Empower Your Finances: Dive into Level 2 Bookkeeping

Getting the Hang of Level 2 Bookkeeping

What’s Bookkeeping All About?

Level 2 Bookkeeping is your ticket to mastering the basics of keeping financial records straight. The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, once called Foundation, is your go-to course for learning the ropes of single and double-entry bookkeeping, whether you’re jotting things down by hand or using a computer. No need to be a math whiz, but you should be comfortable with numbers.

The course breaks down into two main parts:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping: This part takes about 65 hours and covers the basics like the double-entry system, recording transactions, and understanding financial documents.

• Principles of Bookkeeping Controls: This one’s a bit shorter at 50 hours and dives into the nitty-gritty of keeping your books accurate, like reconciliations, trial balances, and fixing mistakes.

Getting the Controls Right

The Principles of Bookkeeping Controls unit is half of your Level 2 Bookkeeping grade. It’s all about making sure your financial records are spot-on.

Here’s what you’ll cover:

• Reconciliations: Making sure your records match up with bank statements and other documents.
• Trial Balance: Checking the accuracy of your ledger accounts.
• Error Correction: Finding and fixing mistakes in your records.
• Understanding Digital Systems: Learning how digital accounting systems can make bookkeeping easier.

This unit gives you hands-on skills in double-entry bookkeeping, using the right documents and processes. You’ll be ready to work as an assistant bookkeeper, making you a valuable player in any bookkeeping business.

Unit	Guided Learning Hours (GLH)	Key Topics
Introduction to Bookkeeping	65	Double-entry system, recording transactions, financial documents
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls	50	Reconciliations, trial balance, error correction, digital systems

For more details on what each unit covers, check out our level 2 bookkeeping course page.

By nailing these principles, you’ll keep your financial records accurate, which is crucial for effective client bookkeeping solutions. This knowledge also sets you up for advancing in your bookkeeping career and going for higher certifications like Level 3 Bookkeeping. For more advanced topics, take a look at our guide on level 3 bookkeeping.

Jumping into Level 2 Bookkeeping

Study Hours and Tips

The AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, once called Foundation, suggests you spend around 115 hours studying. This breaks down into two parts: Introduction to Bookkeeping (65 hours) and Principles of Bookkeeping Controls (50 hours) (Accountancy Learning).

Unit	Hours
Introduction to Bookkeeping	65
Principles of Bookkeeping Controls	50
Total	115

Plan to hit the books for at least 6 hours a week. Finding a steady rhythm in your study routine can make all the difference. Everyone’s got their own style, but sticking to a schedule helps.

Assessments and Getting Certified

To snag that Level II Certificate in Bookkeeping, you’ll need to ace three online assessments from your home or office. These tests cover:

• Manual double-entry bookkeeping
• More double-entry bookkeeping
• Data entry to trial balance using accounting software

These tests make sure you know your stuff, both by hand and on the computer.

Assessment Type	What You’ll Learn
Manual double-entry bookkeeping	Basics of double-entry
Further double-entry bookkeeping	Advanced double-entry
Data entry using computerized package	From data entry to trial balance

You don’t need any bookkeeping background to start, but being comfortable with numbers will help a lot.

Curious about more bookkeeping courses? Check out our bookkeeping training online page.

Level Up with Bookkeeping Certifications

Thinking about a career in bookkeeping? Getting certified can really give you a leg up. Two big names in the game are the Certified Public Bookkeeper and the Certified Bookkeeper. Each has its own set of rules and perks, so let’s break it down.

CPB vs. CB: What’s the Difference?

The CPB certification comes from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), while the CB credential is from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). Both are well-known across the U.S., but they have different focuses, requirements, and renewal processes.

Certification	Provider	Main Focus	Renewal Requirements
CPB	NACPB	Bookkeeping, Payroll, Accounting, QuickBooks	Continuing Education
CB	AIPB	Bookkeeping	Continuing Education

For the CPB, you’ll need to complete courses in bookkeeping, payroll, accounting, and QuickBooks through NACPB. If you’ve got relevant college credits, you might be able to skip some of these courses.

To get the CB, you need at least two years of full-time bookkeeping experience or 3,000 hours of part-time or freelance work. AIPB gives you up to three years after passing the exam to prove you’ve got the experience (Accounting.com).

Exam Requirements and Experience

Both the CPB and CB certifications require passing exams and meeting experience requirements.

CPB Certification

To snag the CPB, you’ve got to pass four exams: bookkeeping, payroll, accounting, and QuickBooks. Each test has 50 multiple-choice questions and simulations, with a two-hour limit. They’re open-book and cost $80 each for NACPB members and $100 each for non-members (Accounting.com).

CPB Exam	Duration	Number of Questions	Cost (Members)	Cost (Non-Members)
Bookkeeping	2 hours	50	$80	$100
Payroll	2 hours	50	$80	$100
Accounting	2 hours	50	$80	$100
QuickBooks	2 hours	50	$80	$100

You also need at least one year or 2,000 hours of bookkeeping experience.

CB Certification

For the CB, you’ve got to pass all parts of the CB exam. You need at least two years of full-time experience in bookkeeping or 3,000 hours of part-time or freelance work. AIPB gives you up to three years after passing the exam to verify your experience (Accounting.com).

For more info on moving up in bookkeeping, check out our articles on bookkeeping jobs and bookkeeping business. If you’re thinking about starting your own bookkeeping gig, take a look at how to start a bookkeeping business.

Knowing the ins and outs of these certifications can help you make smart choices about your career. Whether you go for the CPB or CB, both will give you solid credentials to boost your professional standing.

Career Opportunities in Bookkeeping

Job Roles and Average Incomes

Getting an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping can kickstart your career in bookkeeping and finance. Here are some entry-level job roles you can land:

• Trainee Bookkeeper
• Finance Assistant
• Accounts Administrator
• Clerical Assistant

These positions are great stepping stones into the world of accounting and finance. According to Training Link, you can expect to earn between £16,500 and £22,000 per year in these roles.

Here’s a quick look at the average incomes for these positions:

Job Role	Average Income (£)
Trainee Bookkeeper	£16,500 – £18,000
Finance Assistant	£18,000 – £20,000
Accounts Administrator	£20,000 – £22,000
Clerical Assistant	£16,500 – £22,000

Keep in mind, these are just averages. Your actual salary can vary based on where you live, your experience, and who you work for.

Moving Up the Ladder

Once you’ve got your Level 2 Bookkeeping certificate, there are plenty of ways to climb the career ladder. Moving on to higher levels of bookkeeping and accounting certifications can lead to better-paying and more specialized roles.

The next logical step is the Level 3 Bookkeeping qualification. This can open up more advanced job roles and higher salaries. Certifications like CPB (Certified Professional Bookkeeper) or CB (Certified Bookkeeper) can also boost your career prospects.

If you’re thinking about further education, an AAT Level 3 qualification can lead to roles like:

• Senior Bookkeeper
• Assistant Accountant
• Finance Officer

On average, these advanced roles pay around £24,500 per year (Training Link).

For more tips on advancing your bookkeeping career, check out our articles on level 3 bookkeeping and how to start a bookkeeping business.

In short, an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping is a solid foundation for a career in accounting and finance, with plenty of opportunities for growth and higher earnings. If you’re curious about these opportunities, take a look at our sections on bookkeeping jobs and bookkeeping value.