Bookkeeping Courses

The AAT bookkeeping qualifications can adapt wholly or in part to exactly what you require of them. Our programmes are all online, self-paced learning.

Do you choose Bookkeeping or Accounting? The good news is, you can't make a bad choice because the bookkeeping and accounting routes are connected. There are ideal choices though that will deliver the most direct and therefore efficient & effective study pathway. Our teachers and coaches can help you match courses with ambitions. Phone us anytime on 02394 00 3559 or fill in the free course advice request to the right and we will phone you back. In addition, you will find Our Course Decision Maker below is full of essential study advice.

Download Our Free Course Guide – The AAT Course Decision Maker Guide

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Online

AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

~~£695~~
£395Inc. VAT

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Online

AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping

~~£95~~
£80Inc. VAT

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Online

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

~~£445~~
£325Inc. VAT

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Online

AAT Level 2 Fast-Track

~~£445~~
£325Inc. VAT

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Online

AAT Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

~~£795~~
£695Inc. VAT

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What is the Role of a Bookkeeper in the Finance Function

The AAT bookkeeping qualifications are internationally recognised by employers. They’re always looking for staff to fill the essential bookkeeping roles of sales ledger clerk, purchase ledger clerk and finance assistant within their finance function.

Level 2 bookkeepers learn the skills of double-entry bookkeeping, the core knowledge underpinning all accountancy moving forward. On successful completion of the level 2 certificate in bookkeeping qualification, students will be proficient in the principles of bookkeeping and workplace ready activities as required for the daily smooth running of a busy accounts office.

Benefits of becoming an bookkeeper

Becoming an bookkeeper provides numerous benefits for those looking for a stable and well-paid career. Some of the main benefits include:

Financial Independence

Every business from sole trader to corporate enterprises are legally bound to produce financial accounts. This means an ever increasing and ongoing demand for professional bookkeepers who have successfully completed the AAT qualifications both employed and self-employed. The diverse opportunities offered by the AAT accounting qualifications and bookkeeping AAT qualifications allows you to earn a good salary whilst fitting work around other personal commitments.

Bookkeeping Flexibility & Reward

Bookkeeping offers total flexibility to your work schedules if self-employed. Working remotely can easily fit around life’s commitments whilst also delivering a rewarding career both financially and personally. Likewise, the bookkeeping career opportunities in industry and practice are manifold delivering job satisfaction every day.

Ability to Make Positive Change in Business

Once qualified as a Professional Bookkeeper, your financial skills will add a positive influence on the company you work for. From passing the first of the computer-based exams at an exam centre, you will have significant skills that are in high demand by employers. For employment attraction, the AAT courses are in much higher demand than any other qualifications in the Bookkeeping field.

Professional Status

Becoming an AAT Professional Bookkeeper, is a prestigious qualification to have alongside the equally renowned accounting qualifications. The qualification will increase your probability of gaining the high demand employment or promotion. There are no entry requirements needed. Students start by learning the very basics of accounting knowledge progressing on eventually to producing financial statements for sole traders, partnerships and small limited companied.

Navigating the Future For Bookkeepers

According to Pure Bookkeeping, the bookkeeping landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. With rapid technological advancements, evolving business models, and the ever-changing regulatory environments. This means the role of bookkeepers is more dynamic than ever.

Reed echo the strong, positive future for Bookkeepers by saying: Businesses will always need Bookkeepers. No matter what the industry, Bookkeepers are a vital part of the smooth running of any company, and their work ensures the business’ finances are being managed, documented, and spent in the most effective way.

From roles in scientific, professional, and technical services, right through to retail, healthcare, and finance, the scope for a Bookkeeper is and will remain wide.

And as the economy grows, so do opportunities in the field. In fact, the demand for skilled bookkeepers has risen by 25% in 2024, driven by SMEs needing accurate financial records. Whilst automation may replace trivial bookkeeping tasks, the implementation and development of new software only increases the demand for workers with the skills needed to operate them.

And that’s where bookkeepers come in.

5 reasons why you should study and become a professional bookkeeper.

You’ll always be in demand.
It offers flexible working.
You can do what you love, working with numbers and analysing financial positions and statistics.
Your skills will always be up to date.
You don’t need a degree to begin your financial journey.

Do you have the skills to become a Professional Bookkeeper?

Would you like to be at the centre of preparing accounts?

Explore Further

Strong Numerical Skills: Understanding the meaning beyond the accurate calculations.
Ability to Organise: Ability to meet deadlines effectively and efficiently. Working in an orderly manner.
Ability to Self-Organise: Able to manage and organise own workload in a timely manner.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Able to converse with financial and non-financial people.
Proficiencies in IT and other soft skills: Strong reporting skills require accuracy and attention to detail plus a good set of IT skills.

If you feel that you possess these skills, then a career in Bookkeeping could be perfect for you!

How to become a Professional Bookkeeper

The following steps are guidelines to help and simplify making your choices.

At any time, if you are unsure and would like to speak to an accountancy expert, please feel free to ring +44 (0) 2394 00 3559 and ask to be put through to an accountant coach for advice.

Step 1

Decide on Your Career Pathway

What are your accounting ambitions? Where do you want your career to go long-term? Your long-term ambitions are your end goals. Your short-term targets are the progressive, immediate steps to achieving the long-term goals in the most direct way. If the above sounds complicated, it really isn’t. Download our Course Decision Maker Guide it will help you differentiate and decide on your goals, so you have a clear career plan. Remember if you are unsure, you can ring the number above at any time.

Step 2

Which Route is Right for You - Accounting or Bookkeeping?

The bookkeeping/accounting route you take, should be chosen based on your long-term ambitions. Are your long-term goals to be a Bookkeeper? Then study the Bookkeeping route. If you want to be an AAT Accountant long-term, then you are best to study the accounting route from the outset. You will achieve the Bookkeeping modules & assessments as you progress through accounting route.

Step 3

Choose your study method

All students study differently based on their natural learning style. Knowing how you prefer to learn is difficult to assess until you start learning. Gold Edge is unique in providing all key learning methods in their online courses. Giving you the peace of mind of having online e-learning, manual resources, hardcopy books plus live classroom or recorded classroom. Our support includes 7-days a week online tutor support and coaching support. Studying the AAT level 2 Certificates in either bookkeeping or accounting gives you the confidence that you will gain an industry-recognised qualification, perfect for a bookkeeping career.

Step 4

Understanding your course better

What to expect in your course. There are 2 modules at level 2, Introduction to Bookkeeping and Principles of Bookkeeping. You’ll study the basics and essential skills of double-entry bookkeeping, bookkeeping controls, calculating financial affairs and learning to work efficiently and accurately. You'll prepare sales invoices, credit notes and record supplier invoices. At the end of each module, you’ll be assessed by computer-based exams. Exams and AAT membership are additional fees. At level 3 you move on to advanced bookkeeping including studying VAT, year-end procedures and producing final accounts. Again, there are two modules that are assessed by computer-based exams.

Bookkeeping career pathways

Accountancy and bookkeeping offers one of the most diverse, rewarding and interesting career pathways with many choices available to match your ambitions.

Below is a small selection of the choices available:

Work in public sector accounting for government funded income: Education & Skills Funded – Local Authority – Ministry of Justice - NHS – HM Treasury – HM Customs & Excise.
Work in private sector accounting for profit sector: Private Accountancy Practice – Industry & Commerce – Banking – Service Industry – Manufacturing Industry – Banking
Work in not-for-profit organisations accounting for donations and funding: Charities – Foundations – Trade and Professional Organisations - Unions
Work in skills related occupations: Accountancy software design & development – Business Analysis – Investment Industry – Finance Sector - Stock exchange
Self-employment: Bookkeeper - Accountant – Taxation specialist - Financial advisor – Investment consultant – Forensic Accountant

Salaries in Bookkeeping

If you are considering pursuing a bookkeeping career, you may be wondering about the potential salary range for various roles.

Let's take a closer look at some of the most common bookkeeping positions and their corresponding salaries:

Bookkeeper

Source: Glassdoor UK

18,000 - £40,000 per annum

Accounts Assistant

Source: Reed UK

£17,000 - £30,000 per annum

Accounts Payable Clerk

Source: Totaljobs UK

£18,000 - £25,000 per annum

Payroll Administrator

Source: Indeed UK

£20,000 - £25,000 per annum

It's worth pointing out that the above data shows average salaries across the industry, and the exact figure you receive may depend on several factors such as experience, location, qualifications, and the specific company. However, with the demand for bookkeeping skills being high, it's safe to say that starting salaries are competitive, and experienced professionals have the potential to earn significantly more.

In conclusion, obtaining bookkeeping qualifications that are recognised and accredited by professional bodies such as AAT and ICB can significantly boost your employability and earning potential in the UK.

Ideal qualifications to build a career in bookkeeping & accounting

Below are the leading qualifications for a career in accounting leading to becoming an AAT Professional Bookkeeper (QB) – AAT Accountant (MAAT) - chartered accountant (CIMA). Other, specific specialisms may be added as your career grows.

AAT Qualifications

The AAT is the UK’s leading accountancy qualification. It is sought after by employers because of the unequalled depth of work-based ready accounting skills taught at each level. If you are starting out or building your accountancy skills, you could not do better than include AAT as part or all your career studies. AAT qualifications are standalone qualifications at every level.
CIMA Qualifications

CIMA is the leading national and international qualification for Chartered Management Accountancy. If your long-term goal is to become a chartered accountant, you could not do better than to study CIMA. CIMA is an excellent follow-on level 7 qualification after successfully studying the AAT qualifications which is the preferred pathway progression.
Sage Certifications

Sage software accounting is recognised globally as a leading accountancy software for sole-traders to corporate enterprises. It’s ideal as a stand-alone qualification for business owners completing their own accounts. It is an essential CV qualification alongside AAT and CIMA for anyone building a career in bookkeeping and accountancy.

Apprenticeships are also available for hard-working and dedicated individuals who want to earn while they learn. Our team specialises in sourcing apprenticeship opportunities and can find you the right employer to build your dream career.

Why choose Gold Edge Training

We have pioneered student led education since the company began. We believe ever student who enrols has a right to achieve success regardless of learning style, age or experience. To meet this belief, every student is given bespoke personalised support.

Flexibility

Our courses are a mix of live online classroom, recorded classroom, interactive e-learning and manual learning. We offer open-access online tutor support and unique coaching support to enhance your ability to learn. You can study 24/7 with Gold Edge meaning our courses fit around your life’s commitments.

Trust

You can trust that in the hands of Gold Edge Training you will be taught and coached by leading accounting experts. Our teaching and coaching team are qualified accountants and qualified teachers with extensive industry experience at all levels and accountancy teaching experience spanning over 50 years.

Award-winning

Gold Edge Training is renowned for its high-achieving students who consistently top the completion rates year on year, with 95% of students passing at the first attempt. In recognition of its excellence in programme and delivery, Gold Edge have been nominated multiple time by AAT including for Distance Learning Provider of the Year. Our AAT tutor is currently the AAT Tutor of the Year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bookkeeping easier than accounting?

No, they have the same level of complexity. Bookkeeping has less exams because it focuses on financial accounting only. The accounting route specialises in financial accounting and management accounting costing

Should I study bookkeeping first and then accounting?

No, the two exams at level 2 and then again at level 3 are also studied in the accounting route. If you ultimately want to study accounting, start with the accounting route. You will also achieve the bookkeeping qualification as you progress through the accounting qualification.

Is the bookkeeping qualification as good as the accounting qualification?

Where the two qualifications share the same modules, they are equal. The bookkeeping stops at level 3 and only specialises in financial. The accounting route goes on to level 4 and specialises in financial and management accounting costing. Long=term you career can go further with the accounting route. Ultimately, it depends where you want to go with your career as to which is the right option for you.

Enquire about our Bookkeeping Courses today

The bookkeeping qualification will open many financial career doors for you both in employment and self-employment.

Want to work in a busy accounts office as an accounting assistant, the bookkeeping qualification is ideal. If you are unsure whether to choose bookkeeping or accounting, please feel free to ring us at any time to talk to a teacher. 02394 00 3559

Free Course Advice

Bookkeeping Courses

What is the Role of a Bookkeeper in the Finance Function