Depends if you are looking for self employment or employment.
ICB and IAB are very similar but IAB carries more exemptions from other higher accountancy qualifications. There are also very close links between the IAB and IFA.
I think that the ICB comes accross very professionally and really does help it's members.
If you want employment in this sector though you should really be looking at AAT as a minimum entry level.
IAB, ICB and AAT if all taken through to level IV are all pretty similar in the level of knowledge that you will acquire.
HTH and welcome to the forum,
kind regards,
Shaun.
p.s. sad as it sounds I just had to go off and Google who Harry Hill was!
-- Edited by Shamus on Tuesday 26th of June 2012 04:08:08 PM
__________________
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.
I've just had a read through the IAB PDF's and I think that if you buy these three books (and read them, lol) you can pretty much sail through the first couple of levels :
1) Business Accounts for book-keeping and financial accounting courses : David Cox. Osbourne Books
2) AAT Foundation Units 1-4 Course Companion: BPP books
3) AAT Foundation Units 1-4 Revision Companion: BPP books
None of the above need to be current versions and you should be able to pick all three up very reasonably from Amazon resellers.
Hope that helps you get started,
kind regards,
Shaun.
P.S. Yes, I know that they are AAT books but book-keeping is the same no matter which body you learn it with.
Even factoring in the postage you can pick up all of the above for under a tenner! Only downside is that you can't guarantee that they will be undamaged and unhighlighted.
-- Edited by Shamus on Tuesday 26th of June 2012 09:52:30 PM
__________________
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.
Hi, newbie here from Scotland and first time posting!
I would like to study on a part-time basis. I am looking at book keeping or accountancy, though I think I'm swaying towards book keeping.
I am from an admin background in the Financial Services industry but been out the loop for the past 5 years. Now doing a run of the mill administration job but looking to broaden my horizons, as my job is mundane.
I have been looking over the weekend and the options seems to be IAB or ICB for starting out. I don't want to sound like Harry Hill here, but can anyone help with which route is best and offer advice on training providers too.
I appreciate any comments or suggestions, many thanks for reading.
Many thanks for taking the time to respond. The jobs that I have seen advertised recently are admin/accounts/book keeping skills required, so a bit of everything tbh. I don't think I would like to concentrate on accounts solely, so I thought book keeping would be a good skill to add to my CV and I am also looking forward to learning something new. My local college is only offering the HNC in Accounting but the book keeping courses seem to be distance learning. Just need to decide where to start. Thanks again.
ICB will let you sit exams on demand at various centres around the country and not have to wait for an exam sitting.
Training providers - I went with Ideal Schools and was happy with them. Training Link also receive good reviews on here. There is one provider (I won't name) that has a very poor reputation on here. Probably more down to their sales technique than the quality of their service. Searching this forum should let you know who they are.
__________________
Never buy black socks from a normal shop. They shaft you every time.
My only thought is that there is an increase in complexity between the two but the actually territory that they cover seems to me to be pretty much the same.
kind regards,
Shaun.
__________________
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.
Hi Shaun
Thanks for that, I'll have a look at the PDFs. I want to ensure that I cover everything needed for this level so I can progress to Level 2. Best Regards.
Hi Shaun
Thanks for all your help, I really do appreciate it. I'm so glad I came across this site today! I really haven't considered going it alone like your suggesting, but it is definitely a thought - I have heard of the David Cox book on another posting. I have also just received an email regarding a college evening course - PDA In book keeping.
So many decisions to make lol.
Kindest Regards
Whilst a choice of provider is a personal thing I have used 3 different providers in doing AAT and ICB and without hesitation I can say Training Link were far and away the best. Their materials are great, geared towards getting you through, their support is excellent and above all their lecturers are knowledgeable and really flexible. I was doing a very accelerated programme to get through quickly and they really went the extra mile in getting the assignments back quickly to help me meet my targets. I only wish I was able to go with them for everything.
IAB Bookkeeping Level 1 actually is the IAB Manual Book keeping Level 1 plus additional knowledge modules.
From memory Level 1 IAB manual book-keeping is 5 credits (50 hours of learning time), and the Level 1 IAB bookkeeping is 9 credits (90 hours of lerning time)
As a very new newbie to this site thought i would let you know a bit about my book keeping journey as you mentioned PDA!
I simply 'done my husbands books' in the broad sense of gathering his receipts and writing it all down! I enjoyed it, I am a housewife and decided why dont i get a qualification in this for when my wee one goes off to school!
i have just completed pda at ayr college - not sure if thats where you are?
i went to hnc accounts for PDA through the day, only a wednesday morning was required, as i couldnt commit to night time,
i have passed everything and can honestly say i thought it was fantastic,
i have no knowledge of distance learning so cant help you there im afraid but i had looked at distance learning myself, had a look about forums and decided not to waste money on something i personally wasnt sure would be a 'proper' qualification - purely because i am unaware of qualifications not that places wont be highly recommended etc!
I went to speak to the college first and they stated what I could do with the qualification etc and I was also permitted to use an ILA so the cost was around £360, then taking off ILA I only had to pay around £100. I have now received my results so can go about contacting professional bodies - one thing in the PDA they dont tell you is that you require a money laundering regulation to trade really as a self employed book keeper, something I only found out on this site! its invaluable by the way so many excellent resources and helpful members!
I am going to contact ICB, again because i have found it best for me having looked around their site and looking on the forums here, everyone is different though! i believe you can get your Money laundering through this way and they help with info. toward insurance etc also other help and guidance - you dont need to register with them as you can go straight to hmrc for your MLR but on weighing up the costs involved i think (personally!) it looks better if you are part of a body and they provide you with help and advise!
i am going to contact them today to see how i get on with them recognising the PDA qualification - will let you know how i get on!!
PDA covers recording financial info - very basic double entry book keeping etc what is an asset, liability etc-, day books, cash books, bank reconciliation, ledgers, trial balance, vat returns (basic only), payroll (knowledge behind it, manually and on sage), and sage 50 accounts.
Whilst a choice of provider is a personal thing I have used 3 different providers in doing AAT and ICB and without hesitation I can say Training Link were far and away the best. Their materials are great, geared towards getting you through, their support is excellent and above all their lecturers are knowledgeable and really flexible. I was doing a very accelerated programme to get through quickly and they really went the extra mile in getting the assignments back quickly to help me meet my targets. I only wish I was able to go with them for everything.
Jim
Hi Jim
Thanks for your reply. I will def have a look at Training Link, if I go down the IAB or IAC route. Too many choices lol!
Regards.
IAB Bookkeeping Level 1 actually is the IAB Manual Book keeping Level 1 plus additional knowledge modules.
From memory Level 1 IAB manual book-keeping is 5 credits (50 hours of learning time), and the Level 1 IAB bookkeeping is 9 credits (90 hours of lerning time)
Hi
Thanks for confirming the difference with these two options, quite a big difference then. I appreciate your help.
As a very new newbie to this site thought i would let you know a bit about my book keeping journey as you mentioned PDA!
I simply 'done my husbands books' in the broad sense of gathering his receipts and writing it all down! I enjoyed it, I am a housewife and decided why dont i get a qualification in this for when my wee one goes off to school!
i have just completed pda at ayr college - not sure if thats where you are?
i went to hnc accounts for PDA through the day, only a wednesday morning was required, as i couldnt commit to night time,
i have passed everything and can honestly say i thought it was fantastic,
i have no knowledge of distance learning so cant help you there im afraid but i had looked at distance learning myself, had a look about forums and decided not to waste money on something i personally wasnt sure would be a 'proper' qualification - purely because i am unaware of qualifications not that places wont be highly recommended etc!
I went to speak to the college first and they stated what I could do with the qualification etc and I was also permitted to use an ILA so the cost was around £360, then taking off ILA I only had to pay around £100. I have now received my results so can go about contacting professional bodies - one thing in the PDA they dont tell you is that you require a money laundering regulation to trade really as a self employed book keeper, something I only found out on this site! its invaluable by the way so many excellent resources and helpful members!
I am going to contact ICB, again because i have found it best for me having looked around their site and looking on the forums here, everyone is different though! i believe you can get your Money laundering through this way and they help with info. toward insurance etc also other help and guidance - you dont need to register with them as you can go straight to hmrc for your MLR but on weighing up the costs involved i think (personally!) it looks better if you are part of a body and they provide you with help and advise!
i am going to contact them today to see how i get on with them recognising the PDA qualification - will let you know how i get on!!
PDA covers recording financial info - very basic double entry book keeping etc what is an asset, liability etc-, day books, cash books, bank reconciliation, ledgers, trial balance, vat returns (basic only), payroll (knowledge behind it, manually and on sage), and sage 50 accounts.
Hi Torracj
Thanks very much for replying to my post. It's such a minefield starting out from scratch so I appreciate you taking the time. My local college is doing the HNC Accounting but a college about 50 miles away is doing the PDA - I would need to travel but I'm prepared to, if it's the right course for me. Unfortunately Ayr is just too far now, if I still lived in Glasgow then I would def have considered it. You have done very well passing your course, congrats. How did you get on with the ICB?
Regards
Susieblue
hi susie, i contacted them and you can either register as a member by sitting their exams, 1 level 1 and 2 level 2's - you can go via their accredited training providers for resources but she said i would probably be able to complete them due to PDA background or you can register for exemption due to current qualification - i then had to email a seperate department to see if they recognised the PDA, i received an email to say they had not given anyone a membership based on PDA before although i was to still complete exemption forms and they would review it, although on weighing it up both ways of registering for membership cost the same and i may gain furhter knowledge sitting their exams so think i will go that route, will just be quicker as i already have PDA background, they stated it should take approx a month to sit exams and get results at which point you become an associate and can apply for a practice licence - phew a lot of info!! you get the Money Laundering Regulation as part of this based on this i would definately look up training link etc for tutoring toward icb exams as had i known that and the costs, it works out pretty much the same as going and doing the pda then sitting further exams! plus i could have done it from home, that said i still highly recommend PDA and knowledge gained as if you are not planning on going the self employed route it gives you a great base and knowledge of Sage for employers, hope this helps and apologies for large download of info!! libby
Hi,
I am currently doing ICB level 3 after completing ICB level 1, ICB level 2 manual and ICB level 2 computerised through Training Link Distance learning and I must say they have been great. I have had no problems at all with them! I really have enjoyed studying the ICB and would recommend it. I am also a member of the AAT which I completed 3 years ago but as my job swayed more towards admin/credit control I thought I'd refresh my knowledge and gain more letters after my name which will hopefully help me in the near future when I hope to become self employed.
hi susie, i contacted them and you can either register as a member by sitting their exams, 1 level 1 and 2 level 2's - you can go via their accredited training providers for resources but she said i would probably be able to complete them due to PDA background or you can register for exemption due to current qualification - i then had to email a seperate department to see if they recognised the PDA, i received an email to say they had not given anyone a membership based on PDA before although i was to still complete exemption forms and they would review it, although on weighing it up both ways of registering for membership cost the same and i may gain furhter knowledge sitting their exams so think i will go that route, will just be quicker as i already have PDA background, they stated it should take approx a month to sit exams and get results at which point you become an associate and can apply for a practice licence - phew a lot of info!! you get the Money Laundering Regulation as part of this based on this i would definately look up training link etc for tutoring toward icb exams as had i known that and the costs, it works out pretty much the same as going and doing the pda then sitting further exams! plus i could have done it from home, that said i still highly recommend PDA and knowledge gained as if you are not planning on going the self employed route it gives you a great base and knowledge of Sage for employers, hope this helps and apologies for large download of info!! libby
Hi Libby
Thanks for updating me, it's really good to find out all this information from someone going down the same route as me. If you decide to sit the exams, I'm sure you will fly through and become an Associate. There are just so many options to choose from. I do like the idea of going to college, structured learning which I think would be better for me personally. I don't know how disciplined I would be studying from home tbh lol! Keep me updated, if you don't mind and let me know how you get on. All the best, Susie
Hi,
I am currently doing ICB level 3 after completing ICB level 1, ICB level 2 manual and ICB level 2 computerised through Training Link Distance learning and I must say they have been great. I have had no problems at all with them! I really have enjoyed studying the ICB and would recommend it. I am also a member of the AAT which I completed 3 years ago but as my job swayed more towards admin/credit control I thought I'd refresh my knowledge and gain more letters after my name which will hopefully help me in the near future when I hope to become self employed.
Hi
Thanks very much for giving me some insight into the ICB route. Well done, you have achieved so much, I would like to get to your level one day! I will def have a look at Training Link - its good to hear positive feedback about a Provider. All the best, Susie
hi susie, i will definately keep you updated! i felt the same - i have a little girl and on the wednesday morning i went to college she went into nursery so i knew that time was dedicated to studying - could i have done that at home with toys, books and fireman sam???!! i doubt it haha! im glad you have had such useful responses from everyone to help you decide which path to choose!
can relate totally to the scenario that you paint.
I like many others on here am a single parent (sole custody, he never even see's his Mother) and altough my boys a little older now I remember that in his younger days I used to read him ACCA manuals as bedtime stories... Before they can talk it's all about tone and expression anyway.
You will end up with your ankle biters asleep in bed next to you whilst you burn the midnight oil to a bedside lamp. You will also find yourself doing index card revision on waking up and whilst waiting for them at the school gates.
What I'm trying to say is that although it may seem impossible you get into a routine to work around their needs which at the end of the day always come first of course.
I think that this is the first time that we've chatted so a big welcome to the fourm from me,
kind regards,
Shaun.
__________________
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.
Hi Libby
How have you got on over the past month or so? Have you decided which route to take? Hope your little girl is enjoying the Summer weather, whilst it lasts!
Just to update you - I attended an open day at college today, where the PDA in book-keeping is due to start in September. I really wasn't impressed with the college, information on the course was poor and unfortunately it has put me off enrolling there.
I am going to start looking around again to see if anyone else does classroom based learning here in Scotland, I'll let you know how I get on.
Kind Regards, Susieblue
