AAT

There are two bookkeeping qualifications, Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping. If you take and pass both 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 Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and Level 3 Diploma in Accounting of AAT.

Level 2 covers the basic principles of accountancy and if you've never studied accountancy before this is your starting point. You'll learn the basic principles of accountancy, such as double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and have a greater awareness of the business environment. 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 AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

Level 3 builds on the knowledge gained at Level 2. If you work in accounts or have studied accountancy before, you may be able to start at this level. You'll learn how to prepare final accounts for Sole Traders and Partnership as well as dealing with VAT returns for businesses. You will also learn various accounting techniques a management accountant requires, an understanding of business awareness 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 AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.

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.