I'm looking for a bit of advice. I'm looking into starting a book keeping course but I am a little confused about which one would be best. I would like to work from home doing acounts for small companies in the area.
When I first started to look into it I decided to go with AAT bookkeeping and then after that do the NVQ but now I have looked at ICB with the home learning college. I'm not sure which one is more popular or more widely recognised.
AAT is more widely recognised but you will need to complete all levels before you could apply for a practicing certificate, as far as I am aware they are a bit strict on this. There is nothing to stop you setting up whilst studying for the AAT, but you will not be able to advertise your association with them until you have completed all levels. Its best to check this out first.
The ICB is a good alternative, certainly in terms of getting you started, with the ICB once you have completed level 2 either manual or computerised you can then apply for a practicing certificate and set up taking accounts upto trial balance. You can then add to your qualifications / services to offer by looking at payroll and self assessments.
The AAT is the longer of the two routes and does go in more detail, also it can be useful if you decide self employment is not for you, it can act as a plan B (this is what I am doing at the moment). The ICB route can get you up and running quickly, it all depends you what you want to achieve !
