It usually depends on the online provider’s course package; every individual is different as they require specific support needs and funding help to best accommodate their studies. A good online accounting course is normally one that provides moderate or extensive direct tutor support, a solid online learning platform, good overall reputation, good pass rates, reasonable fees, excellent communication, and good flexibility – these are just some examples of what services an online accounting course should offer to prospective students. We do recommend engaging with local providers to make comparisons on the best online course.
How do I become an accountant?
With AAT you can be a qualified technician accountant from studying our AAT main accounting courses up to the Level 4 Professional Diploma and apply for the full membership (MAAT). It demonstrates your experience in key areas of finance, increase your earning potential and is the quality mark that can be the deciding factor for organisations when recruiting accounting and finance staff. An AAT accounting qualification is universally respected and internationally recognised. Organisations such as Sainsbury’s, P&G, Morgan Stanley, the Ministry of Defence and many more continue to hire AAT-qualified members for their knowledge, skills, diligence and enthusiasm because AAT represents the highest standards of professionalism.
How do I train to be an accountant?
There are a few options to train to be an accountant, they include traineeships, apprenticeships, voluntary work and recruitment agencies. Each of these avenues will give the student a brighter and better chance of securing a future as an accountant.
What qualifications do I need to be an accountant in the UK?
This depends on the individual. They can either come to this path completely new without having any knowledge or experience in finance and so its recommended for them to cover the basics starting at the entry-level foundation level 2 in accounting and working their way up to a level 3 and then a level 4 in accounting, and subsequently applying for MAAT.
The other option applies to those that have a number of years of experience already but without the formal qualification to back it up. They can start at a higher level such as a level 3 or level 4 in accounting and applying for the MAAT membership.
Can I become an accountant without a degree?
Yes, legally speaking the word accountant is not protected; meaning that even without academic certification or even a degree you can become an accountant. However more and more companies, businesses and clients recognise or even request a formal qualification from licensed accountants to demonstrate their competence, skillset knowledge, commitment and quality of their work.
With AAT you avoid large debts and become qualified and work in the industry whilst gaining and achieving an industry vocational qualification and a practical skillset designed to be used at the workplace
How long does it take to become a certified bookkeeper?
With AAT, you can become a qualified bookkeeper within a year, however, this does depend on the method of bookkeeping study such as classroom or distance learning. Having completed our Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping, you can apply for the AATQB membership straightaway.
How long does it take to complete a bookkeeping course?
Each of our AAT bookkeeping courses has an average completion time that varies from 6–12 weeks for short courses and 6 months for the level 3 bookkeeping course.
What kind of education do you need to be a bookkeeper?
For the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths, even from GCSE level or equivalent.
How can I learn bookkeeping at home?
We recommend that you contact several different training providers to see which one suits your needs the best. All of our training providers are AAT-approved; however, they vary in the costs and packages they offer. Once you agreed to sign up with a provider and you registered with AAT, you can access both online resources that give you a platform at home to study online at your own leisure.
What should a bookkeeper know?
Bookkeepers should know the following:
- Duties and responsibilities of a bookkeeper
- Understanding financial transactions
- How to process transactions, receipts and payments
- Bookkeeping processes
- How to execute the principles of double-entry bookkeeping
- Journals, control accounts and trail balances
- Preparation of financial statements for SMEs
- VAT legislation and how to report on VAT