I have just found this forum and find it very useful.
I have a few questions and appologise now for taking up your time.
I am 50 years old and self employed as a courier in london. I am thinking about taking levels 1 & 2 in bookkeeping to start my own small part time business. I need answers to the following questions,
1, If I pass both levels will this allow me to do tax returns for my colleagues and other self employed people and charge them for doing it. At present we all pay an accountant to do it for us.
2, Will I be able to get other bookkeeping work so that I can possibly change careers in the near future or is the amont of work limited.
3, Do I have to take level 2 in both manual and computerised bookkeeping.
I am about to register with Training Link and would like to know if anybody has used them and if so what are they like or should I just buy books and teech myself.
1. If it's ICB, then no. You'd need to pass the self assessment diploma, unless you don't take membership and register via HMRC for money laundering. But I'd suggest doing the exam before submitting self assessments as you can make some costly mistakes if you're unsure.
2. There is definitely work out there, whether you will feel confident or able to do it is another story. By far the most difficult thing in bookkeeping is finding new clients.
3. You have until next September to pass both manual and computerised.
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.
I've just started with Level 1 with Premier Training. There tutor support is very good and it was the cheapest I found. Might be worth you having a look. http://www.premiertraining.co.uk/index.shtml
-- Edited by Lecia on Thursday 7th of October 2010 10:26:37 AM
