The three new qualifications are all at entry-level (Level 1) and are designed to take approximately 6-12 weeks to complete. They are: Access Award in Business, Access Award in Bookkeeping, and Access Award in Accounting Software.

The business skills qualification is aimed at those taking their first step on the career ladder and covers basic accounting techniques as well as providing a broad understanding of the business environment and how to prepare for the world of work.

AAT’s bookkeeping qualification introduces the role of a bookkeeper and simple bookkeeping techniques. At the end of the course students will be able to understand the role of the bookkeeper and financial transactions and will be able to process customer and supplier transactions as well as receipts and payments.

The six-week accounting software course introduces the main features of software and highlights the benefits and risks of its use. At the end of the course students will be able to set up accounts, record bank and cash transactions and produce reports.

Suzie Webb, director of education and development at AAT, said: ‘These new access qualifications have been designed as an excellent starting point for people wishing to gain the skills they need to start an exciting career in the finance industry.

‘Our qualifications at this level have always proved popular, with students learning a great deal of skills and knowledge from the courses as they prepare to enter the world of work, often for the first time. While these new qualifications are individually available, they can also be useful studied together, for those hoping to continue to AAT’s accounting qualifications at higher levels.’

Report by Amy Austin