Accounting & Finance
Compete, debate and accelerate your accounting career
At City of Portsmouth College, accounting and finance students don’t just study numbers – they apply them in the real world through high-profile national competitions that build skills, confidence, and connections.
Taking part in a challenge is a brilliant way to enhance your CV, raise your profile with employers and apply your learning in exciting, competitive settings. Whether you’re solving real financial scenarios or presenting to panels of business leaders – you’ll gain experience that sets you apart.
ACCOUNTING & FINANCE
Subject overview
What's on offer
Number-crunchers assemble! At City of Portsmouth College, we’ve got the right formula for you – whether you’re fresh to accounting, progressing from your current finance role or you’ve chosen this fascinating industry as a new career pathway.
Our AAT accounting qualifications are fantastic for three reasons: they give you the technical knowledge you need, they build your brilliance so you can shine from day one and they come with a professional accreditation that employers love.
And the great news is, there’s options for you whatever your circumstances. We offer courses from Level 2 to Level 4, and the flexibility in your learning so it can fit around your current commitments. And these are all delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, meaning you get expert tutor support together with excellent digital content.
We hope you’d agree that all adds up nicely.
Subject highlights
- AAT accredited qualifications for every stage of your career development
- blended learning lets you choose how, when and where you want to study
- develop essential high value skills alongside accounting knowledge
- build practical, job-ready skills that lead directly to employment or career progression.
Course: Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Accounts/Finance Assistant
- Course Type: Apprenticeships
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: One day a week
- Course Code: P271740
Course: Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Assistant Accountant
- Course Type: Apprenticeships
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: One day a week
- Course Code: P237227
Our facilities
From classrooms where you can focus and explore, through to a great selection of important and inspiring books, you’ll find all you need to succeed in your studies.
Key facilities include:
- Mindful Education’s award-winning digital resources for flexible, blended learning
- easy access, user friendly online virtual learning platform
- digitally equipped learning environments
- spaces designed for both collaborative and independent learning.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“I wanted to keep working and earning money whilst studying, so this apprenticeship was perfect for that. I met people working in many different areas of accountancy, which helped me learn a diverse range of skills to suit many business needs.”
Rebekah Cox
Studied: Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard Professional Accounting Technician
Careers within the accounting & finance industries
Accountant
Accountants help people or organisations manage their finances wisely.
Main responsibilities:
- Specialise in areas like public finance, corporate accounting or private practice
- Ensure clients’ tax obligations are met, including filing returns and planning ahead
- Prepare and examine financial records to ensure accuracy and legal compliance
- Offer financial advice for more effective money management
- Produce reports and forecasts to support financial decision-making
Salary range:
£25,000 - £65,000
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers keep financial records updated and help to prepare accounts.
Main responsibilities:
- Record and manage sales invoices, receipts, payments and income
- Prepare financial statements and VAT returns for review
- Check accounts for accuracy and flag any inconsistencies
- Process payroll and expense claims
- Use accounting software to handle confidential and sensitive data
Salary range:
£18,000 - £35,000
Credit Controller
Credit Controllers manage money given to customers and recover money owed.
Main responsibilities:
- Assess customers’ creditworthiness and set appropriate credit limits
- Monitor outstanding balances and contact customers to arrange repayment
- Handle overdue accounts, including starting legal action if required
- Record and process payments to ensure financial data is accurate
- Prepare credit reports so that managers can make informed decisions
Salary range:
£21,000 - £32,000
Auditor
Auditors check the efficiency and effectiveness of organisations’ financial records and procedures.
Main responsibilities:
- Review financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws
- Work internally (as part of one organisation) or externally (across different clients)
- Interview staff and observe business operations to understand financial processes
- Identify risks such as inefficiency or fraud, and suggest improvements
- Write audit reports with findings and recommendations for senior leaders
Salary range:
£19,000 - £65,000
Tax Inspector
Tax Inspectors make sure the right amount of tax is paid, and explore fraud cases.
Main responsibilities:
- Investigate company accounts to check if the right taxes have been paid
- Interview business leaders to gather evidence and clarify financial details
- Use knowledge of tax law to spot fraud or errors and decide on next steps
- Negotiate settlements and be an expert representative in tribunals if needed
- Lead a team, managing relationships with businesses and their tax advisors
Salary range:
£30,000 - £57,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Accountants will shape UK future – Bank of England CFO
In a speech to the next generation of professionals, Bank of England Chief Financial Officer Afua Kyei highlighted how accountancy is much more than numbers: it’s about strategy, stability and impact. From influencing investment decisions, to reporting on sustainability, accountants drive economic growth, especially during uncertain times. With the UK a global financial and innovation hub, accountants have a unique chance to boost the nation’s competitiveness on the world stage.
Frequently asked questions
AAT accounting courses are suitable for a wide range of learners, including school leavers, adult learners, career changers, and those already working in business or finance. You do not need any prior accounting experience to start at Level 2.
These courses are ideal if you:
- want a practical, career-focused qualification
- enjoy structured tasks, problem-solving, and working with information
- prefer clear processes and step-by-step learning
- are returning to education or balancing study with work or caring responsibilities
- you do not need advanced maths skills. The focus is on accuracy, understanding systems, and applying knowledge using supported methods and tools.
Whether you are aiming for a career in accounting or want a recognised qualification that improves employability and progression opportunities, AAT Accounting offers a flexible and supportive pathway.
AAT Level 2 (Foundation Certificate)
An entry-level qualification covering core bookkeeping and accounting principles.
AAT Level 3 (Advanced Diploma)
Builds on Level 2 and develops more complex accounting skills, including financial processes and management accounting.
AAT Level 4 (Professional Diploma)
Prepares learners for senior finance roles and provides progression towards chartered accountancy pathways.
Learners can progress step-by-step from Level 2 through to Level 4, depending on experience and prior qualifications.
Courses are delivered through a blended learning model, combining:
- online lessons and digital resources provided by Mindful Education
- regularly scheduled on campus tutor support sessions
- regular progress reviews and academic guidance
- exam preparation and assessment support.
This approach allows learners to study flexibly, at a time and place that suits them, while still receiving structured teaching and support. Studying through this blended approach supports busy lifestyles and guarantees ongoing support through your studies.
This is a common concern, but advanced maths is not required. What you do need is confidence with basic numeracy (addition, subtraction, percentages) and a willingness to practise and apply methods step-by-step. The course focuses on accuracy, logic, and understanding processes, rather than complex calculations.
Most learners will need:
- a laptop or desktop computer
- reliable internet access
- Microsoft Excel (or equivalent spreadsheet software)
- headphones for online learning content
- a calculator (basic business calculator is sufficient)
- a quiet study space at home where possible.
Support is available if access to technology is a concern.
Learners should expect to complete:
- guided online lessons
- independent practice activities
- revision and exam preparation.
Time commitment varies by level, but consistency is more important than long study sessions. Learners are supported to plan their study time effectively.
Yes. Many learners return to education after a break. Courses are structured, supportive, and designed for adult learners as well as school leavers.
Yes. The blended delivery model allows learners to study around work and personal commitments, with clear expectations and support.
Support is built in, including tutor contact, progress monitoring, and catch-up guidance. Asking for help early is encouraged and normal.
No, many learners discover their preferred pathway as they progress through the course and gain confidence and experience.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
