I apologise in advance for this post but having read a number of posts regarding the number of bodies offering bookkeeping qualifications I am more confused than ever. My ultimate aim is to qualify sufficiently to enable me to start up as a self-employed bookeeper working for small companies. I have no experience in bookkeeping but I am fast to learn and enjoy maths. In addition I have taken my legal exams by distance learning so am familiar with this format of learning.
This morning I was going down the IAB route, an hour ago I switched to ICB but now AAT has been added to the mix and I have read that IAB may take me further and is probably better recognised? I was about to enrol on a course but now I am totally confused and am getting a headache so any advice would be so much appreciated.
ps I am hoping to get qualified and set up asap as I have a small baby and I don't want to go back to work full time so the exam frequency is also a big consideration.
As far as what you are looking to use your qualification for (small company bookkeeping) I would think any of those qualifications are 'appropriate'.
Though... I really don't think any of them would really be sufficient to enable you to start as a self-employed bookkeeper without real hands-on experience as well.
I'd also be uncertain that IAB would take you furthest of the three and is better recognised. I think AAT would be much more recognised and helpful if you wanted to further your qualifications (eg. CIMA, ACCA).
I'd suggest looking for part-time bookkeeping work whilst you study. It will help whilst you study for the qualification and experience in the field will be vital for you to provide a professional service.
Hi Brooklh, I went the ICB route and like youself had no experience in bookkeeping. I started last May and due to a long term illness i had plenty of time to put into it. However the courses do not give you a blanket covering of the subject, more of a mesh one and you need to be able to fill the gaps in other ways. I have had the chance to do my daughters books for her business for free, I helped her in this and she helped me get some experience. That sounds good does it not, but my sister who lives several miles from me is a bookkeeper and has been for some years and her phone has been a hot line with all the calls that I have had to make to enquire, verify etc. and she has been very patient with me. People with years of experience come on this site with questions, so I am now aware how complex it all is. Do not let me put you off because I am enjoying it, I just want you to be aware of the reality of it. Right that out of the way ICB level 1 is done at home and the exam papers are sent out every Friday so that is nice and quick. Level 2 exam is sat in a centre near to where you live, and you have to apply for the exam at least one month before you sit it. The exams are June October February on the second Wednesday of the month. I strongly recommend doing the manual ones first. Then get as many past papers for the computer level 2 that you can and practice with them, apply to ICB for the exam and you can then sit this at home PROVIDED that you passed both manual ones. You then need the money for insurance [ this can be done monthly by DD ] and then the £66.00 for the practice certificate. Do not hesitate to phone ICB for information I found them very helpful . But yes John is right you do need to find someone to give you experience. Good luck with every thing we both need it.
Thank you for your reply which has prompted a further question. I was intending to take the relevant courses (I have now enrolled on the IAB course with Ideal Schools) and then take the Bookcert course.
My question is regarding the Bookcert course. It claims that it gives you all the tools to start your own business including legal forms, backup, marketing, a set of 'books' to practice on etc. I have searched on here and a few people have used the course with great success but being experienced I would really like your opinion on this course please?
I found the Bookcert package very good in terms of pointing me in the right direction to start up. Although I had practical experience of bookkeeping, I lacked both the confidence and know how in actually starting my own business.
Bookcert is split into two, first halve takes you though the practical aspect of doing someones books. The second halve, which is what I bought it for, is some 100 pages long and takes you through how to set yourself up in business from business name, insurance, website, finding clients, marketing and sample letters to accountants, clients, etc., For me personally, this information has been invaluable.
Although Bookcert is a little expensive, particularly if you are only going to use halve of it like I have, when you weigh it up against finding this information on your own ie; time taken to search the web and other sources, it works out good value for money.
I took my exams with ICB who have their own members section for advice and tips on starting up, although good, I thought the Bookcert was more thorough. As you have enrolled with IAB, perhaps they have a similar section / advice which may be worth checking out before buying anything else.
To be honest, I've not seen the Bookcert package... though from people here that have I've not heard any that haven't been happy.
There's plenty needed when starting any business, so packages like this can help immensely.
It's really as Pammy has said - where anyone regardless of experience will at times have questions to ask... not only bookkeepers, but accountants, tax experts and so on.
If you can find experience, with any luck like Pammy did when she was starting out then do grab a hold of it.
Experience will help you get a feel and understanding for what work is involved, and how to start finding solutions (forums can help). Without any experience, the difficulty really lies in confidence and understanding as the questions may seem a little overwhelming - particularly if you turn up a client premises with new software, new industry, unknown faces and an expectation you will leap in to save the day.
It can and should be fun. Plenty of challenges are there too. I think if you enjoy this field you will find it most suitable with raising a family as it can be more flexible than many other jobs out there.
