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AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting: Principles of Costing

100%Pass rate*
Duration : 3-6 months

In the Principles of Costing module, you'll be introduced to basic costing principles, helping you understand how costing systems aid in planning, decision-making, and cost control. You will learn to cost materials, labour, and overheads, classify costs for management decisions, and understand cost behaviour at different output levels. You will also gain skills in building unit product costs and using budgetary control systems to compare actual and budgeted costs, identifying variances and their causes.

Study from£395 (inc VAT)

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Market leading pass rates

Dedicated support from AAT qualified tutors

100% online, classroom and residential options

Globally recognised qualifications

AAT approved centre

Over 50 years delivering accounting qualifications

Overview

Why is the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting course right for you?

  • Gain the practical skills and knowledge you need to succeed in accounting

  • Gain in confidence and expertise and enhance your career progression

  • Widely recognised qualification that improves your employability

  • 83% of AAT members who have completed an AAT accounting qualification agree it has increased their earning potential

This qualification not only opens doors to new job opportunities but also sets you on a path to advance your career in accounting.

This course is suitable for you if you are:

  • New to accounting roles

  • Seeking to kickstart your career in accounting and keen to develop specialist knowledge, skills and understanding

  • Looking to step into entry-level roles such as Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeper or Accounts Payable Clerk

  • Keen to realise your full potential and increase your earning potential


What you'll study

The Principles of Costing module teaches basic costing principles, showing how costing systems help in planning and decision-making.

Key topics covered:

  • Cost recording system: understand the cost recording system within an organisation, collecting and classifying costs, using costing techniques, understanding financial accounting relationships, identifying income and expenditure sources, and recording labour and overheads.

  • Using cost recording techniques: calculate inventory costs and valuations, labour payments, overhead absorption rates, total and unit costs, and product costs.

  • Actual and budgeted costs: provide information on actual and budgeted costs and income, compare actual and budgeted costs and income, using exception reporting to highlight significant variances.

  • Supporting cost calculations: use tools and techniques to support cost calculations, input and format data, and use formulas for cost calculations.

By completing this module, you will learn to cost materials, labour, and overheads, classify costs, understand cost behaviour, build unit costs, and use budgetary control to compare actual and budgeted costs, identifying variances.


Delivery options

With our wide range of flexible delivery options, we provide tailored support for each student’s needs, ensuring a productive and enriching learning experience for every stage of their accountancy career.  

To accommodate different learning preferences, we offer four delivery methods: 

Support & Assessments

1:1 support from your personal advisor

Your personal adviser will work with you throughout your AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. Together you’ll agree on a plan for your programme, develop a study schedule and prepare for your assessments, giving you the best chance of excelling at your course and landing your dream finance role.

24/7 access to all our learning resources

Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) gives you 24-hour access to our comprehensive AAT resources, includes webinar recordings, workbooks and activities, to help you through your course and beyond. Perfect for when you want revisit something you’ve just learnt, or revise for your assessments.

Collaborate with other learners

Learn with and from other our experts and other students on our online platform. Share what you have learnt in each unit, reinforcing your understanding while helping you prepare for your assessments and future role.

Get your burning questions answered quickly

Our learning support team are here to help If you have a question about the VLE, CIPD membership, workshops or anything else to do with your course. They are contactable whenever you need them, for as long as you’re on the programme.

Improve your study skills

We’ve introduced a brand new study skills webinars to help you enhance your critical analysis skills, write and communicate better and of course study more effectively. Available 24/7, you can watch these webinars anytime anywhere and on any device.

Payment options

Pay in full

To pay for your course in full, simply enquire, call us on 016 0867 4224, or complete the booking form and return to rbs.reed@reedbusinessschool.co.uk

We’ll provide you with all the details you need to complete the payment smoothly.

Invoice your employer

If your employer is paying for your course, then we can invoice them directly, so you don’t have to worry about trying to organise the payment yourself. You focus on your studies and we’ll take care of the rest.

Call our team of advisers today to get started!

Useful links

If you're currently a student or considering AAT with us, you'll find all essential resources here, from course outlines to application forms.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to help ensure your success every step of the way. Remember to return your forms to rbs.reed@reedbusinessschool.co.uk.


What to expect

If you’re looking to move into the finance sector or formalise the experience you already have, then this AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping will give you the foundation you need to start building a successful career in the finance industry.

 In as little as three months you’ll discover:  

  • How to effectively set-up and use both manual and digital bookkeeping systems. 

  • How to process a range of transactions, receipts and payments.

  • How to use control accounts.

 And much more.   

When you learn with Reed Business School, you’ll get access to:  

  • Dedicated, experienced tutors who are subject specialists and will support you throughout your studies .

  • A variety of delivery options including classroom learning at our conveniently located training centres and residential study programs at our iconic 11th-century manor. 

  • Access to additional study materials including Green Light Tests and webinars.

  • Our unique teaching formula, which has helped thousands of students succeed on their course and beyond.

  • Practice assessments for each unit.

Not sure if this AAT qualification is right for you? 

Get in touch with a learning advisor now. They’ll run through the options with you and help you make the best decision for your career.   

Choose your study method

We offer a range of study methods to suit your lifestyle and budget. All our study options include 24-hour access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you can study in your own time between classes.

Live Online

A combination of both online learning and live workshops, both from the comfort of your chosen location. All learning and testing materials are supplied via the award-winning Virtual Learning Environment from Mindful Education. This is coupled with regular live online workshops led by one of our fully qualified tutors to reinforce your learning. Each weekly* workshop will last around 3 hours and is recorded for future reference.

(*frequency will depend on your chosen course)

Duration: 3-6 months

£595.00 (inc VAT)

Online Classroom

Get all the benefits of in-person learning, all from the comfort of your own home. Great if you need a little more flexibility when it comes to where you want to study. If you prefer a shorter, more in-depth, personalised one-to-one workshop, then we have the perfect option to fit your needs:

  • Essential package: 45-minute live tutor workshops, with full learning materials, and online student progress portal. Price £395

  • Enhanced package: 90-minute live tutor workshops, with full learning materials, and online student progress portal. Price £595


Duration: 3-6 months

£395.00 (inc VAT)

Residential

Make the Reed Business School campus your home away from home, while you study for your AAT qualification. During sessions delivered at our iconic Manor, you’ll get to know other students, relax in our first-class accommodation and enjoy delicious homemade meals. Meals and accommodation are included in the price.  

Duration: 3-6 months

From £895.00 (inc VAT)

Classroom

If you like the idea of learning in person, where you bounce around ideas with other learners, then our face-to-face classes are for you. Classes take place every few months at one of our many UK venues.  

Duration: 3-6 months

£795.00 (inc VAT)

Looking to earn this qualification through an apprenticeship?

Our AAT Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship option allows you to develop professional skills while working, with the added benefit of government funding for eligible employers.

It’s a practical, cost-effective way to earn a recognised qualification and gain valuable work experience simultaneously.

Enquire today to find out more!

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Not sure which option is right for you? 

Speak to one of our specialist learning advisers who will talk you through your options.