It's an exciting time to join the accountancy profession.
Our Accounting and Finance courses are designed to help you take the next step — whether you're looking to enhance your existing skills, switch to a new career or manage your own business finances more effectively. We offer a range of AAT-accredited qualifications, delivered by experienced tutors who are here to support your progress at every stage.
With options to study both online and in person, our courses are flexible and accessible. You’ll gain practical, real-world skills in bookkeeping, accounting and digital finance systems — all highly valued by employers across industries. These qualifications can enhance your CV and open doors to jobs in finance, accounts administration or self-employment.
From entry-level introductions to advanced qualifications, we provide clear progression routes to help you grow with confidence.
AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
This introductory course is ideal for those new to finance or looking for a refresher in bookkeeping. You’ll develop essential manual bookkeeping skills and build an understanding of how accounting software is used in businesses.
What you'll learn:- The role of a bookkeeper
- Financial transactions
- Customer and supplier transactions
- Receipts and payments
- Benefits and risks of accounting software
You can progress onto the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting or the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping.
Employment Opportunities:- Accounts Administrator
- Assistant Cashier
Award in Computerised Accounting using SAGE Business Cloud Accounting
This course introduces you to SAGE Business Cloud Accounting software and teaches you how to complete finance tasks digitally. It is ideal for learners who already have some bookkeeping knowledge, such as those who’ve completed AAT Level 1.
Please note: This course requires a good level of digital skills, including the ability to work across multiple screens, manage files and use online platforms. If you need to build your confidence in this area, you may be referred to our Advanced Digital Skills course before or alongside your studies.
What you'll learn:- Introduction to bookkeeping
- Banking procedures
- Using cloud-based accounting systems
This is a great companion course to take alongside or after AAT Level 1 or 2 courses.
Employment Opportunities:- Bookkeeping Assistant
- Finance Admin roles using digital systems
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
A practical course that builds a solid foundation in finance administration, combining manual and computerised accounting techniques. Ideal for learners aiming to enter the profession or progress from Level 1.
What you'll learn:- Introduction to bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping controls
- Principles of costing
- Understanding the business environment
You can progress to the AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping or AAT Diploma in Accounting Level 3.
Employment Opportunities:- Accounts Assistant
- Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
- Trainee Accounting Technician
- Finance Assistant
AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
This advanced course is for those looking to deepen their skills or move into higher-level finance roles. It’s suitable for learners progressing from AAT Level 2 or with prior experience in finance.
What you'll learn:- Preparing financial statements
- Tax processes for businesses
- AAT Diploma in Accounting Level 3
- AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
- Senior Bookkeeper
- Accounts Manager
- Ledger Manager
Ready to get started?
Before joining one of our Accounting and Finance courses, you’ll need to complete a short assessment in English and Maths. This helps us ensure the course is right for you and allows us to identify any additional support you may need. You should have good basic skills in English, communication and numeracy. We offer flexible assessment appointments both online and face-to-face.
If you’d prefer to speak with someone, you can also book an assessment session by contacting our Learning Support team on 0208 496 2974.
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Discounts
If you’re on a low wage or receiving certain benefits, you may qualify for a 100% or 70% fee concession. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible.
Learner Spotlights
Learner Spotlight: Vijayendar Johal
I was finding it difficult to get back into work, so I decided to retrain. I looked into different options and settled on finance. A friend of mine was studying with the Waltham Forest adult learning centre and gave me a prospectus. I enquired about the AAT Bookkeeping level 1 which I started in April 2022. I wasn’t sure what to expect but the teacher eased any worries I might have had as she was very thorough with each topic and provided all the resources that we needed. After completing this course, I also completed the level 1 software course prior to enrolling for the level 2 AAT Accounting Course.
Living the dream, An AAT Case Study
Tutor Melanie Walker AATQB takes us through how her career, life and family have changed since studying AAT at Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service.
I really enjoyed studying with the WFALS, there was always so much support available especially from the tutor Richard, who you can tell genuinely enjoys teaching and from Indy too.
I truly believe learning in the classroom is such a great way to learn and make new friends! If you’re lucky enough to live in Waltham Forest, I highly recommend studying AAT with the WFALS team. You won’t be disappointed.Melanie Walker