After reading many posts regarding voluntary bookkeeping work for some hands-on experience whilst studying, I am happy to say I have my first booking, they are very happy for me to take the books home and are willing to give me some training. Without being a member of the forum I would never have thought of this. Thankyou.
-- Edited by Lisa68 on Wednesday 30th of September 2009 07:12:09 PM
That's fantastic Lisa and encouraging for me. I passed my level 2 IAB manual in September with distinction and am now studying level 3 plus computerised Sage.
I wasn't sure whether to wait until next June after finishing my level 2 before putting myselft out there (i.e. working for small businesses etc on a voluntary basis). Like you I am hoping to gain experience this way.
What would any of the old timers on the forum suggest? I wouldn't say that I am confident but that is because of lack of experience and I need to start somewhere. Would I need to register with IAB just to do practice bookeeping on a voluntary basis?
Should I wait until next year when I can go beyond trial balance?
Confused and would appreciate some wonderful feedback. I love this forum and have learned so much from everyones sharing.
Just wondered how far you got with your studies before you felt ready to take on work? Have you agreed to do the work for free on at a reduced rate? I have only passed the ICB level 1 manual and just completed level 2 computerised but am wondering whether I should also do level 2 manual. I may have the chance to do the friend of a friends books but am worried I might be out of my depth.
I am studying sage computerised bookkeeping at the moment but I do run my own soft furnishing business and keep my own books, but I just thought i'd contact the company and explain my situation and be honest with them and see if they were prepared to give me some guidence and they were really keen. I will be doing the books for free and will have to travel a little way to collect the books, but I can work from home which is also a bonus for me.
So if you are thinking of voluntary work I would give it a go as I think this is a great way of gaining experience and finding out what is expected of us as book-keepers.
I think with the qualifications you have both achieved you would be fine to offer your services on a voluntary basis and as long as you are honest you won't be out your depth.
