Online Enrolments

Qualification level and title

AAT Award in Bookkeeping - Level 1

Prior knowledge

You should be confident using numbers, be able to do simple calculations (with the help of a calculator) and you be fluent when reading and writing English. Other useful strengths include attention to detail, problem solving and time management skills. You must also be confident using a computer and ideally be aware of standard software applications.

What will I Learn?

The skills developed by studying this qualification will develop an understanding of the role of the bookkeeper, including the need to produce timely and accurate work and follow ethical principles. Students will learn how to identify assets, liabilities, income, expenses, capital profit and loss, and the differences between trading for cash or trading on credit. The skills developed will give students a solid base from which to seek employment with greater confidence or enable them to progress to the next level of learning. Students will also learn the role that software can have in bookkeeping.

Subject contents / topics to be covered

Understand the role of the bookkeeper
- Duties and responsibilities of a bookkeeper
- Ways to keep information confidential
- Importance of working with accuracy

Understand financial transactions
- The buying and selling process
- Basic bookkeeping terminology
- The dual effect of transactions

Process customer and supplier transactions
- Prepare sales invoices and credit notes
- Check purchases invoices and credit notes
- Record sales and purchase invoices and credit notes
- Identify outstanding amounts for individual customers and suppliers

Process receipts and payments
- Enter receipts and payments into a cash book
- Use the cash book to calculate closing amounts
- Check the closing amount of cash in the bank against bank statement

Teaching / learning methods

Lectures, demonstrations and practical work. You will be required to do regular home study.

What extra work do I need to do outside the classroom?

You should expect to do at least 4 hours of work each week, regular practice on the computers in reception and complete any homework set by the tutor.

Progression opportunities

AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounts (level 2) or AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping.

Joining instructions

To be considered for a place on an upcoming course you will need to pass the entry assessments and attend an information & Assessment session to be held at 10am at our Strand House centre on the following date(s):

Wednesday 27 July 2025

Click on the 'Enrol' button to book your place on the information session and follow the booking / registration instructions. Please note that you will need to register an account in order to do this.

If you achieved GCSE English and maths (grades A-C / 9-5) or functional skills in these subjects within the last 12 months please bring the original certificates with you to the session otherwise you will be required to complete the on-line English and maths assessment.

If successful and you are offered a place, instructions will be given on how to enrol online or in person at any CALAT centres.

* Please note that due to our funding criteria we can only enrol eligible learners over the age of 19 at the start of the academic year who are permanent residents of a London Borough *

To contact a member of staff in the Business Team please call 020 8726 6000 ext. 28231 or email calat.business@croydon.gov.uk.

Additional information

The total fee includes the cost of tuition,exam fee, text book and AAT registration fee.

If you are interested in studying AAT we are running an 'Introduction to Bookkeeping' short course starting in June - upon successful completion of this you will be offered a place on an AAT Level 1 course in September 2024.

Entry Requirements

No prior knowledge, qualifications or skills required. You will be asked to complete all paperwork necessary for CALAT to claim government funding which subsidises the cost of the course.

Equipment required

Note pad and writing materials (pen, pencil, eraser), ruler, calculator (not scientific) and a bag to carry the 2 folders.

You will receive an AAT study book of essential text, exercises and worksheets, necessary for class work and homework. This covers all units of the qualification and the cost is included in your tuition fee along with the exam and registration fees.

Courses