AAT

There are three bookkeeping qualifications, Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping (Level 2, CIB), Foundation Award in Accounting Software (Level 2, AIAS), and Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping (Level 3, CIB). If you take and pass all three qualifications, you can gain AAT Professional Bookkeeper status.

You don't need any previous accounting experience or qualifications to start studying an AAT Bookkeeping qualification, just a willingness to learn. It's ideal if you're a school or university leaver, or thinking of changing career, and want to try AAT without making a commitment to the full qualification. After you pass this level you'll gain the skills to become a bookkeeper, of which you can earn up to £25,000. If you want to progress further, you'll be exempt from certain subjects in the Foundation or Advanced Level of AAT.

Foundation covers the basic principles of accountancy, and is your starting point if you've never studied accountancy before. You'll learn the basic principles of accountancy, such as double-entry bookkeeping, costing and preparing financial statements, as well as how to use accountancy software. You can complete this level within six to 12 months.

Once you've passed this level, you can work in roles such as an accounts payable clerk, accounts officer, payroll administrator and a finance assistant, with salaries of up to £25,000. If you want to progress further, we recommend studying Level 3 AAT Advanced.

Advanced builds on the knowledge gained in the Foundation level. If you work in accounts or have studied accountancy before, you may be able to start at this level. You'll learn complex accounting techniques, and master a number of accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants. You can complete this level within six to 12 months.

After completing this level, you can become a finance officer, assistant accountant and an advanced bookkeeper, earning salaries of up to £25,000. If you want to continue studying, you can move onto Level 4 AAT Professional.

Professional is the final level, teaching you more complex accounting theory, and lets you choose two specialist subjects. You'll learn about budgeting, management accounting, preparing financial statements, accounting systems, and tax. You can complete this level in 12 to 18 months.

You can work in exciting jobs such as a forensic accountant, tax manager, accountancy consultant and finance analyst, earning salaries of up to £42,500 as you advance and gain experience.