Your Introduction

to AAT and ACCA

study with Home
Learning College
Beth Motts-Hammond
Home Learning College Student
AAT Level 2 Certifcate in Accounting
www.homelearningcollege.com 1 | 0800 294 8836
Introduction
Thank you for considering Home Learning College for your
accounting studies. We would like to lead you through our
learning experience. In this guide you will learn more about:
A career in accounting
AAT vs ACCA
The Home Learning College difference
The benefts of studying online
The admissions process
To get the most from your learning experience, it is important
to consider your unique situation. We encourage you to take
advantage of a conversation with one of our experienced
Course Advisors to help you in making your decision. It is
worth considering:
1. How this qualifcation will help you in your current job
2. What outcome is important to you?
3. How will online learning ft around your current commitments?
4. What are the costs and which payment options are available to you?
5. Any other questions and concerns you may have.
To fnd out more, talk to one of our expert Couse
Advisors free on
0800 294 8836
We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends.
www.homelearningcollege.com
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Salary:
17,000 -
42,000
Is Accounting for Me?
Accounting is about understanding how well a business
is doing by reporting, recording and analysing the
fnancials. It is arguably the most important aspect of
business and can make for an exciting and rewarding
career, offering:
Well defned career path (see overleaf)
On-the-job training
Excellent starting salary
High earning potential
Job stability
The ability to work in any industry
Many specialisms within the accounting feld.
Working in Accounting
If you want to work at the heart of
business, you cant get closer than
accounting.
What skills do I need?
It is a common misconception that accounting is
essentially a mathematics-based profession. While it is
true that you must be confdent working with numbers
every day, you dont need advanced mental arithmetic
skills to study accounting. To become a successful
accounting professional it is more important to have
good analytical skills, a strong interest in business and
the right qualifcation.
Typical
Hours:
30 - 40 per
week
Work
Environment:
Offce
Entry
Requirements:
A minimum of
5 GCSEs A-C
Business-minded
Confdent with numbers
Organised
Honest and reliable
Analytical
To fnd out more, talk to one of our
expert Couse Advisors free on
0800 294 8836
We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays
and 10am-5pm weekends.
www.homelearningcollege.com
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Our Accounting Courses: AAT vs ACCA
Our Accounting Courses are accredited by the Association of
Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Association of Certifed
Chartered Accountants (ACCA)
Whilst there is always demand for accounting roles, competition is tough. The
accounting profession values qualifcations more than most, because they
provide companies with a trusted framework that ensures the fnances are done
accurately and consistently. We have built strong links with the Association
of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Association of Certifed Chartered
Accountants (ACCA) to ensure that our courses meet their demanding standards,
and are built around what employers need.
Whether you are starting your accounting career from scratch or looking to
enhance your skills, our courses are designed to develop your knowledge and
help you gain a globally recognised qualifcation.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is one of the leading professional
awarding bodies for Accounting and Finance staff with 125,000 global members.
Research from Hays Accountancy and Finance shows
that achieving the full AAT Accounting Qualification can
boost earnings by 51% more than unqualified colleagues.
The AAT Accounting qualifcation is recognised in the UK as the work-based route for
a career in accounting, supporting practical skills with in-depth expertise. This makes
it an ideal option for those heading for their frst job in fnance or in the initial stages of
their accounting career.
It is made up of four levels aimed at all students; ranging from those with no previous
experience, to those who have a good understanding of fnance and wish to progress
further with their career. Each level a qualifcation in its own right and completing the
fnal level leads to the full AAT Accounting qualifcation.
We offer the opportunity to follow the AAT Qualifcation Pathway all the way through
to Level 4, or if you are seeking Chartered status, to start your studies with the ACCA
Level 4 Diploma.
ACCA is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant
qualifcations, leading to a successful career in Chartered Accountancy.
The ACCA qualifcation, often described as the qualifcation specialising in accounting
for business, is an internationally recognised advanced technical accounting
qualifcation, which means that you will need to complete a minimum of 3 years
experience working in accounting to achieve the qualifcation.
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The idea of studying by distance
learning really appealed to me.
Having requested information, I
chatted with a Course Advisor
and I felt I was making the
right choice of training provider.
- Richard Osiemo
A Basic Guide to our Pathways:
AAT Level 3
Diploma in Accounting
AAT Level 4
Diploma in Accounting
AAT Access
AAT Level 2
Certifcate in Accounting
ACCA Level 4
Diploma in Accounting for Business
- knowledge papers
This course provides an
excellent foundation, giving you
a full insight into all areas of
accounting practice and a good
understanding of the profession,
acting as a stepping stone to the
Level 2 Certifcate in Accounting.
This course will teach you the
essential accounting processes
used in businesses worldwide, such
as the double entry system, before
progressing to topics such as day
books, reconciliations and trial
balances.
The next step on the path to qualifed
Accounting Technician status, this
course will give you an insight into more
complex accountancy tasks, such as
the formal preparation of accounts for
Sole Traders and Partnerships.
This course will teach you advanced
accounting processes in preparation
for a senior or managerial role in
accounting.
This course will teach you
advanced skills necessary to
professionally manage a companys
accounting system, providing an
excellent route towards Chartered
Accountancy.
ACCA Level 4
Diploma in Accounting for Business
- skills papers
ACCA Level 5
Professional Qualifcation in Accounting for
Business
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Where could I go?
More than 51% of CEOs in FTSE
100 companies have strong financial
backgrounds, and around half of
those are Chartered Accountants.
- Robert Half FTSE 100 CEO Tracker 2012
Depending on which area it is that you choose to specialise, the work you could be doing as a fully qualifed
Accounting Technician or Chartered Accountant could involve:
Managing customer invoices or supplier payments
Looking at historical fnancial data from the business
Managing payroll and taxes for the companys staff
Discovering problems or errors in fnancial records
Developing strategies for deferring taxes and other business activities
Identifying the most proftable activities for a business so they know where to invest
Reviewing business fnancial data and procedures to ensure that the true fnancial situation is transparent to
investors
Working with failing businesses to ensure that creditors, suppliers and employees are in the best fnancial
situation.
What you could be earning at each stage of your career
All our accounting qualifcations are designed to compliment work in an accounting role.
Relevant Qualifcations Position Salary Expectations
AAT Access Junior Clerk 17,000*
AAT Level 2 Certifcate in Accounting (QCF) Assistant Accountant 21,000*
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (QCF) Part-Qualifed Accountant 28,522*
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting / ACCA Level
4 Diploma in Accounting & Business
Qualifed Accounting technician 47,000*
Continued Professional Development Finance Manger 57,500*

*Source: TotalJobs.com Salary Checker 2013
Lower level entry Higher level entry
As a qualifed
Accounting Technician
you could be working
for yourself, practicing
in your own business or
working in the accounts
department for any
type of business in any
sector, from a major
high street retailer to
a government body or
hospital.
If you choose to go
down the Chartered
Accountancy route
you would be able to
specialise in the area of
accounting that interests
you most, such as
Forensic Accounting or
Tax.
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Course Snapshot
Course Level Equivalent to Study Units
Tutor Marked
Assessments
External computer-based
exams
Guided Learning Hours
(approximate)
AAT Access Level 1 Pre-GCSE Four One One 75
AAT Certifcate in Accounting Level 2 GCSE Five Five 4 tests, 1 project 210
AAT Diploma in Accounting Level 3 A Level Six Seven 4 tests, 2 projects 305
AAT Diploma in Accounting Level 4 HNC/Degree 4 mandatory, 2 elective None 6 tests 400
ACCA Diploma in Accounting for
Business
Level 4 HNC/Degree Four
Six assignments, 3
mock exams
3 exams plus continuous
online assessment
434
Online learning means you can study at your own pace, but you are not left all alone: we provide 12 months tutor support at each level but how fast you progress is up to you.
Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) are submitted online and marked by our tutorial team, but any external exams must be attended in person at one of our approved exam
centres.
Need help deciding which course to choose?
If you are unsure what level you are at or need help deciding how far to take your studies, our experienced Course Advisors will be able to help you identify your skills and areas
for development and help you choose a course suited to you. They can be contacted free on 0800 294 8836 between 9am- 8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends.
www.homelearningcollege.com 7 | 0800 294 8836
The Home Learning College Difference
Home Learning College is the largest online provider of AAT qualifcations. We know that most of our students have
other commitments, so we offer a revolutionary approach to learning that fts around them. For us, our students
come frst which is why we take pride in delivering the very best learning experience we can. There are many
reasons why our students choose to study with us:
92% Pass Rates
Our pass rates are consistently
above the national average,
with our most recent AAT
pass rate at 92%*
Strong Connections
We have excellent relationships
with the employer recognised
accrediting bodies in the
accounting sector: AAT and
ACCA
Experienced Tutors
We have a large and
experienced accounting
faculty who take pride in their
work and are 100% focused
on getting you qualifed
Our Live Online Classes
We offer regular live classes for all our
courses delivered online allowing full
interaction with your tutor and peers.
They are also recorded, so if you miss
them you can watch them at any time
Our Course Advisors
All our Course Advisors are
trained professionals who
will support and guide you
through this important decision
It is All Included
Wherever possible we package
together everything you need for
your course, such as awarding
body membership and exam fees
We Make it Affordable
We offer fexible and affordable
payment options, including 12, 24
and 36 month instalment plans as
well as discounts when paying in full
High Quality Course Materials
Our course materials are written by
high-profle industry experts and
endorsed by the awarding bodies; AAT
and ACCA
get qualified, get further
8
REASONS
to study by distance
learning with
Home Learning
College
I did my AAT level 3 with Home Learning
College and found it such a good way to study
that I decided to stay with them and complete
my level 4 as well.
- Amanda Jarvis
As you can see,
we have set out to
offer the best online
accounting courses
available but our
students are the best
qualifed to judge.
Watch their feedback
With a 5 month old son, the only option for me
was to study from home. With Home Learning
College, it was simple. Youve got online support,
can speak with other students for advice or
help and the tutors are extremely helpful. Im
so proud to be a qualified Accountant. I feel
confident about my future now. Home Learning
College opened so many doors for me.
- Kalina Georgieva
* AAT Level 2 Jan - Mar 2013
www.homelearningcollege.com 8 | 0800 294 8836
Learning Online and on Your Own Terms
Today many professionals choose to study online over a classroom alternative. They want the fexibility of online learning without sacrifcing the personal support of a tutor. At
Home Learning College, we have structured our courses to offer the best of both worlds. With Home Learning College you can:
Login to your coursework online and complete assignments
and exams only when you are ready.
Talk with your tutor via email, over the phone or online. Access your study materials from wherever you are.
Put your learning into practise in your workplace, as you progress through the course. Interact in our forums, share work or even fnd a study buddy that can work along with you.
Fit your studies
around work
and family life
Get ongoing
support from
a personally
assigned tutor
Study
from home
or away
Continue to
earn while you
learn
Connect
with fellow
students who
are in the
same position
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Your Virtual Learning Campus (VLC)
You are able to access everything you need for your course in one place, via our Virtual Learning Campus (VLC), including all your course materials, eBooks, live online classes,
video recordings, assignment submission, practice tests and a wealth of other helpful resources. You will be able to join live online classes, interact with other students using the
student forums and download useful guides, exam practice papers and other resources when you need them. With the VLC you will never feel alone in your studies.
I could finish an assignment at 1:00 a.m. and
submit it immediately, rather than having to wait
for normal working hours. The flexibility of this
form of study really suited me. It allowed me to
fit the course around the rest of my busy life.
- Karishma McDonald
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www.homelearningcollege.com 10 | 0800 294 8836
Get All the
Support You Need
When you enrol, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main point of
contact during your course; available via phone, email or on the VLC.
When you submit assignments for your course, your tutor will be able to access your
uploaded assignment via the VLC and will aim to mark your assignment and provide
feedback within seven days.
Adams responsibilities include customising learning plans and providing
comprehensive welcome guides for new students. He also frequently checks his
emails and phone messages, responding to emails within 24 hours but more often
a turnaround of less than two hours is achieved. Phone calls are used when a more
personal and supportive touch is required.
I take pride in teaching
content that I know will be of
real value to my students and
give them skills that in many
cases will enable them to go
on to achieve a better career.
Adam Ruston-Shaw
Home Learning
College Tutor
www.homelearningcollege.com 11 | 0800 294 8836
Learning online does not mean having to sacrifce the benefts you would get with
classroom learning. Online classes consolidate what you have learnt from your own
studies with face-to-face tuition and interaction with your fellow students.
Your tutor will run regular classes covering the key topics of your course which you
can join live or watch later via a recording. Our live online classes allow you to be
face-to-face with your tutor as you would in a traditional classroom environment with
interactive features, including a white board, chat-box and poll question feature. There
are self-test questions for each lesson in the unit for you to complete as you go and
check your progress. This all happens through your web browser.
Live Online Classes
Kyveli Charalampidou
and Daniel Hargreaves
Home Learning
College Students
Example of a live online class
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Career
Development Hub
We know that virtually all of our students are studying to improve their career
prospects we give you the tools to ensure you can make the most of your new
qualifcation. The Career Development Hub is a private online careers portal accessible
only by our students. It is a website accessible via the VLC that provides you with all
the tools you need to progress with your professional career, including:
Specialised CV builder
Be fully prepared interview simulator allowing you to practise your interview skills
Over 2,500 videos and advice articles from professionals
Unique job search portal with over 250,000 jobs in the UK
Psychometric and aptitude tests
Weekly industry news updates.
At the start of your course, you will be given the login details for your own personal
account.
Kalina Georgieva
Home Learning
College Student
www.homelearningcollege.com 13 | 0800 294 8836
Are You Ready to Take
the Next Step?
Whether you know the course you want to do and are ready to get started
right away, or you just want to have a chat with one of our experienced
Course Advisors, all you need to do is give us a call free on 0800 294 8836.
We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends.
What to expect from your conversation
Our Course Advisors are all trained experts in professional study and
are here to help you make the right choices for your career. They will run
through your employment history, previous qualifcations and interests with
you and use this to help determine the path you should take.
To make the most of your information and to help you decide on your next
steps, we recommend you consider the following questions:
Where do you want to go in your career?
What do you want to get out of the course?
How soon would you like to get qualifed?
Do you have any questions about online learning?
Have you thought about payment options?
We are here to help with expert advice and information, so you can take
the next step towards a better career.
Call free on
0800 294 8836
Or visit us
www.homelearningcollege.com
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