The AAT level 2 Foundation Certificate qualification delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and using accounting software.
Students will learn finance, accountancy, business and communications skills. As the new AQ2022 syllabus is being taught in September 2022 at our Canterbury centre, this page will cover each unit based on the new syllabus.
Firstly, let’s cover what is AAT and why this is an excellent qualification choice for those in Canterbury.
AAT qualifications are universally respected and internationally recognised. AAT members are represented at every level of the finance and accounting world, including students, people already working in accountancy and self-employed business owners.
The AAT qualification works across the globe with around 130,000 members in more than 90 countries. Organisations hire AAT qualified members for their knowledge, skills, diligence and enthusiasm because AAT represents the highest standards of professionalism.
Who is best suited for the AAT Foundation Certificate (AAT Level 2)?
The AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting is an ideal starting point for anyone wishing to pursue a career in accountancy or finance.
The purpose of the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting is to cover the core accounting knowledge and skills needed to progress to employment or further study. This qualification is suitable for young people who have just left school as well as for adults returning to work after a break or for anyone wishing to change career.
In addition to the above, the Foundation Certificate is open to those who are working and those who are not currently in employment. This qualification could also help someone who is already working in an entry-level finance role to progress in their career. This would therefore offer them development and formal recognition of their skills. In conclusion, the Foundation Certificate is a great choice for your first formal accountancy qualification.
What’s included in the Foundation Certificate (AAT Level 2)?
Introduction to Bookkeeping (ITBK)
This unit introduces students to the double-entry bookkeeping system and the associated documents and processes. Students will have learnt all stages necessary to process transactions using both manual and digital systems.
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (POBC)
This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from studying Introduction to Bookkeeping and explores control accounts, journals, and reconciliations. It takes students through a number of processes used in bookkeeping that help verify and validate the entries made. Students will also understand the use of the journal to the stage of redrafting the trial balance, following initial adjustments.
Principles of Costing Techniques (PCTN)
This unit gives students an introduction to the principles of basic costing and builds a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for more complex costing and management accounting. Students will learn the importance of the costing system as a source of information that allows management to plan, make decisions, and control costs.
The Business Environment Synoptic (BENV/BESY)
The synoptic assessment will ask students to apply knowledge and skills gained across the level 2 qualification in an integrated way, within a workplace context. This course provides the learning materials for the Business Environment unit and revision materials for the bookkeeping units.
What’s after AAT Level 2?
After students complete the Foundation Certificate in Accounting (AAT Level 2), students can move on to AAT Level 3. Find out more about the AAT Level 3 qualification by clicking here. In other words, this course has excellent options for further progression.
