Bookkeeping is the process of recording the financial transactions of a company and is a key part of their accounting process. This means there is plenty of demand for bookkeepers both within companies and on a freelance basis. But you do need to take Bookkeeping Training Courses to get the qualifications needed for the job and one of the big names is AAT bookkeeping.
Who is AAT?
The Association of Accounting Technicians is the top professional body for both accounting and finance professionals in the UK. They are also worldwide and have 130,000 members studying thousands of vocational qualification every year. Their qualifications are recognised globally and respected, with their courses constantly updated to reflect changing skills and trends.
There are two main qualifications for bookkeeping. Level 2 is ideal for those looking for a first job and to get started as a bookkeeper before moving into Level 3. This is needed for full bookkeeping jobs and to be a freelancer. It is also advisable to study if you plan to do your own bookkeeping for your business, so you ensure that you do everything correctly.
Why study with AAT?
One of the primary reasons that people study with AAT is that their qualifications are recognised by employers around the world. This means they add value to your CV and once you have completed Level 3, you can apply for an AAT associate bookkeeper membership and work towards professional AAT bookkeeper status. This means you can use AATQB after your name.
Studying and completing Level 3 also means you can apply for ‘licensed bookkeeper’ status from AAT and is needed to set up as a self-employed or freelance bookkeeper. This is because of anti-money laundering legislation – you need a confirmation from someone like AAT to make sure there are no concerns about these problems and a full awareness of them.
Benefits of an AAT qualification
When you have an AAT qualification, you have a confirmation that you have the skills required for professional bookkeeping, whether in-house or as a freelancer. This is also ideal if you have experience in the industry but haven’t any previous professional qualifications.
If you plan to move abroad and want a qualification that employers will recognise outside the UK, then the AAT is a good option for this. And you also have the option to become a self-employed bookkeeper with the addition of the further training required.
Career path
Once you have the AAT bookkeeping qualification, you can then look to go on and take the full AAT Accounting qualification. There are overlaps between the two and this means you can get exemptions from the sections of the accounting course that you have already passed as a bookkeeper.
With a full accounting qualification, you can then set up as an accounting, working for a business or even with your own company. This means there are plenty of options in terms of career path and also enhanced earnings that come from being a full qualified accountant with a well-recognised qualification behind you.
