Just found this forum which looks like a really good place for advice. I currently work for a charity doing most aspects of finance, and have just learnt on the job with no qualifications whatsoever, although I confess to being a little out of my depth at times. As a result I feel it is a good idea to get some offical training under my belt to enhance my skills and create more confidence. I do all aspects of book-keeping and also operate a small payroll, together with VAT returns, multi-currency and end of month/year procedures.
What do people think is the best course for me? Thre seem to be so many around now. What is the difference between doing an IAB/ICB or AAT/CAT? What questions should I be asking myself? It seems as though I'd need to do several different courses but this would cost a fortune. I also live in an area where there are no college based courses (apart from full-time) so it would have to be on a distance-leaning programme. Then again, which one? HELP!!!
Hi Sue, I have just completed my last exam for CAT, I studied all 9 exams via Kaplan distance learning and would definitely recommend them. The course is more in depth than ICB/IAB but I have learned a massive amount plus you do not have to complete all 3 sections. There is an introduction, intermediate and advanced level. I was like you in that I started off in an accounts position doing the work but not fully understanding what/why I was doing some things! I think it depends also on what career you want for the future, the CAT course directs you towards management accountancy and you can then take it further if you wish to sit the full ACCA qualification. I believe that AAT is very similar to this, which I think Kaplan also offer, plus you may be able to get funding for this if you are already in an accounts position, it might be worth looking at their website for details, link is http://financial.kaplan.co.uk/TrainingandQuals/Accountancy/AAT/Pages/FundedCoursesandApprenticeships.aspx. Julie
-- Edited by Julie Dawn on Monday 20th of July 2009 10:43:50 AM
Hi, I would agree with Julie Dawn. The CAT or AAT qualifications are by far the best in my view. If you want to focus on general bookkeeping then OCR qualifications are first class and most colleges will offer part time evening classes for OCR courses. If you want to join a bookkeeping association/institute and do their qualifications then I think the IAB is the most professional.
Personally I think it should depend on what is your future plan in bookkeeping or accounting. If you are just thinking of enhancing your bookkeeping and basic accounting knowledge, then LCCI could be one of your choices.
I found that the course is very practical and furthermore, it won't cost you a fortune to obtain a certificate in LCCI accounting.
-- Edited by gary on Friday 24th of July 2009 04:21:46 PM
