AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

At the start of your career, looking for that dream job or to wanting to get AAT qualified?

Level 2 Accounting is a great qualification and it's where most students start their accountancy studies.

This qualification delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and using accounting software.

Gain practical, real-world accounting and finance skills demanded by employers.

The AAT opens career opportunities in accountancy and our job is to make your studies affordable, enjoyable and successful.

With Level 2 Accounting there are 4 individual units

Introduction to Bookkeeping

1. Understand how to set up bookkeeping systems
2. Process customer transactions
3. Process supplier transactions
4. Process receipts and payments
5. Process transactions into the ledger accounts

Principles of Bookkeeping Controls

1. Use control accounts
2. Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book
3. Use the journal
4. Produce trial balances

Principles of Costing

1. Understand the cost recording system within an organisation
2. Use cost recording techniques
3. Provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income
4. Use tools and techniques to support cost calculations

The Business Environment

1. Understand the principles of contract law
2. Understand the external business environment
3. Understand key principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and sustainability
4. Understand the impact of setting up different types of business entity
5. Understand the finance function within an organisation
6. Produce work in appropriate formats and communicate effectively
7. Understand the importance of information to business operations

What our learners say:

"I've always wanted to work in Finance and after starting my career in Payroll, decided that I would expand my knowledge and start an AAT course. After contacting a few providers, I decided on McArthur Online. Safe to say I haven't looked back. The lecture recordings are super easy to follow and the workbooks have everything you could need. I'm only on the start of my journey having recently completed level 2, but I look forward to working towards my level 3 and 4 with the amazing tutors and help of McArthur Online. Highly recommended" Alexandra Applin

"I personally prefer watching videos rather than reading. Jon is absolutely brilliant and always explains each topic very well. And at the same time, he is very prompt with answers to my questions". Jana Smajdova

"The study programme is amazing, helped me to achieve distinction in AAT Level 2 with 100% in Bookkeeping & 99% in UACS. I've received excellent, quick support from Emma even during weekends and the course videos from Jon are easy to understand and to the point. Would highly recommend McArthur Online!" Santan De Melo

AAT Level 2 Accounting is open to everyone - you don’t need previous qualifications or experience.

Whether you’re looking for your first job in accountancy, or simply want to enhance your existing accounting skills, AAT is the qualification employers prefer.

Online courses require commitment and discipline, but it's a great option if you need to fit studies around your other commitments or if don’t live near a college.

There are no entry requirements. We recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and basic maths.

Ideally, it's best if you can dedicate 2-3 hours of study per week but our online course fits in around your other commitments.

You'll need to sit your exams at an AAT approved exam centre, but we will advise you on this during the course. Or sit your exams at home/work subject to IT requirements.

Once completed, you move up to Level 3 Advanced Diploma.

The Foundation Certificate in Accounting can lead to employment as:

• Accounts administrator
• Accounts assistant
• Accounts payable clerk
• Purchase/sales ledger clerk
• Trainee accounting technician
• Trainee finance assistant

Level 2 students can expect to earn a salary of £24,500 (AAT salary survey 2023)