I have been working as a book keeper for 5 years now. I started running the accounts for my parents business which I did for three years (they run an 85 bedroom hotel). I was taught by a chartered accountant who showed me the basics and then left me to it! Two years ago I moved to a new role looking after the books for 3 small companies.
I have taught myself a fair bit over time and have been the sole book keeper in both roles. But I still don't feel entirely confident and do make a few mistakes sometimes which luckily the accountant sorts out when she gets all the accounts each year end. I do not know the fundamentals of book keeping such as double entry which I think would be very helpful. I am also a bit iffy when it comes to VAT some payroll stuff and a few other bits.
I have used Quickbooks in both jobs and would like to learn Sage too so I am more employable in the future.
Anyway my point here is that I am looking to try and get some private clients when my last child starts school in Sept so was thinking about getting some ICB qualifications so I am more confident in what I am doing/talking about! I was looking at this with Ideal Schools:-
But it is a lot of money and I am wondering if I can do a fair bit of this by myself? Also is it the best course to do? I am not looking to become an accountant but would like to have as many skills as I can in book keeping.
I have no experience with Ideal schools and don't know what there price is, but you could give Premier Training a call and speak to someone there about what experience you have and they can point you in the right direction. I have learnt AAT Payroll with them and found them to be very good and reasonable with the cost. It is long distance learning.
I your want to be employed at a later date then AAT is a really good one to go for as its makes you more employable, if its self employment you are looking for them ICB or IAB would be good.
I'm sure someone on here will be able to help you about the ICB and the IAB.
HTH
-- Edited by Amanda on Wednesday 5th of January 2011 08:40:49 PM
I used Ideal Schools and have nothing but praise for them. I found the course folders easy to follow and straightforward. Having limited bookkeeping experience prior to starting the course just using the Ideal Schools folders / assessments I got 99% in my Level 1 and 100% in my Level 2 so they can't be bad!!
My only slight 'criticism' is that it can take a while to get your assignments back if you post - but quicker if emailed. I did find them a very nice company to deal with and will probably buy the level 3 and payroll course from them once I save enough pennies!
I did advertise my level 1 & 2 books for sale on here, - only negative is you loose out on the tutor support...so I guess I'd prob go direct to Ideal Schools!
I use training link and have nothing but praise for them. I get answers to my queries and assignments back very quick (usually within hours and that includes weekends!). I've done some exams myself and had no problems, I would try a past paper to see how I did before paying for a course. The courses I've done with training link haven't taken me long to do at all always completed with in 2 weeks and I have 2 young children.
Its a great idea to get the qualifications to back up your experience.
Don't forget there is more than just Sage and quickbooks out there! It is worth getting the bookkeeping skills so that you can adapt to any package rather than learn on just one.
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Phil Hendy, The Accountancy Mentor
Are you thinking of setting up your own practice or have you set up and need some help?
If so a mentor may be the way forward - feel free to get in touch and see how I can assist you.
I would always start with manual so that you know what to do on computerised if you make a mistake. Manual teaches you the principles of book-keeping whereas computerised is more about using a program to speed up the processes.
Manual is recommend to do first, and by September you wont be able to apply for membership with the ICB unless you have both Level 2 manual and computerised.
I say manual however it is more practical knowledge rather than actual T accounts like it used to be.
I signed up for the level 1 & 2 courses in practical bookkeeping with a home learning provider at the end of last year and passed both exams i have just completed the level 2 comp course and am awaiting my level 2 comp exam. On passing my exam i intend to apply for a practice licence and arrange insurance then begin practising as a book keeper. I have seen posts on here about purchasing text books and directly applying for exams which i am now considering doing as the courses where excellent but very expensive. My next step would be level 3 which i can purchase through the ICB shop but i want first to know what i would gain by qualifying as a MICB and doing the level 3 exams as apposed to remaining as an AICB at Level 2? What work would i be permitted to undertake that i am not currently? I feel quite comfortable with studying alone without the use of a course provider and have done well throughout all my previous assignments and exams which has lead me to believe i would be OK to learn in this way.
If anyone can give me any help or advice it will be grestly appreciated.
I would really recommend taking the time to what courses are available in your area, and to make sure that those courses cover exactly what it is you think you might need for your business.
Could save a lot of heart-ache further down the line.
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Haysden training - VAT, Payroll & Book-keeping Trainings www.haysdentraining.co.uk
