I am trying very hard to make sense of the various routes to achieve bookkeeping/accounting qualifications but am having real difficulty in making sense of things. Which route is likely to get me into employment where I can start possibly as an accounts asssitant and look towards eventual employer financial support in ACCA or CIMA study?? I really want to do either ICB or IAB or AAT. Am I wrong to suppose that it is possible to enter AAT at the intermediate level without IAB or ICB certificates/diplomas? I am considering the option of distance learning and would also love to hear any recommendations of reasonably priced, comprehensive courses for any of the above study routes. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
I am sure others will give you long responses to this, but I think your options are:
1, Do ICB via distance learning Then set up as a self employed certified bookkeeper (ICB can help with this) Continue your business as you study ACCA
2, Do AAT via college (I think they may have distance learning but you need to check where you can take examinations) Get employment as an accounting technician Continue your study to ACCA
Option 1 would be quicker, but would lead to a more self employed position as you study ACCA. You can do Level 1, 2 and 3, then CAT, or possibly next year carry on to ICB Level 4, then ACCA.
Option 2 is the more common route to ACCA, but could be more expensive.
You should be able to start AAT at Intermediate without any prior training, you can do a skills check online which pretty much always tells you to start at Intermediate.
Hope this helps, sorry not too clued up on AAT training, maybe someone else can help here
I have looked at an OU course (B190) which is a fraction of the the cost of some of the distance learning packages. It states that the course will allow me to become an IAB member. Does the ICB recognise this course and allow membership on completion?
The OU B680 course covers Levels 1 2 and 3 and you can become join the ICB at Full Member (Certified Bookkeeper) Level.
Hi James I have completed the B190 course with the OU and passed. I have membership of the IAB. Your above quote says you can become a full member with ICB if completed B680. What course is this?
I already am an affiliate member with you. And have completed several exams with you. However if this will be a quicker way for me to be a full member could you please confirm it for me.
Many thanks
Karen
-- Edited by Kaz82 on Friday 29th of October 2010 03:50:56 PM
Although I have just noticed from their site that they are not running it again, which is odd as we had quite a bit of interest in it. Maybe try contacting them find out when it next starts.
I have just completed the O.U.B190 course and am due my results in December. I was very interested in your conversation as I am thinking of taking my studies in bookkeeping and accounting further if I pass the course. Whilst researching further courses with the O.U. I found out that the Certificate in accounting (b680) course was run for the last time in Sept.2009, and appears to have been replaced by the Professional Certificate in accounting (K01)that consists of two courses.The first of these courses is called Financial accounting (B291) and is starting for the first time in Nov.2010 and the second is called Management accounting (b292) and is due to be run for the first time in about six months time. I think the courses are priced at about £750 each, but would have to check to make sure.
I dont know if the new certificate would give any exemptions to the ICB or not.
Hi. Sorry, I am not used to forum etiquette. I want to thank you for your advice today. I have just been re-reading the comments and they are really useful.
Roz
-- Edited by Rosalind on Saturday 30th of October 2010 12:05:11 AM
I'm new to all this forum thing too and have read your post with interest. From my personal experience it is very important to have qualifications but would recommend that if at all possible to gain as much experience work wise. It is also a very good idea as it is now going to be standard with the ICB to have a knowledge of computerised bookeeping. Unfortunately although I was qualified to at level 1 manual when I tried to gain employment I was constantly asked what my experience was and what computerised accounts systems I had used. You can then study gaining practical experience whilst working and gaining the hands on experience.I hope this is of some help.
I would like to get a couple of qualifications before I venture into the industry. I am trying to get some experience by asking local firms to have me on a placement basis for a short period of time that wouldn't cost them anything. No luck so far!!! Thanks for your advice. I don't want to be refused a job due to lack of experience but there must be a way in somewhere!!
I am trying very hard to make sense of the various routes to achieve bookkeeping/accounting qualifications but am having real difficulty in making sense of things. Which route is likely to get me into employment where I can start possibly as an accounts asssitant and look towards eventual employer financial support in ACCA or CIMA study?? I really want to do either ICB or IAB or AAT. Am I wrong to suppose that it is possible to enter AAT at the intermediate level without IAB or ICB certificates/diplomas? I am considering the option of distance learning and would also love to hear any recommendations of reasonably priced, comprehensive courses for any of the above study routes. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Rosalind
As you are wanting to get into employment (rather than self-employment) I would not go for either ICB or IAB but go down the AAT route then ACCA or CIMA.
Very few employers have ever heard of ICB or IAB but all know of AAT. The level you enter AAT depends on prior knowledge or qualifications.
Hello Everyone,
