Find the right course for your level & goals
Not sure where to begin? Use this guide to match your experience and ambitions to the right ELF College course — from your very first certificate to advanced professional study and hands-on software skills.
AAT-aligned qualifications
Our structured, AAT-aligned qualifications build from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise. Each level lists who it suits, the recommended entry requirements, and what you'll learn.
Certificate in Bookkeeping
Who is this for?
- Level 1 graduates or basic-knowledge holders
- People seeking entry-level bookkeeping roles
- Small business owners managing their books
- Office workers adding finance skills
Entry requirements
- Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping (preferred)
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4)
- Basic understanding of business transactions
- Computer literacy for online assessments
What you'll learn
- Double-entry bookkeeping principles
- Processing business transactions
- Managing purchase and sales ledgers
- VAT calculations and procedures
Certificate in Accounting
Who is this for?
- Those wanting broader accounting knowledge
- People seeking accounts-assistant roles
- Existing bookkeepers expanding skills
- Adults (18+) starting careers in finance
Entry requirements
- Good standard of English and mathematics
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4)
- Basic computer skills
- Understanding of business concepts
What you'll learn
- Core accounting knowledge and skills
- Double-entry bookkeeping mastery
- Basic costing principles
- Professional ethics and communication
Certificate in Bookkeeping
Who is this for?
- Level 2 graduates ready for advanced skills
- Experienced bookkeepers seeking qualification
- Those aiming for AAT membership (AATQB)
- Self-employed bookkeepers
Entry requirements
- Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping/Accounting
- Equivalent qualification from an external body
- Significant practical experience
- A-Level standard English and Mathematics
What you'll learn
- Advanced double-entry bookkeeping
- Preparing financial statements
- Complex VAT calculations
- Payroll principles and procedures
Diploma in Accounting
Who is this for?
- Level 2 accounting graduates
- Those seeking accounting-technician roles
- People aiming for assistant-accountant positions
- Finance professionals wanting recognition
Entry requirements
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting/Bookkeeping
- A-Level or equivalent qualifications
- Relevant accounting/finance experience
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills
What you'll learn
- Advanced financial accounting
- Management accounting principles
- Business awareness and environment
- Tax processes for businesses
Diploma in Professional Accounting
Who is this for?
- Level 3 graduates seeking advanced skills
- Experienced accounting professionals
- Those aiming for senior finance roles
- People wanting AAT full membership (MAAT)
Entry requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
- Equivalent professional qualification
- Significant accounting/finance experience
- Degree-level analytical skills
What you'll learn
- Advanced management accounting
- Financial statements preparation
- Internal accounting systems
- Strategic financial management
Follow the pathway, or join at your level
Progress step by step from foundational skills to expert-level qualification — or start exactly where your experience fits.
Certificate
Essential skills & knowledge
Advanced
Professional competency
Professional
Expert-level qualification
Job-ready skills, open to everyone
These hands-on courses are taught in Ukrainian and built for real-world UK finance work. They're open access — no formal entry requirements or prior qualifications.
Xero Software Course
Best for
Freelancers, bookkeepers and small business owners moving to cloud accounting.
You'll learn
Invoicing, payroll, VAT and bank reconciliation, step by step.
Excel Online Course
Best for
Beginners to intermediate learners who want job-ready spreadsheet skills.
You'll learn
Spreadsheets, formulas, charts, formatting and data analysis for business.
Sage Accounting Software
Best for
Anyone who wants to use Sage confidently in a real finance role.
You'll learn
Managing ledgers, processing entries, reconciling accounts and reporting.
Sage 50 Accounts Course
Best for
Learners wanting full Sage 50 (UK) skills with a realistic practice month.
You'll learn
The complete Sage 50 workflow, plus a "month in the life of a bookkeeper" practicum.
Self-Assessment Report (UK)
Best for
Sole traders, freelancers and small business owners filing their own UK tax return.
You'll learn
How to prepare and submit a UK Self-Assessment tax return with confidence.
Payroll for Bookkeepers (UK)
Best for
Bookkeepers and finance staff who handle UK payroll.
You'll learn
PAYE, NIC, RTI and statutory pay, plus a hands-on demo in Xero.
Comprehensive Bookkeeper Course
Best for
Career-changers starting from scratch who want a complete, job-ready package.
You'll learn
Accounting Level 2 plus practical Xero and Excel — everything to start out.
Not sure which course is right for you?
Take our free assessment or speak with one of our course advisors — we'll help you find the perfect starting point.