Hi, I am new to this site and have been fascinated to read some of the many different personal experiences on here and impressed by the friendliness and helpfullness of your members.
Like many newbies here I am considering starting out as a self-employed bookkeeper, but unsure of the best route.
I gained membership of the AAT back in 1983, and then tried the ACCA but dropped out after struggling with some of the theory papers. Back then I was employed in the insurance industry undertaking specialist corporate tax work, so never actually got any practical accounting or bookkeeping experience. I foolishly let my AAT membership lapse in 2001 after being made redundant and deciding on a different career path. But 6 years ago I came into my present role as assistant to the Accountant of a medium sized limited company and have gained a lot of practical experience in many but not all areas of the accounting operation.
I would like to start out as a bookkeeper alongside my present full-time job, with a view to gradually building up a business that I can continue long after normal retirement age. I do not want to offer full accountancy services though. My initial thoughts were to gain either for AIB or ACB level 3, via the exams route through home study, rather than applying for exemptions based on experience. I feel this would help identify and plug gaps in my existing knowledge before starting out.
My first question is whether I would have to take every paper at every level in order to achieve Membership of either body, or can I go straight in at level 3.
Secondly I am thinking about buying the relevant course books/ study material to work from home, and maybe try a few past papers before sitting the actual exams.
I also notice this site advertises another route in via www.bookcert.com.
Apologies for being so long-winded, but does my plan sound feasible, given that I am planning for the long-term, and does anyone have experience (good or bad) of the "bookcert" route?
Welcome, Richard. I have recently set up my business and like you it is something I expect to continue past retirement. I joined the ICB because their exams are on demand (either at home or at a centre that does the driving theory tests) and used books and mock exams. I have passed up to Level 3 so far, with just the payroll to do. I am sure with your experience you can get exemptions for some exams but I think taking the exams is helpful and useful experience.
Hello Sylvia and thank you for the advice.. I guess taking the first step is often the most difficult / daunting part of any new journey so it pays to be properly prepared if you want to set off in the right direction. So any advice from those that have been before and got the experience is gratefully received. I too am leaning towards the ICB route because of the attraction of taking the exams at home, meaning I don't have to take time off work.
You can contact the ICB with regards exemption but even if granted you will still need to take an entrance paper. You can also pay for mock exams directly from the ICB, should you pass you could then sign up as a student and pay for exams as and when required. You will need to adhere to the ICB membership tiers of AICB or MICB depending on the type of clients you are aiming at. All exams are home based except level 2 and 3 Manual Bookkeeping and these are sat at Pearson Vue centres. If you call the ICB directly they will be more than happy to answer any of your questions 0845 060 2345
Thank you Dave for the helpful advice and good wishes., and apologies for the slow response, but I have been away for a few days. Also thank you to all of you readers who didn't pick me up on my obvious gaff in my original post - I did of course mean "IAB & ICB..." not "AIB & ACB " No offence intended - just in too much of a hurry to get my post in before the boss got back from lunch!
