I am new to this and wanted to ask some questions;
I am currently studying through Skillstrain towards;
IAB Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping IAB Certificate in Computerised Payroll IAB Diploma in Small Business Financial Managment Sage Line 50
I wondered, once i have finished my studies and passed the above Exams, what are my prospects?, what kind of jobs can i apply for? Do i need more qualifications after completeing the above or are these recognised highly in the world of recruitment.
I want to get into the Bookkeeping/Finance industry.
I have always worked as an Administrator and in my current job i have taken on more Finance aspects.
If anyone can offer me advice, i would be very greatful.
I'm a recent graduate of the IAB and qualifying enabled me to get a job working on the purchase ledger for a local car sales business. It's not my dream job but it is good experience (and money) and I'm confident it will lead to bigger and better things. If you want to go on to become an accountant you could look at the IFA or ACCA. I think the IAB gets you some exemptions.
Well done in qualifying and getting your foot in the door with respect to the Purchase Ledger side of things - It will be great experience to gain. If you dont mind me asking...what IAB courses did you qualify in?
Im currently working as an administrator at the moment but taking on more finance in my job eg processing and coding invoices, logging expense claims, logging timesheets, dealing with payment queries and using the inhouse finance systems.
Do you think the above would count towards gaining some experience - although it doesnt relate to bookkeeping?
Hi Nic and welcome to the board. I am an MIAB and from what you are studying I will answer 'Yes' you will be well positioned for future employment including setting up your own practice. If you gon on to the IAB website and look at 'What Is A Book-Keeper' you will see that your present employment covers some aspects of a Book-Keepers' role. As to regards your future depends on what you wish to do. You can do the IAB Advanced Diploma and then you could cross over into the IFA as a Financial accounting Technician, you would get exemptions. I would urge you when qualified to join the IAB you would get good support and member benefits etc. Also you can go on and do further CPD with them. They are launching further qualifications at the end of the year one of them is a stand alone qualification in Financial Administration. As they say.. 'The World Is Your Oyster...' good luck in your studies.. Oops I forgot the link IAB
-- Edited by beancounter at 21:17, 2008-04-13
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Anyone who isn't confused here doesn't really know what's going on.
Thanks very much for your comments they were very helpful to me.
I am excited about the courses i am doing and cant wait to get qualified - i just had a few niggling thoughts about what kind of jobs i could get with the qualifications i plan to gain.
I will probably go onto to do something relating to IFA but thats a while away yet as i need to finish these courses first, but i have been on their website investigating the kind of courses they offer.
I also had a look at ur link for the IAB website and read the 'What is a bookkeeper' and did notice that some of it relates to what im doing at the moment - so thanks again for the link. I feel i have a better understanding of things now.
I did notice from the forum, that a lot of people have set up their own Bookkeeping Practice whether it be working from home at nights and at the weekend. This sounds like a good idea also. Do you know any one that has gone down this route and been successful?
) and I'm confident it will lead to bigger and better things. If you want to go on to become an accountant you could look at the IFA or ACCA. I think the IAB gets you some exemptions. 
