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Bookkeeping - Level 2

Summary

Students studying this qualification will develop practical accountancy skills in the double-entry bookkeeping system and in using associated documents and processes while gaining an understanding that digital accounting systems are automating some of the stages in the process.

Students will cover transactions for accuracy, make entries in appropriate books and ledgers and calculate sales invoices and credit notes.

The purpose of the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is to ensure that students have the solid bookkeeping skills necessary for most finance roles. This qualification comprises 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 level bookkeeping procedures, including dealing with VAT, reconciliation and trial balances, and will develop their understanding of the relationship between the various accounting records.

This AAT 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.

Manual bookkeeping underpins all accountancy and finance roles. Studying this qualification will help students to develop a strong foundation of bookkeeping knowledge and skills needed to work in accountancy and finance or to go on to study higher-level bookkeeping or accountancy. Students completing this qualification will be able to confidently carry out typical bookkeeping transactions and tasks. Students will also gain an understanding of how typical tasks are automated through use of accounting software.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
02 Sep 2025
University Centre
21 Weeks
02 Sep 2025
University Centre
21 Weeks

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Finance is at the heart of every business, so demand for accounting and finance skills will never go away. Jobs in accounting and finance are extremely diverse and deliver exciting career opportunities.

With AAT (an internationally recognised qualification) on your CV, you demonstrate a level of industry excellence and work-readiness sought after by employers across all industries and sectors.

Next steps at B&FC

Completion of the Level 2 certificate in bookkeeping will allow you to start the Level 3 certificate in Bookkeeping.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. For the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths.

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Bookkeeping

Extra costs and equipment

Student membership of the professional body is a requirement within 6 weeks of the course commencement.

Recommended textbooks are required for this programme (the updated book list will be given at enrolment).

How will I learn?

The Level 2 qualification comprises the following module units:

  • Introduction to Bookkeeping
  • Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

Workroom based teaching and computer suites for practice accounting sessions. Sessions are delivered by highly qualified industry accountants.

Introduction to Bookkeeping

This unit provides students with an understanding of manual and digital bookkeeping systems, including the associated documents and processes. Students will learn the basic principles that underpin the double-entry bookkeeping systems.

Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 50%.

Learning outcomes
  • Understand how to set up bookkeeping systems
  • Process customer transactions
  • Process supplier transactions
  • Process receipts and payments
  • Process transactions into the ledger accounts

Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from studying Introduction to Bookkeeping and explores control accounts, journals, and reconciliations. Students will develop the ability to prepare the value added tax (VAT) control accounts as well as the receivables and payables ledger accounts. They will use the journal to record a variety of transactions, including the correction errors. Students will be able to redraft the initial trial balance, following adjustments.

Percentage contribution of this unit to the overall qualification grade: 50%.

Learning outcomes
  • Use control accounts
  • Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book
  • Use the journal
  • Produce trial balances

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through time-constrained competence-based assessments and external online examinations throughout the programme.