Bookkeeping, Accounting and Payroll
We offer a range of courses relevant to careers in bookkeeping, accounting and payroll. You can also learn to use SAGE software for computerised accounting and payroll. If you’re new to the world of work, our Business Skills course is a great place to begin.
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.
This course is free if you earn less than £25,750 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility is required.
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 £25,750 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility is required.
Next available course:
Start date: Tuesday 9 December 2025
Time: 9:30am to 4pm
Course length: 6 weeks
Location: St. Mary’s Community Centre, Pontefract
Enquire today
Please note that course details may change according to demand.
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 gain the bookkeeping skills and knowledge that are the basis of all accountancy and finance roles, including:
- 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 £25,750 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility is required.
Next available courses:
January 2026
Start date: Thursday 15 January 2026
Time: 9:30am to 4pm
Course length: 15 weeks
Location: Manygates Centre, Sandal
March 2026
Start date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Time: 9:30am to 4pm
Course length: 15 weeks
Location: St. Mary’s Community Centre, Pontefract
Enquire today
Please note that course details may change according to demand.
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 £25,750 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility is required.
SAGE Computerised Accounting for Business
Learn how to do everyday accounting tasks using Sage software. You don’t need any prior qualifications join this course.
- Level 1 Award: Learn the basics of using SAGE software to set up a computer-based accounting system. Process business transactions and create reports
- Level 2 Certificate: Learn more about the features of SAGE software. And how it can help manage a business' money better
These courses are ideal for anyone who wants to advance their career or get into accounting. You could even go on to start your own accounting business. You’ll get a VTCT (Skillsfirst) qualification and a Sage Business Cloud Accounting Certificate.
A fee may be charged for this course. Please contact us for more information.
SAGE Level 1 and Level 2 Computerised Accounting for Business
These courses will show you how to carry out everyday accounting tasks using Sage software.
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 are accredited, leading to a VTCT (Skillsfirst) qualification and a SAGE Business Cloud Accounting Certificate.
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.
This course is free if you earn less than £25,750 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility is required.
Next available course:
Level 1
Start date: Tuesday 3 February 2026
Time: 9:30am to 4pm
Course length: 6 weeks
Location: St. Mary’s Community Centre, Pontefract
Enquire today
Please note that course details may change according to demand.
SAGE 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 are accredited, leading 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, Payroll Administrator 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 £25,750 or are on mean-tested benefits. Proof of eligibility is required.
Next available courses:
Level 1
Start date: Monday 5 January 2026
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Course length: 10 weeks
Location: Manygates Centre, Sandal
Level 2
Start date: Monday 23 March 2026
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Course length: 10 weeks
Location: Manygates Centre, Sandal
Enquire today
Please note that course details may change according to demand.
Interested in any of these courses?
To register your interest, please use our online enquiry form.