I successfully finished Practical Bookkeeping Level 1 v11, Practical Bookkeeping Level 2 v11 ICB Diploma and now I am in process of finishing Sage Computerised Level 2 v11. I also started Payroll Information Centre, Sage Instant Payroll 2011/12 (I wanted to be flexible also in this department) course with ICB. (I am member of ICB). All my courses were with Home Learning College + Sage Software.
Will you be so kind and help me set off on the good foot = After I finish that computerised & payroll part shall I continue with my studies with Level 3 or shall I take some different course (AAT,ACCA,IAB) I know that Level 2 in this time is not sufficient, but I also do not want to spend my life in never-ending study. I just would like to have a good position for finding fair job. I also did try to find some kind of voluntary praxis-experience but so far = without any luck
If you are looking at finding a job you probably should study the AAT. The ICB isnt really recognised by employers, where as the AAT is.
The IAB would just be going over the same material so it wouldnt be all that beneficial for you, whilst the ACCA would probably be a leap to far, but would be worth looking once you have done the AAT.
If you are only looking at employment, rather than selfemployment, i dont think that level 3 ICB would benefit you. However, if you wanted to become selfemployed doing level 3 ICB would be a good option as you have level 2 and are doing/done the payroll course.
These are my honest thoughts, we at Premier offer ICB and AAT, but this is what i feel would be best in your circumstances.
Also, (and i am sure a lot of people will back me up) i think you should look around at training providers, if you dont want to self study, as some are better than others.............
Hope this helps
Nick
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Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager
If you are looking for a job I would go for AAT as your next step and suggest you continue trying to gain experience from doing voluntary work and maybe try applying for bookkeeping or accounts assistants posts.
Some great advice here as you would expect but your post suggested you were looking for employment? Have you not considered Self Employment? Please view my ICB conference post as attending the conference could give you another perspective.
All the best in whatever route you take but please let us know how you get on.
Another tip especially if you are looking for employment rather than self employment is to research jobsearch websites etc. and see what employers are asking for. You will probably see that a lot of them are looking for part or fully AAT qualified employees.
This will also give you some insight into the role you could be working in and the expected salary. The other benefit of the AAT qualification is that you can work both employed and self employed.
Thank to EVERYBODY for your advice and help. I will ceratinly try to check that AAT qualification (I actually contatcted AAT via their web-site and they promised to send some pack with useful information on the AAT qualification and study options. I will wait till it will arrive and I will take close look to it! I also checked that ICB 2012 conference via ICB web-site , but if I am not mistaken = ticket for ICB member costs apporx. £100 = (this sum represents approx. 1+1/2 of my son's School dinner money for half term... ) and I did find this price un-fair in every possible way.... (I do appologize to everyone = it is just my personal opinion..).
I wish you well on your chosen career path. The ICB conference ticket at £100 is it seems quite expensive, but in relation to the cost of studying a course it is not and as this years Key Note Speaker is from the Start Up Britain campaign where advice and tips on business start up is given, for some the £100 fee will be an excellent investment, I also believe help and advice with business start up loans is also on offer?
Good luck with your AAT studying and please let us know how you get on.
