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Bookkeeping, Accounting and Payroll

We offer a range of courses to help you start or grow a career in bookkeeping, accounting and payroll. You can also learn to use SAGE software for computerised accounting and payroll. And, if you’re new to the world of work, our Business Skills course is a great place to begin.

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Level 1 Award in Business Skills

Get a broad understanding of the world of work and develop the skills you need in everyday business. You’ll learn basic accounting techniques and principles, how different businesses run. And how numbers and data help them. 

This course is a great place to start your career journey. You’ll build your confidence at each stage of the course. Helping you to develop onto further qualifications. 

The course is free if you earn less than £26,800 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility required.

Next available course:

Start date: Monday 14 September 2026 

Time: 9:30am to 1pm

Course length: 10 weeks

Location: St. Mary's Community Centre, Pontefract

 

Start date: Friday 18 September 2026 

Time: 9:30am to 1pm

Course length: 10 weeks

Location: Manygates Centre, Sandal

Register your interest in our level 1 business skills course

Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping 

This course teaches the basics of bookkeeping. You'll learn what bookkeepers do, and the basic skills needed for the job, including:

  • understanding why it’s important to keep accurate and up to date financial information
  • how to process transactions, receipts and payment
  • the benefits and risks of using accounting software

It is an accredited course, leading to an AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping qualification.

It could help you get a junior or administrative job, such as a Cashier, Clerical Assistant or Trainee Bookkeeping Assistant.

This course is free if you earn less than £26,800 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility required.

Next available course:

Start date: Monday 14 September 2026

Time: 12pm to 3:30pm

Course length: 10 weeks

Location: St. Mary's Community Centre, Pontefract 

Enquire today

Please note that course details may change according to demand.

Register your interest in our level 1 bookkeeping course

Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

This is a great course if you want to get a job in accounting and finance, or to study at a higher level.

You will learn the basic bookkeeping skills and knowledge needed for any job in accounting and finance. These include:

  • understanding double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and ledgers
  • processing transactions using accounting software
  • handling invoices and credit notes
  • understanding VAT

It is an accredited course, leading to an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping qualification.

It could lead to a career as a Trainee Bookkeeper, Accounts Administrator, Finance Assistant or Clerical Assistant.

This course is free if you earn less than £26,800 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility required.

Register your interest in our level 2 bookkeeping course

Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Take your bookkeeping skills to the next level. In this course, you’ll learn how to prepare financial statements and understand business tax and VAT processes. 

You'll build on the skills you learned in Level 2 or an equivalent course. And get greater control and understanding of financial processes. Whether you're a business owner or want to progress in your accounting career. 

With a Level 3 certificate, you can apply for AAT Bookkeeper status.

This course is free if you earn less than £26,800 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility required.

Register your interest in our level 3 bookkeeping course

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

This course is ideal if you are looking to develop essential financial skills. You’ll learn accountancy and bookkeeping skills, including:

  • double-entry bookkeeping
  • basic costing
  • purchase, sales and general ledgers
  • principles of contract law


The course combines a mix of ongoing coursework and computer-based assessments. Successful students will achieve a nationally-recognised AAT qualification.

It could lead to a career as an Accounts Administrator, Purchase Ledger Clerk or Finance Assistant.

This course is free if you earn less than £26,800 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility required.

Register your interest in our AAT level 2 Certificate in Accounting course

SAGE Level 1 and Level 2 Computerised Accounting for Business

In these courses, you will learn how to carry out everyday accounting tasks using SAGE software. You don't need any prior qualifications to join them. 

The Level 1 Award is an ideal introduction to the SAGE accounting software. You’ll learn:

  • how to set up a computer-based accounting system.
  • how to process business transactions
  • how to produce reports 

The Level 2 Certificate is ideal if you already have basic knowledge of computerised accounting but little experience of manual bookkeeping concepts. You will:

  • learn more about the features of SAGE software and how it can help manage a business' money better
  • gain knowledge about areas such as bad debts and depreciation

Both of these courses lead to a VTCT (Skillsfirst) qualification and a SAGE Business Cloud Accounting Certificate. 

They are ideal for anyone who wants to advance their career or get into accounting. They could lead to a career as a Bookkeeper, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Payroll Administrator or Credit Controller. Or, if you run your own business, they can help you do the accounts yourself. 
 
These courses are free if you earn less than £26,800 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility required.

Next available course:

Course: Prepare for Level 2 SAGE Computerised Accounting for Business

Start date: Tuesday 17 November 2026

Time: 9:30am to 4pm

Course length: 3 weeks

Location: Manygates Centre, Sandal

Enquire today

Please note that course details may change according to demand.

Register your interest in our SAGE courses

SAGE Level 1 and Level 2 Computerised Payroll for Business

Every business needs a payroll. A payroll certificate is an excellent starting point for a career in payroll. Whether you're new to the field or want to learn more.

These courses will give you the latest skills employers need. Or can help you run payroll for your own business. 

Both of these courses lead to a VTCT (Skillsfirst) qualification and a SAGE Business Cloud Payroll Certificate. 

The Level 1 course is an ideal introduction course for beginners.  You will learn:

  • how to set up a computerised payroll 
  • how to process payroll
  • how to run reports

It could lead to a career as a Payroll Assistant, Payroll Clerk or Assistant Accountant.

The Level 2 course is suited to you if you already have some basic knowledge. You will learn more advanced skills, such as:

  • working with pension schemes, sick pay and maternity pay
  • spreadsheet software

It could lead to a career as a Payroll Administrator, Payroll Supervisor or Assistant Accountant. 

This course is free if you earn less than £26,800 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility required.

Next available course:

Course: Level 2 Computerised Payroll for Business

Start date: Tuesday 15 September 2026 

Time: 9:30am to 4pm

Course length: 8 weeks

Location: Manygates Centre, Sandal

Enquire today

Please note that course details may change according to demand.

Register your interest in our SAGE payroll course

Interested in any of these courses?

To register your interest, please use our online enquiry form.

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