I started the bookkeeping course level 1 last month but I must say I am very confused with where to go from here. I would like to get professional qualification but there is so many courses and types......
Is there a simple answer to my question.... How to become an accountant??? :))
it's unfortunately a fact that at the moment anyone can call themselves an accountant as it's not a protected term. However to do it properly is a long hard toil which at times incorporates learning stuff that you know that you will never, ever need to use.
I'm sure that you've already read some of the threads on here about this very subject esphechially in relation to where bookkeeping stops and accountancy begins (not as easy to differentiate as you might).
At the higher levels of AAT when you become MAAT you are considered an accountant. However, try getting someone who is ACCA or ICAEW to call you one! (For that matter try getting an ICAEW person to think of an ACCA bod as an equal!!!).
Most people on here who are looking at becoming an accountant should look at what services they really intend to offer as more often than not membership of the ICB or IAB may be all that they are really looking for.
General advice would be that if you want to work for someone else then look at the AAT route and once in a practice and you have reached MAAT then consider conversion to a higher body such as ACCA or ICAEW.
For self employment then look no further than ICB or IAB. You won't be an accountant but look at their syllabuses and you will see that bookkeeping goes further than you may think. We have James on this site representing the ICB and Frauke the IAB.
You don't need a training provider for either of those unless you lack confidence or self motivation in learning straight from books. If you do then consider the Open University course B190 as a good introduction to the subject and then just go on to take the exams or claim exemptions from whichever body you are interested in.
Sure that you'll have more specific follow up questions that we look forwards to fielding,
kind regards and good luck in whatever path you choose,
Shaun.
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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.
One thing I would add is if you have already completed the Level 1 course the B190 would be covering old ground.
Who are you studying with? Perhaps continue onto Level 2 and then seek employment or go self employed.
To become an accountant (depending on who you are currently studying with) you could do Level 2 and Level 3 (and Level 4 if your body has it) then perhaps CAT -> ACCA for example.
Alternatively you could do the AAT Technician course and go on to ACCA. However, as Shuan says, AAT Technicians call themselves accountants so maybe that would be far enough for you without becoming a chartered accountant.
It is Community Learning and Skills Services and the course is Bookkeeping and Accounts Award Level 1. They also do the same course level 2 And Computerised Accounts Award Level 1. Would you know what 'award' means in this case? I will do them all anyway. However I will do the AAT for sure. I've just found one course which starts in June...:)).
