The Professional Certificate in Bookkeeping and Payroll is a non-regulated professional qualification designed by London School of Finance and Law for complete beginners in accountancy. This course is particularly suitable for those who have decided to change to accountancy as a new career or those who run their own small businesses as it explains basic accounting terminology, principles and procedures.
Course programme
-
- An introduction to double entry bookkeeping
- Accounting for sales and purchases (non-VAT and VAT)
- Accounting for payroll
- Accounting for non-current assets
- Accounting for inventory
- Accruals and prepayments
- Receivables and payables
- Control accounts reconciliations
- Bank reconciliations
- Irrecoverable and doubtful debts
- Errors and suspense accounts
- Ledger accounts and the trial balance
- Financial statements
You will be able to select any two optional courses* from the following LSFL course list to complete your qualification:
-
- Company Formation, Management and Administration
- Using Accounting Software (SAGE Business Cloud)
- Professional Ethics in Accounting and Tax Advisory Services
- Business Ethics, Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
- Learning and Training for Personal Effectiveness at Work
- Mastering Effective Communication Skills in the Workplace
* The optional courses are free if taken as part of this qualification. You will be sent details about registration for the optional courses after you start your studies with us.
Key features of the course
-
- Flexibility to suit your needs – allowing you to study anytime, anywhere
- An emphasis on personal and professional development through independent learning
- Relevance of topics and practical examples to the context of your own professional practice
- Illustrative practice activities with solutions, “test your understanding” activities and tutor-marked assignments to reinforce learning
The course can be taken alongside your degree or professional qualification studies elsewhere or as part of your informal career development programme. It is also a good starting point before beginning a formal training course in accountancy.
Awards
The Professional Certificate in Bookkeeping and Payroll is awarded by London School of Finance and Law, allowing you to work as a junior accountant in a UK company or start your own bookkeeping practice in the UK.
You will also be awarded certificates of completion for the optional courses you will take as part of this qualification.
Learning outcomes
-
- Knowledge and understanding
- Key skills
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Transferable skills
Career relevance
-
- Accounting professions
- Tax advisory
- Business administration
- Management consultancy
Study method
Online learning with tutor guidance and support
How long it takes
4 months (192 hours)
You need to be able to spend approximately 12 hours per week on studying this course.
Teaching and assessment
A tutor will guide you throughout the study process and mark and comment on your written work. You and your tutor will primarily communicate with each other through email.
The course work includes online practice tests, tutor-marked assignments and end-of-course assessment. You must use the online VLE-system to submit your tutor-marked assignments and end-of-course assessment.
The Pass mark for the course is 50%.
Study materials
All study materials are provided on the course website.
Microsoft Office presentations and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of study material are available.
A computer with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this course. Functionality may be limited on mobile or tablet devices.
If you have a disability or particular study requirements, please tell us as soon as possible.
Fees and funding
Course fees for the 2025/2026 academic year: £1,144
Course fees cover registration, course materials, tuition and assessment.
LSFL course fees depend on the level and duration of courses: check all tuition fee rates for the current academic year here.
You may be eligible for tuition funding.
Registration
Next term start date: 20 September 2025
The module website will be available to registered students three days in advance of the module start. Module sessions will be opened every week or every two weeks to enable tutor-led, gradual progression through the study materials and continuous assessment.
Course registration is open, but please be aware that due to the increased demand it may take us longer to respond than usual.
Registration closes 10 September 2025 (places subject to availability)
Registration for current students:
Registration for new students:
You have to register as an LSFL student to study this course.
Future availability
Professional Certificate in Bookkeeping and Payroll starts three times a year – in January, May and September.
You might also be interested in
Accounting, Auditing and Taxation (Professional Diploma)
Business Administration, Finance and Law (Professional Diploma)
International professional qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, IMC, CFA or IAD
Advanced courses in business management, finance, business analytics and business law
English language requirements
There is no formal requirement to prove your English language proficiency to study our courses. If English is not your native or second language, or you would like to improve specialist language skills necessary for your profession, you may complete one of the following English language courses:
A full range of our English language courses can be viewed here.