Foundation Certificate in Accounting is one of the many professional certifications available that can help prepare people for careers in accounting. This certification will teach you key skills in bookkeeping, cost accounting and other fields. It provides a strong foundation in accounting practices, covering key areas like single entry bookkeeping, double entry bookkeeping, and utilizing popular accounting software like QuickBooks aat level 2.
The knowledge and abilities covered by this qualification are general enough to be useful in almost any field of accounting, but specific knowledge of how bookkeeping is done is required. You will need to have strong computer skills, preferably using SQL server and PHP. You may also need to possess a basic understanding of Excel and other types of spreadsheets. Some courses will require you to have a basic understanding of the MSCONFIG utility, so you may want to attend those courses. This knowledge should allow you to perform simple tasks like editing the values of data fields in Microsoft accounting programs.
If you are interested in earning a qualification in bookkeeping, consider taking MCA or MSAA courses. These certifications will show employers that you understand the concepts of cost accounting and basic costing and reporting. An understanding of bank reconciliation techniques and methods, as well as the principles of auditing are also beneficial. Many people find taking these courses as a part of their Foundation Certificate in Accounting as a good preparation for jobs in the field aat level 3.
Another way of preparing for jobs in the a typical accounting job position is to take MCA courses or an aat foundation degree. With an aat qualification, you are considered a qualified accountant and are able to apply for a number of positions in an accounting department. These qualifications are generally recognized by businesses that may be looking to fill a number of positions. If you have a qualification that has been approved by the American Institute of Certified Accountants, or AICPA, it can help you secure a good paying job in the accounting field.
When it comes to bookkeeping, there are a variety of entry-level qualifications that you can earn prior to getting your actual Foundation Certificate in Accounting certification. You may be a small business owner who needs to hire a part-time clerk. As a part-time bookkeeper, you can easily earn the equivalent of an MCA or an MSAA qualification in bookkeeping and auditing. As a result, your experience as a bookkeeper will help you learn about the basics of accounting and bookkeeping transactions. Your ability to read financial statements and understand what these documents mean will also help you get an entry-level qualification in accountancy. In this case, you will have learned all that is needed to work in an accounting department.
You may find that a more experienced person with an aat foundation will be better suited for entry-level positions within an accounting firm. The person will have already gained enough knowledge and experience in order to perform accounting tasks. On the other hand, a new employee without any kind of bookkeeping qualification may need to start at the bottom of an accounting department and work his way up. The person who has already completed his education in accountancy can immediately seek employment once he has been qualified by earning an at-the-field foundation certificate in bookkeeping.