Level 3 AAT
Certificate in Bookkeeping

Part Time Course code 7205

This qualification will develop complex skills and knowledge necessary to work in a bookkeeping role or to progress to higher level accountancy roles or study. Students completing this qualification will become competent in financial processes including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and preparing financial statements. They will also be introduced to business issues regarding payroll and value added tax (VAT), including an understanding of the documents and reports produced on payroll software, timescales for submissions and payments.

This qualification comprises two units that cover a range of foundation bookkeeping skills.

  • Type

  • Code

  • Campus

  • Entry Criteria

    GCSE English and maths grade A* - C, or equivalent qualification, are required. If you have suitable accounting experience this will be taken into consideration. This course is for students aged 19 or over.

  • What will I study?

    This qualification is comprised of two mandatory units.

    Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements

    This unit provides students with the skills required to produce statements of profit or loss and statements for financial position for sole traders and partnerships, using a trial balance. Students will gain the double-entry bookkeeping skills needed to record financial transactions into an organisation's accounts using a manual bookkeeping system.

    Tax Processes for Businesses

    This unit explores tax processes that influence the daily operations of businesses and is designed to develop students' skills in understanding, preparing and submitting Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to HM Revenue & Customs. The unit provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to keep businesses, employers and clients compliant with laws and practices that apply to VAT and payroll.

  • Future Prospects

    This qualification can lead to further study such as our Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting, or to employment as:


    • Professional bookkeeper
    • Senior bookkeeper
    • Accounts manager
    • Ledger manager

    If you successfully complete this qualification, you can apply to become an AAT bookkeeping member (AATQB), and if you're thinking of starting your own practice, you'll be able to apply to become an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.

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