I really want to train as a book-keeper and run my own book-keeping business. How long does it take to train and get to a point where I'm ready to offer services to paying clients
You have a few options if you want to become a book-keeper. You could take an IAB/ICB/AAT course and study in the evenings at a local college. Dependent on your previous qualifications this normally takes around 2 to 3 years. You may need to obtain practical experience if you go via the AAT route to qualify.
Another option is to purchase a home study course which doesn't require you to take exams or attend a college, for example the one offered by Bookcert (www.bookcert.com). This is a much quicker option and you will generally be up and running in a couple of months.
Finally, you could try and obtain a job with a local firm of accountants or book-keeping bureau and gain practical experience that way.
Remember not all courses and options will give you the pratical knowledge and skills to run your own book-keeping business. A qualification is great but clients want to know you can do a decent job for them. Please feel free to post on here in the future if you ever get stuck on your course or when running your business. We'd be pleased to help.
