in instalments or in full directly to the college OR: You can apply for funding via the Student Loan Service using an Advanced Learner Loan: To take out an Advanced Learner Loan, you have to have a confirmed place at college. More information is available upon request or at: You will have to register with AAT yourself separately as this would not be included in the loan amount. Cont d.

3 When can I apply? Application forms will be available from 21st May 2018 until the course is deemed to be full. What happens at the initial assessment? The course will be fully described to you detailing what you can expect to learn and what software packages you will be using. Depending upon the level you apply for, you will be asked to complete a short maths/bookkeeping/accounting assessment. Other materials you may need to complete a course: If there is a text book recommended by the tutor, this will be available to loan from the Learning Centre. You will be taken to join the Learning Centre in the first weeks of starting a course. You will need stationery: pencils, pens, ruler, calculator, pad for notes and a folder if you want to store handouts safely. Registering with AAT In order to complete an AAT course you will have to register with them before the course commences. You will be asked to complete a registration form which will include questions about you, your personal details etc. Once completed you will be asked to pay a subscription fee and will be given an AAT student registration number/log in. Please note: The registration questionnaire will also covers questions concerning any bankruptcy, debt relief, and criminal activities. Depending upon your answers to questions of this nature, you may or may not be accepted for registration. If you are not accepted for registration you would unfortunately not be able to complete an AAT course and your enrolment would be declined. About AAT As the world s leading professional membership and awarding organisation, AAT is dedicated to the education and development of accounting and finance professionals. Founded in 1980, we ve forged global partnerships to provide internationallyrecognised training, delivering the practical skills professionals need to work in a wide range of accounting roles. We have over 130,000 members across 90 countries, delivering training qualifications for some 70,000 people every year. And at least 25,000 employers are known to have employed AAT qualified staff. Cont d

4 AAT Support As part of your subscription, you have access to loads of great resources to help you on your way. Sign up for a MyAAT account to access exclusive services and resources Visit AAT social media channels for help and advice from other AAT students Attend a study support event; they ll help develop your learning and give you the best foundation to achieve success Visit AAT forums for accountancy help and advice Interactive tutorials are online sessions that allow you to quickly gain the knowledge and skills you need AAT s Excel e-learning allows you to practice the skills that are relevant to you and develop your understanding of what Excel can do for you as a finance professional Find out more.. About getting ready for your assessments and access AAT online support materials at aat.org.uk/support

5 AAT Bookkeeping/Business Skills Why Study AAT Bookkeeping? Good bookkeeping lies at the heart of every great business. Knowing the basics from sing-entry bookkeeping to financial statements, spreadsheet software and professional ethics is a sure route to expanding your personal career horizons. On completing AAT Bookkeeping s two qualifications, you ll be armed with significant financial expertise. Since employers of all types, from small to mid-sized firms to multi-national organisations, actively seek AAT qualified professionals, you ll be well-placed to explore the exciting career options you ve always wanted. You even have the option to start your own bookkeeping practice. And if you already have an established business then the skills you ll learn from AAT Bookkeeping will be invaluable. You could also move on to the globallyrenowned AAT Accounting Qualification or AAT Computerised Accounting. About AAT As the world s leading professional membership and awarding organisation, AAT is dedicated to the education and development of accounting and finance professionals. Founded in 1980, we ve forged global partnerships to provide internationally-recognised training, delivering the practical skills professionals need to work in a wide range of accounting roles. We have over 130,000 members across 90 countries, delivering training qualifications for some 70,000 people every year. And at least 25,000 employers are known to have employed AAT qualified staff. What the benefits of AAT Bookkeeping? Specialised, transferable and recognisable career-boosting skills Expertise to start a healthy business and become a professional bookkeeper Clear progression to your choice of great careers Spreadsheet software to enhance your job prospects Industry-recognised qualification Flexible computer-based assessments Stepping-stone to AAT Accounting Qualification or AAT Computerised Accounting qualifications.

6 Access Award in Business Skills (level 1): This qualification is perfect if you are looking to make your first step on the career ladder. It is designed to give you the wider skills needed in every business. The course offers an introduction to the core areas of bookkeeping and consists of one unit and associated assessment covering the role of the bookkeeper and the basic techniques needed to complete simple bookkeeping activities. What you ll learn on the Award in Business Skills: The Award in Business Skills consists of three parts: Preparing for work Using numbers in business Sales and purchases in business One computer based assessment covering all parts. Success in this short qualification means you ll be awarded the Level 1 Access Award in Business Skills. This is equivalent to a GCSE grades D-G (3-1). This level will suit: Anyone with no bookkeeping/accounting/business skills but interested in developing their knowledge to progress onto a higher level or to just find out if it really is the career you think you want! Suited for small or micro sized business owners who would like to acquire in-house bookkeeping skills to produce their business accounts. Those not currently in employment or training looking to acquire skills to get into the workplace. How long you will study: Award in Business Skills: approximately 12 weeks For this qualifications you can study at Aquinas College in the evenings, part-time and classes generally take place between 6 and 9 pm depending on the level. How much will it cost: Please refer to the page inside the front cover for costs and timetabling for each course we offer at Aquinas College.

7 AAT Bookkeeping: Foundation Certificate (level 2) This qualification is designed to give you a thorough grounding in double-entry bookkeeping and basic accounting practices. Study it as a standalone, or as the natural mid-point between the introductory and advanced bookkeeping qualifications. Success in this qualification means you ll be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping. The intermediate level will suit you if: You ve completed the introductory level and want to build on your skills You re already working in finance and you want an industry-recognised qualification You d like to work in bookkeeping with a large finance department or as an independent professional You run your own business and you d prefer to do your own bookkeeping How long you will study: Foundation Certificate: approximately 25 weeks For this qualifications you can study at Aquinas College in the evenings, part-time and classes generally take place between 6 and 9 pm depending on the level. How much will it cost: Please refer to the page inside the front cover for costs and timetabling for each course we offer at Aquinas College. What you ll learn on the foundation certificate level 2: The foundation certificate consists of two units: 1. Processing bookkeeping transactions -- Assessed Understanding double-entry bookkeeping, integrating books of prime entry and describing coding system functions Understanding discounts and settlement, trade and bulk discount differences Preparing and processing customer and supplier invoices and credit notes Totalling and balancing a 3-column analysed cash book Totalling, balancing and reconciling petty cash records within an analysed petty cash book Processing ledger transactions and extracting a trial balance 2. Control accounts, journals and the banking system Assessed Understanding the purpose and use of control accounts and journals Maintaining and using control accounts and the journal Reconciling a bank statement with the cash book Understanding the banking process and main services of banks and building societies Understanding requirements of retention and storage relating to banking documents

8 AAT Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping: (level 3) The Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping develops existing skills and knowledge to an advanced level for anyone wishing to pursue a career in bookkeeping. The course offers progression for those who already have bookkeeping knowledge a foundation level, either to gain employment in a bookkeeping role or to further study eg: (a professional bookkeeper; a senior bookkeeper; an accounts manager; a ledger manager). The course is open to those who are working and those who are not currently in employment. The advanced certificate level will suit you if: You re a practicing or part-qualified bookkeeper who already has a basic knowledge of manual bookkeeping You re looking for new finance administration skills to enhance your career prospects You own a small business and want a basic understanding of computerised accounting. How long you will study: Advanced Certificate: approximately 35 weeks For this qualifications you can study at Aquinas College in the evenings, part-time and classes generally take place between 6 and 9 pm depending on the level. How much will it cost: Please refer to the page inside the front cover for costs and timetabling for each course we offer at Aquinas College. What you ll learn on the advanced level The advanced level consists of three units: 1. Advanced Bookkeeping -- Assessed Double entry bookkeeping Acquisition and disposal of non-current assets Prepare and record depreciation calculations Record period end adjustments Produce and extend the trial balance 2. Final Accounts Preparation -- Assessed Distinguish between financial recording and reporting requirements of different types of organisation Explain the need for final accounts/accounting and ethical principles underlying their preparation Prepare accounting records from incomplete information Produce accounts for sole traders Produce accounts for partnerships Key differences between preparing accounts for a limited company and a sole -trader. 3. Indirect Tax -- Assessed Understand and apply VAT legislation requirements Accurately complete VAT returns and submit them in a timely manner Understand implications for the business of errors, omissions and late filing and payment Report VAT-related information within the organisation in accordance with regulatory and organisation requirement.

9 AAT Accounting courses: Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting: How long you will study: The AAT Level 2 Foundation Accounting qualification is an ideal starting point for anyone wishing to pursue a career in accountancy or finance. 35 weeks 6 9 pm Attend 1 evening for both terms and 1 evening per week for 1 term The purpose of this qualification is to offer grounding in the core accounting knowledge and skills needed to progress either to employment or to further study. It is suitable to younger students or adults returning to work after a break or wishing to change career. It is open to those who are working and those who are not currently in employment. It could also help someone who is already working in an entry-level finance role to progress in their career by offering them development and formal recognition of skills. You will develop accountancy skills in double-entry bookkeeping and basic costing, as well as an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers. You will learn to use accounting software and to develop the professional skills and behaviours needed to contribute in the workplace. You will require good communication skills, IT skills and an understanding of the business environment. AAT recommends that you begin your studies with a good standard of English and maths (level 2, functional skills or GCSE). For these qualifications you can study at Aquinas College in the evenings, part-time and classes generally take place between 6 and 9 pm depending on the level. What will this qualification lead to? Once completed you would be ready to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy, or into further education. An accounts administrator An accounts assistant An accounts payable clerk A purchase/sales ledger clerk A trainee accounting technician A trainee finance assistant Or further education such as: AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting

10 What you ll learn: The level 2 qualification consists of five mandatory units: 1. Bookkeeping transactions -- Assessed Understand financial transactions within a bookkeeping system Process customer transactions Process supplier transactions Process receipts and payments Process transactions through the ledgers to the trial balance 2. Bookkeeping controls ---- Assessed Understand payment methods Understand controls in a bookkeeping system Use control accounts Use the journal Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book 3. Elements of Costing Assessed Understand the cost recording system within an organisation Use cost recording techniques Provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income Synoptic test: If taken this assessment will take knowledge learned from the previous units where you will need to: Demonstrate an understanding of the finance function and the roles and procedures carried out by members of an accounting team (24%) Process transactions, complete calculations and make journal entries (24%) Compare, produce and reconcile journals and accounts (34%) Communicate financial information effectively (18%) 4. Using Accounting Software ---- Assessed Set up accounting software Process sales and purchases transactions Process bank and cash transactions Perform period end routine tasks Produce reports 5. Work effectively in Finance Understand the finance function within an organisation Use personal skills development in finance Produce work effectively Understand corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and sustainability within organisations

11 AAT Accounting: Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting The AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting covers a range of complex accounting tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. You will learn and master a number of accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants. The Advanced Diploma is Accounting is suited for: People who have completed the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting or the Foundation Diploma in Accounting and Business Unqualified accounting staff who are at an intermediate level and want to develop their accounting skills Employers looking to upskill their staff People looking to change their careers Those who are looking for an A level alternative How long you will study: What will this qualification lead to? Once completed you would be ready to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy, or into further education. Accounts Assistant Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor Accounts Payable Clerk Assistant Accountant Audit Trainee Bookkeeper Credit Controller Finance Assistant Payroll Administrator Payroll Supervisor Practice Bookkeeper Tax Assistant Or further education such as: AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting On successful completion of this course, you can also apply for: professional AAT Bookkeeper status (AATQB) 35 weeks attending 2 evenings per week at 3 hrs each evening For these qualifications you can study at Aquinas College in the evenings, part-time and classes generally take place between 6 and 9 pm depending on the level. This qualification attracts UCAS points as follows: Qualification equivalent GCE A-level grade and UCAS New Tariff total points : AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting - Level 3: Distinction: A* or 56 Merit: A or 48 Pass: B or 40

12 What you ll learn: The level 3 qualification consists of six mandatory units: Unit 1: Advanced Bookkeeping - Assessment 1.Apply the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping 2. Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets 3. Prepare and record depreciation calculations 4. Record period end adjustments 5. Produce and extend the trial balance Unit 2: Final accounts preparation - Assessment 1. Distinguish between the financial recording and reporting requirements of different types of organisation 2. Explain the need for final accounts and the accounting and ethical principles underlying their preparation 3. Prepare accounting records from incomplete information 4. Produce accounts for sole traders 5. Produce accounts for partnerships 6. Recognise the key differences between preparing accounts for a limited company and a sole trader Unit 3 : Management accounting: costing - Assessment 1. Understand the purpose and use of management accounting within an organisation 2. Apply techniques required for dealing with costs 3. Apportion costs according to organisational requirements 4. Analyse and review deviations from budget and report these to management 5. Apply management accounting techniques to support decision making Unit 4: Indirect Tax - Assessment 1. Understand and apply VAT legislation requirements 2. Accurately complete VAT returns and submit them in a timely manner 3. Understand the implications for the business of errors, omissions and late filing and payment 4. Report VAT-related information within the organisation in accordance with regulatory and organisational requirement Unit 5: Ethics for accountants Synoptic assessment only 1. Understand the need to act ethically 2. Understand the relevance to the accountant s work of the ethical code for professional accountants 3. Recognise how to act ethically in an accounting role 4. Identify action to take in relation to unethical behaviour or illegal acts Unit 6: Spreadsheets for accounting - Synoptic assessment only 1. Design and structure appropriate spreadsheets to meet customer needs 2. Use spreadsheet software to record, format and organise data 3. Use relevant tools to manipulate and analyse data 4. Use software tools to verify accuracy and protect data 5. Use tools and techniques to prepare and report accounting information Computer Based Assessments (CBA s): The assessments in this qualification are computer based with a time restriction. Students will be presented with a range of question types and formats in the assessment. These may include multiple-choice questions, numeric gap-fill questions, or question tools that replicate workplace activities, such as making entries in a journal. In some assessments, questions will require a written answer, and this is particularly so in the synoptic assessments. While tasks generally do not have to be completed in a specific order, students are encouraged to proceed through them in the order in which they are presented. Assessment method - Computer based synoptic assessment Marking type - Partially computer/ partially human marked Duration of exam: 2 hours 45 minutes, composed of two components (plus an additional 15 minutes to upload evidence) Results: For computer-marked assessments, provisional results will be available straight after the assessment (or within 24 hours if taken in an evening). Results for assessments that are wholly or partially human marked are delivered within the timescales advertised on the AAT website. Students will be advised on what percentage of the marks available they achieved in their assessments, which will then be used to calculate their grade for the qualification (Distinction, Merit or Pass).

13 10 Amazing jobs you can get with an accounting qualification: Yes of course, accounting in general is amazing. But do you realise the range of completely awesome career paths that become open to you as someone with an accounting qualification? 1 Become a fashion accountant: I mainly deal with sales, invoicing sponsors and fashion companies that appear at our shows. We organise London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards, among other events. I issue invoices and chase them, as well as making sure our cash flow is steady. Part of my job involves going backstage and helping make sure models turn up and designers are happy. It gets me out of the office and connects me with what the organisation is about. You see the collections before the rest of the world and meet the celebrities that come backstage. 2 Forensic accounting: If you re interested in financial skulduggery and want to fight the good fight against white collar crime, you may be destined for a role in forensic accounting. 3 Disney Finance: You could work for Disney. Do I really need to explain how brilliant that would be? The Walt Disney Company has a range of opportunities from helping ensure the powerhouse behind our favourite childhood memories continue, to delighting future generations. You will also have a dedicated team of songbirds to bring you your coffee and talking animals will help with any technical issues (I d imagine..). 4 Accounting Software Developer: If you ve dabbled with computer programming, you could bring your experience together with a career in accounting software development. Knowing procedures as well as you do, you could create a revolutionary package that could improve the working lives of accountants and businesses everywhere which is pretty awesome. 5 Premier League sports accounting: Combine your two greatest passions and become a Premier League Accountant. You could work as accounting staff for a team, or maybe have a top player or two as individual clients. Transfer deadline day will take on a whole new dimension.. 6 Education and Research: You may have bypassed university, but your qualification could still lead to a life in academia. Teach and inspire a whole new generation of accounting professionals, or become a researcher and contribute to vital studies on accounting practices and trends. 7 Parliament: If you harbour political passions (or indeed ambitions), you could get a job in a government department. Who knows, you could make your way to cabinet one day Justine Greening Conservative MP is a former accountant. 8 Global Charity finance: To be an accountant in the modern age, you need to be an international accountant. But instead of going to work for a multi-national corporation, why not put your global financial knowledge to more philanthropic use? Knowing you are helping a great global cause to make every penny go further, what could be more rewarding? 9 Corporate Entertainment accounting: Another way to get a taste of Hollywood is to get into corporate entertainment. Many big acting stars have their own production companies that require well qualified accounting talent. Rubbing shoulders with the stars and seeing the film production process from the inside, who said accounting isn t glamourous? 10 Fintech accounting consulting: Does Silicon Valley or the London tech scene take your fancy? In the world of new financial technology (fintech), quality accountants are highly sought after. You could be part of an entrepreneurial in-house team, join a fintech consulting company or work as an independent consultant.