I am looking for some advice, I am currently working in admin and helping out with the finance side of things a bit but wanted to learn more so my employer has agreed to help fund a bookkeeping course. I was looking at the AAT Bookkeeping as if I don't find it too difficult I would like the option of progressing on to level 3, and potentially becoming self employed when I am a bit more experienced.However not many learning providers seem to offer just the AAT bookkeeping, just premier and gold edge who I haven't heard of before so I'm not so keen... I need it to be a distance learning course as I have a 2 year old, and one which isn't too strict on the deadlines!
Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. also any advice on whether I would need additional books or just the ones the course provides would be great!
In response to your question, we are also an approved AAT distance learning provider (along with Premier and Gold). We have been specialising in Accountancy Training since 1994 (we owned Aplus Training Ltd up until December 2011 and sold it to focus on distance learning which seems to be quite a growing trend - we now trade as Aplus Distance Learning Ltd.) Unfortunately, the AAT have been in the process of developing a new website and our details (along with various other providers) has been temporarily deleted which is I why we are currently not listed there (we're nagging daily to bet our details reinstated!)
Anyway, to deal with your query - the AAT Bookkeeping qualification sounds like the right step for you based on your background. In respect of our offering, all of our course resources can been accessed via our Moodle Learning environment 24/7 - we have written all our own materials which include interactive presentations, quizzes, question banks, games, hard copy activities, progress tests and practice assessments (even a mobile App - double entry learning game called Double Entry Downpour), so you don't need to purchase any text books at all.
In terms of deadlines, your individual learning plan would be tailored around dates to suit you - these are completely flexible, so if you can't study for a week or so (or more), then we will just revise the plan. Pointless getting stressed over deadlines - much better to sit an assessment when you feel ready for it. Enrolment is also flexible i.e. any time - once the enrolment form has been received, you can be up and running within an hour!
I'm working at home today, so if you'd like to email me directly, you can contact me on prue@accountancylearning.co.uk (or on 01392 435349 during the week including evenings up until about 9.00pm). You can also find out a bit more about us on our website at www.accountancylearning.co.uk
I do hope this is some help to you!
The very best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do.
