The AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting offers students the opportunity to build their foundation knowledge in the world of accounting. This course is a great place to start for anyone wanting to obtain an accountant degree or any other career in accounting. Students will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice on the world wide web using video instruction. This is a non-traditional learning experience that presents the concepts in a clear and concise manner that students can grasp and comprehend with ease. This is a great opportunity for students to develop their personal finances skills as well as their accounting skills in an enjoyable environment. It also presents a hands-on experience with the most commonly used computer program, allowing for easier learning and application than other methods such as bookkeeping.
The Foundation Certificate in Accounting contains five required units aat level 2. These are: Accounting Principals, Auditing and Assessing Methods, Costing, and Auditing Information Systems. These units are designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge that students must work effectively with in order to become successful in the world of accountancy. By understanding each of these topics, students will be able to apply theory to practice within a controlled setting.
The first unit is the Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping, introducing the student to concepts associated with day-to-day accounting activities. The class will cover basic bookkeeping transactions, such as the purchase and sale of goods and services, as well as simple home-based work-related activities. The second unit focuses on cost accounting, introducing students to specific costing methods and strategies. The third unit introduces students to auditing principles, covering the process of requesting an accounting report, as well as the importance of ensuring all costs are included in the accounting process. The fourth unit introduces students to cost control, discussing ways to control cost and making recommendations as to how best to accomplish this.
The fifth mandatory course is Introduction to International Business aat level 3, providing a basic overview of international business and the reasons it is important to manage it. The class will cover topics such as business translation, mergers and acquisitions, and regulations specific to international business. The sixth required course is Accounting Terminology, covering the various financial terminology used by accountants internationally. The seventh required course is Principles and Practice of Bookkeeping Services, introducing students to current bookkeeping practices and principles.
Students must successfully pass the Foundation Certificate in Accounting exam before earning their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Students will need to take the exam, passing at least one section, prior to entering the classroom. For students considering using accounting software in their studies, the Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping allows them to enter the classroom with a practical experience of using such a system. This exam is aligned with the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers’ (AIPB) examination. Students who successfully pass this exam will be eligible for an exam for the CPA designation.
The Foundation Certificate in Accounting degree is a non-degree program. Students can earn their four-year eligibility towards earning their CPA designation by attending classes part time and by successfully completing the Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping before starting their online learning programs. Online learning programs are designed for busy working professionals who cannot attend classroom classes. They allow busy accountants to work from home, gain a certificate, and get the education they need to qualify for the CPA designation.