Accounting Course for Beginners

Netcom's Accounting Course for Beginners is designed to build confidence with numbers and give you the skills to work effectively in finance. From bookkeeping basics to year-end reporting, you will explore the full accounting process while developing competence in leading software such as Sage and Xero.

This programme is a practical route into the world of accounting, offering a solid foundation for both career starters and experienced professionals.

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Course Details:

12 weeks, part-time

100% online learning

Career development

180 hours

Level 3, Netcom Certificate of Completion

Adult Skills Fund

Your pathway to a career in accounting

Accounting is at the heart of every successful business, and our Accounting Course for Beginners course equips you with the skills needed to excel in this vital profession. Over twelve engaging weeks, you will develop the ability to record and manage transactions, balance accounts, handle accruals and prepayments, and apply recognised accounting principles with confidence. You will also study capital and revenue expenditure, effective asset management, and methods for addressing irrecoverable debts in a professional setting.

Practical skills with industry software

Alongside core accounting knowledge, you will work extensively with Sage accounting and Xero accounting software. You will learn to set up systems from scratch, record financial data accurately, and produce reports that comply with industry regulations. This training makes the programme ideal if you are searching for a short course for accounting, a course in accounting and finance, or an accounting and bookkeeping course that mirrors how modern businesses operate.

Flexible online learning with personal support

Delivered entirely online, the course offers the flexibility to study at your own pace while benefiting from the guidance of experienced tutors. This approach blends convenience with the personalised support that helps you stay motivated and achieve your learning goals. By the end of your studies, you will have the knowledge, confidence, and practical ability to manage accounting tasks effectively across a range of business environments. Read about 5 essential skills you’ll learn on this course on our blog.

Do you qualify for a fully funded place?

You could learn for free if you meet the eligibility criteria: 

  • You live in the West Midlands
  • You’re aged 19 or over   
  • You earn below the gross annual wage cap of £34,194
  • You’re not currently undertaking any other government-funded training
  • You’re not in the UK on a student, graduate, postgraduate or sponsorship visa, or as a dependent of someone who is 

Our graduates landed roles at...

The curriculum

Here's a sample of what you'll learn in our Accounting course.

Bookkeeping and VAT

  • Learn the basics of bookkeeping and why it matters
  • Understand VAT calculations and compliance requirements

Accounting software and tools

  • Work with Sage accounting and Xero accounting
  • Set up and navigate software systems
  • Record and manage data efficiently

Double-entry bookkeeping

  • Master double-entry principles
  • Record transactions in ledgers and journals
  • Prepare trial balances

AAT essentials

  • Introduction to Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) frameworks
  • Applying standard accounting methods

VAT registration and compliance

  • Register for VAT correctly
  • Calculate VAT payable and receivable
  • Meet reporting obligations

Bank reconciliation

  • Match statements to ledgers
  • Identify and fix errors
  • Monitor cash flow

Petty cash management

  • Track petty cash transactions
  • Maintain accurate reconciliations

Payroll accounting

  • Calculate salaries, deductions and taxes
  • Record payroll in journals

Inventory and stock control

  • Manage stock levels and records
  • Apply inventory valuation methods

Fixed assets and depreciation

  • Record and track fixed assets
  • Apply different depreciation methods

Credit control and bad debts

  • Manage credit effectively
  • Account for bad debts and provisions

VAT returns and year-end closing

  • Submit VAT returns
  • Complete year-end financial processes

Explore other courses available in your region

Image of a canal with barges in the West Midlands with high rise buildings surrounding.

West Midlands

Discover

Where could the Netcom Accounting Course take your career?

Break into accounting with roles like:

Junior Accountant, £20,000-£25,000

A Junior Accountant supports the finance team with day-to-day accounting tasks. Responsibilities include assisting with preparing financial statements, processing invoices, reconciling bank statements and supporting month-end reporting. Ideal for individuals with a basic understanding of accounting principles, this role is a great starting point for building a career in finance.

Accounts Assistant, £18,000-22,000

An Accounts Assistant helps manage financial records and transactions within a business. Duties typically include data entry, maintaining purchase and sales ledgers, handling petty cash and supporting the preparation of accounts. Strong attention to detail and basic Excel skills are essential for success in this role.

Finance Assistant, £19,000-£23,000

A Finance Assistant plays a key role in supporting the finance department with administrative and financial tasks. The role may involve invoice processing, reconciling accounts, assisting with budgets and ensuring timely payments. It’s a great role for someone looking to gain broad exposure to financial operations.

Payroll Administrator, £19,000-£24,000

A Payroll Administrator is responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Key duties include processing payroll, updating employee records, calculating tax and national insurance deductions and resolving payroll queries. Accuracy, confidentiality and understanding of payroll systems are crucial for this position.

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Please complete the form below for more information. We will contact you as soon as we receive your online application. You can call us on 0121 450 9300 to discuss the course

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Hear from the Netcom Training Alumni

"I just recently did an IT bootcamp through Netcom and it was excellent. The course was well paced and managed to encompass everything I needed to get me started in the IT industry. Gary was a great trainer and it was great to have someone who is passionate about the subject train you."

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