I have read through some previous posts and am so confused! My question is similar to others so hope you don't mind giving me some advice too.
At the mo I am employed full time but my job has absolutely nothing to do with finance(I work with animals).
I was looking for a back up plan and maybe a career change so started studying with Home Learning College. I have completed and passed exams with distinctions level 1 and 2 manual bookkeeping(ICB) and am now working my way through computerised level 1 and 2.
Originally I was planning on becoming self employed after completing the Sage course but then thought maybe I should complete level 3 diploma thus allowing me to work self emplyed for limited companies.
I am now very confused, if I use Sage I understand this is not very practical as the software only allows for one business? Also, I have no practical experience in bookkeeeping so am now doubting that I could be sucessful if I tried setting up on my own?
I have also looked into AAT courses but guess a certain amount of work experience is involved and I have a full time job at the moment.
Finally, the expense of studying puts me off if I won't get work without practical work experience.
Just because you used Sage to get through your exams doesn't mean you have to use it when self employed. Many people here use VT Transaction + to do bookkeeping for multiple businesses. That was my plan until a moment of madness and I went out and joined the Sage Accountants Club which allows me up to 50 companies for Sage 50 Accounts and Sage 50 Payroll (costing £1016.00 inc VAT and carriage). I get to pay it up over 10 months. That was with a 35% discount so I'll get hammered next year.
There isn't a computerised level I with the ICB. Just levels II and III. There are three levels in Sage's own exams though.
What you could do is pass the computerised level II which would be enough to get a practice licence and then look for sole trader clients. You could still do bookkeeping to the trial balance stage for limited companies. Use the money from these to fund your studying of level III manual and computerised.
EDIT : I should add - I did the exams using Sage Instant Accounts but I actually did prefer using VT Transaction +, I haven't switched over to Sage yet and am still using VTT+.
-- Edited by Peasie on Tuesday 18th of October 2011 05:37:32 PM
__________________
Never buy black socks from a normal shop. They shaft you every time.
Thank you for the advice, I will take a look at VT Transaction + I will finish my computerised course then think about loking for some clients. Meanwhile, on with the day job and the studying :)
