My first tentative steps in this career path was by doing B680, the course that was split down into B190, B291 & B292 (because it had become way too expensive).
When I did it the course was very good, Alan Sangster (of Woods and Sangster fame) was one of the lecturers and we had really good groups of people many of whome went on from OU to ACCA (but to the best of my knowledge from my group all but myself subsequently dropped out).
I think that they made mistakes by dropping too much of the theory (the first four books) when they moved from B680.
For the price of B190, 291 and 292 one might as well go straight to a more recognised qualification such as AAT or ACCA.
To my mind, if you are thinking of doing OU B291 & 292 your money would actually be better spent doing the ACCA FIA, then get exemptions from the first three ACCA professional papers and go for the full ACCA qualification.
FIA (Foundations in Accountancy) covers everything from the OU course plus all of the bits that the OU course has now dropped (management theory, human resources, marketing, Organisational structures, etc).
Other alternatives to ACCA FIA might be AAT or the ICAEW CFAB qualification.
Keep us informed about which path you decide to go down won't you.
kindest 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.
The thing is, I am pretty sure I can get a student loan for the open university courses.
Really I would be quite happy just buying books, and past exam papers and studying myself, starting with bookkeeping and going as far as I need too until I get work.
But then, for example, on first glance it seems exam fees alone for icb or iab cost more than the cost of B190.
Btw, your posts have been a pleasure to read, and clarified many things for me, and there have been some nice book recommendations so thanks.
Edit:
So after looking into ACCA a bit, it seems I could just buy books like 'Accountant in Business ACCA F1 Learning Pack' for £107 (+some exam fee I guess), which seems ideal for self-study. Maybe not even this is necassary, I could just get the main text's and some past papers ?
So this is becoming an option, plus they are examined by computerised exam that can be taken whenever I like so I could revise for each f1, f2, f3 separately and in my own time.
Curious as to why you recommended the FIA instead of jsut doing F1-3. ?
Maybe F1-3 doesnt have as strong a bookkeeping component, and also do they qualify for IAB memebrship like the B190 and B291 ?
Really my first goal is to get any job, either bookkeeping or accounting, then longer term I will probably be interested in developing accounting.
Also I ordered Cox's Business Accounting on your recommendation so can make a start working through that.
-- Edited by Soar on Monday 3rd of December 2012 03:33:21 PM
-- Edited by Soar on Monday 3rd of December 2012 04:06:59 PM
