It depends what your long term plans are. If you want to set up as a self employed bookkeeper, the ICB route is the one to go down as it is easier and quicker to get a practice licence. However, if you want employment the AAT is far more recognised.
The AAT level 2 award in bookkeeping will not teach you any where near as much as the 3 levels of the ICB, but then you could go on and do the full aat qualification which will open alot more doors. It also is recognised by other supervisory bodies so you could further your studies. You can still set up as self employed when you get your AAT qualifications
Each option could be the best option, it just depends on your cirumcstances.
Sorry this is not a black and white answer. If you expeand further, hopefully i can be more help.
Kind regards
Nick
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Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager
It has helped because I wasn't sure of the advantages of each of the two routes.
I am a bookkeeper in practice with a well established client base. I've been doing this for about 15 years now but have never had any formal training. Its all been on the job training and experience, all using Sage, so no manual experience. I feel I would like to consolidate and confirm my knowledge on a more formal basis. I don't need the qualification to gain work - at the moment I'm pretty much up to capacity (touch wood). Its more for my peace of mind and also its good to keep learning.
I guess you never know, I could find myself in the job market one day if the downsides of self employment ever become too bad, what self employed bookkeeper ever has 28 days holiday a year???
I looked at the syllabus of the AAT Level 2 Award in Bookkeeping and it did look like just what I need. However, from your answer it sounds like ICB will teach me all that and more and having spoken to another bookkeeper who is a member of ICB, that also sounds a very useful route.
Cost is also a factor unfortunately. The ABC bookkeeping course with AAT is £175 plus exam fees as far as I can make out. Not sure of the cost of training with ICB.
I presume then that you do not need a practice licence or MLR from a supervisory body then, and are registered with HMRC?
I agree that having knowledge of the manual side would be beneficial, and it may increase your odds of getting work away from Sage.
if you are going to stay self emplyed the ICB or IAB would ideal, and would teach you the manual side, and would benefit you much more that the AAT level 2. You could always migrate from the ICB eventually and start the AAT at level 3, as with your knowledge and that gained from further studies i am sure would enable you to skip level 2.
Hope this helps
Nick
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Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager
If you're already self employed, then going ICB may be a problem in the short term as they (I believe) immediately restrict what you can offer until you have passed a corresponding exam / level. AAT have no problem with self employed student members as long as AAT name are not mentioned.
