Hi everyone, I am brand new to this forum, and apologise if this thread is in the wrong place. I have purchased the Bookcert Book keeping course, because I have worked in an accounts department, and loved the work, but would prefer to be self employed. They tell me that all I need is their course to start up as a book keeper, which seems ideal as I have no actual qualifications. Has anyone had success using just the course without passing exams etc?
As long as you gain the knowledge and skills you can trade as a bookkeeper. Make sure Data protection and Money Laundering is covered. All bookkeepers and Accountants have to do due dilligence on new clients now to protect themselves as HMRC expect you to report anything you feel untoward going on, they can also prosecute you as their professional representative. If you are a member of an approved regulating body you dont need to register with HMRC, but if not you have to be registered and will be regulated by them.
Having bought the Bookcert pack, I would say that although qualifications are not essential to trade as a bookkeeper they are advisable.
Bookcert is a good starter pack, and the second section is very good. But I dont think that alone it's enough. Of course if you've worked in an accounts department you may well have a lot of experience, which in so many ways is far more valuable than qualifications.
The views expressed in this post are my own personal (HRA protected) views, and are not representative of any organisation I have any involvement with.
My qustion is very similiar the first post. I work in an accounts department - have OCR Level 1 & 2 Book Keeping Certificates but would also like to be self employed. I have looked on the web and find to mind boggling. So many different qualifications !! what is the best qualifications to take please ? and who to study with ?. I would also be interested in taking Payroll Qualifications, I have done a little manual and computer payroll but feel to offer a Payroll Service need a deeper understanding - whats the best course for payroll.
Thanks in advance for your help and passing your advice on .
there was a raft of Payroll advice swimming around on here earlier this year.
AAT always gets a mention but there was a higher qualification bandied around which I can't remember.
I'm no expert in this area so just let me have a quick dig to see if I can find the hread that I'm thinking of.
Talk in a min.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
As for general advice as to which body to go with for becoming a self employed bookkeeper, IAB and ICB both provide similar qualificationsthat will cover you for money laundering.
Note though that if you intend to use the qualification to find permanent employment then you should take a serious look at AAT as that one is sought after by employers.
If you take either IAB or ICB but intend to go on to AAT later then IAB will give you exemptions from some AAT exams where at present ICB will not.
There's a thread on here that's got a bit silly but there is some good advice in it. Take a glance at http://www.book-keepers.org.uk/forum.spark?aBID=106474&p=3&topicID=36735558 but don't post on that one as it's a bit of a minefield.
Good luck with your studies and hope that the above helps,
kind regards,
Shaun.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
(2) Visit to your local enterprise house. They will assist in giving you pointers on how to run your own business, such as best way to market your practice to your potential clients, HR compliance, managing staff and credit control
