I'm busy studying level 1 icb manual and hoping to go onto level2 manual next. i know that once i have level 2 i can join icb and get a practising certificate and start working for myself. what im wondering is, if i have a manual qualification could i work computerised accounts for people without a qualification in computerised account? i realise that i would have to learn how to use the package anyway but was wondering if its really needed?
If you complete level 2 ICB manual and join up etc., you will only be able to carry out manual bookkeeping, particularly if you intend to advertise yourself under the banner of ICB.
If however, you go onto study and complete the computerised level 2 ICB, you will be able to offer both methods to your clients.
It is useful to know both methods of bookkeeping, I believe `manual` gives you a very good grounding on the principals of bookkeeping, computerised just makes things quicker.
i'm assuming that icb level 2 computing teaches you how to use sage (cant find any information about programmes they recommend!) and i would'nt be able to afford to buy sage (well not line 50 anyway) when starting my business. I'm assuming that without the qualification i can still use book keeping spread sheets etc for my work and it doesnt all have to be hand written??
For the level 2 computerised exam, I bought a few past papers from ICB (the mock papers come with a cd to install - you do need to have Sage). At the time I was working so used my employers software to complete my exam. I bought a cheap version of Sage from Ebay to practice for the Diploma.
On your question about spreadsheets, Im not sure about that one you may need to contact ICB for clarification.
Up to now, my clients are all on some form of excel format that they used before I came along, as I am still finding my feet in the world of providing bookkeeping, I am happy to go along with what the client is happiest with. So, far I do not have anyone wanting to maintain a manual system.
