I just wanted to say hi, my name is Lisa and I've been trawling these forums for quite some time. I do the books for my neighbour after passing my exams in bookkeeping and payroll management and am looking forward to the day I can branch out to offer my services alongside being a Virtual Assistant (still a way to go yet though :D)
The main reason I wanted to introduce myself and post this, is to say what a brilliant forum this is. I'm a member of a select few forums but I can honestly say I don't think I have ever come across one as friendly and valuable in sound advice as this one! It will prove to be a huge asset to me in the coming months so thank you to everyone, really big thanks for creating this. I don't think I've ever seen one either that there not one post that has gone unanswered, which I find both courteous and warming to see!!
Happy Friday everyone
Lisa
-- Edited by Treggy76 on Friday 30th of August 2013 06:26:09 AM
-- Edited by Treggy76 on Friday 30th of August 2013 06:27:53 AM
you are right it really is an amazing place with the most helpful people you can imagine. If you have passed your exams you cant be too far off offering these services. Who did you qualify with?
Any way good luck!
Nick
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Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager
Yes, it really is the only one that is so friendly and offers tremendous advice without making you feel stupid!!!
I studied with Home Learning College for Level I Basic Bookkeeping, Level II Manual and Level III Diploma in Payroll. I have to do the computerised Level II now which I didn't know about till very recently, so everything is on hold now till I get through this! I did consider going back to HLC, but thought, why pay the £500 odd when all I'm doing is pretty much self study anyway and with these forums, a good book and the software, I really can't go far wrong!!....she says - maybe i'll be eating my words :P!
I am a member of the ICB as a student, and can't upgrade until I've passed the Level II! They were helpful and tried to save me having to pay another years' membership for student but that would have meant booking the exam today which is pretty much impossible until I get to grips with the software! Just used excel for now, have downloaded a free trial of QB which would be my first choice simply for cost reasons, but trying to find a user guide/ uk edition book is like finding gold dust!!! I think I may have found one that i'll post a link to on a separate post just in case anyone else would benefit from it.
And yes, I'd like to attend a summit for a change, something I never got around to doing!
If your looking a specific book or access to software you could make a post on the BKN forum and the ICB forum, for BKN make your post on the For Sale and Wanted thread. I hope you do get to make it to the conference and if you are thinking of attending it may be an advantage to book your place now as ICB have an early bird ticket offer.
Hope this is of some help and have a great weekend,.
Good idea. I've had a look on the ICB forums and it would seem that a lot of people have managed to get a 'free trial' of the Sage Instant Accounts. Don't think this is still available as you can only use it online. I'll definitely do what you've also suggested though in the For Sale and Wanted thread.
I like the sound of early bird, anything cheaper is good :D!!!
Mmm, £100 entrance, plus £40 for a meal, plus travel to/from central london, etc. cheaper.... I think planet ICB is a little out of kilter with the financial situation of many of their members.
Maybe we should all have a a seperate conference 100 feet down the road in the Firkin pub. Free entrance, choice of music on the jukebox, all the training providers and HMRC reps will be at the bar anyway and £40 will buy you an awful lot of beer and McCoys crisps.... You can get a lot of information from a trainer for the price of a beer.
Quickbooks books are as you say a difficult one.
I've got two, the UK dummies guide which I know that you've found to still be US boased but the thing is its the only QB book that I've found that covers VAT.
The other book that I've purchased is the running quickbooks premier editions (The UK Accountant edition is premier). This book is very American and shows that they have an awful lot more versions of quickbooks over there than we do here.
The reason that I got that one is that it shows you the shortcuts around the software including cheats and hidden features.
Now if only I could bring myself to open the book I would be an expert, lol.
There is much more material for Sage which to my mind makes a market for software where the licencing makes it software that many would not actually choose to use.
Back to QB there are hundreds of Youtube tutorials out there. The issue is that unless you know what you are looking for you don't know which video to try and find.
There is a real market for a QB course but my understanding is that training companies won't touch it as they're too cosy with Sage (Your not going to get Sage discounts on your courses if your pushing other manufacturers products in competition).
Personal view is its about time that at least one of the training providers grew a pair and stuck their flag in the intuit camp.... Or better still, Amanda sets up a Quickbooks training company in competition (about time she made some money from all of this free QB advice that she gives on here).
Good luck in moving forwards and any help you need just post... We're always here even if not always able to answer immediately,
kind regards,
Shaun.
p.s. you do realise that you get a 180 day trial version of sage 50 in the certification course in a box that you can buy don't you?
just type this into Amazon : sage workbooks
You want software and then order by date and try and then balance off the version against the price
Make sure that you don't accidentally buy the Payroll course and ensure that the version that you get comes with the 180 trial version (some of the cheaper versions don't. Your looking for the one thats an actual box with four workbooks and a CD in it)
The trial is actually the full version of the software with some minor restrictions on the reports that can be produced but its perfect for the computerised exam plus you can get a Sage certificate of competence as well.
Note that the software comes in three levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Intermediate plus a good Sage book to cover the basics would be your best approach (advanced is things like stock control).
With the course in a box you get 180 trial version of sage 50, manuals relevant to the level and an attempt at Sage certification (think that its good for two goes but don't quote me on that).
These boxes are also what some training providers supply but the difference is that through a training company you also get support and (sometimes) additional materials for your studies.
Good luck with computerised bookkeeping.
__________________
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.
Mmm, £100 entrance, plus £40 for a meal, plus travel to/from central london, etc. cheaper.... I think planet ICB is a little out of kilter with the financial situation of many of their members.
Maybe we should all have a a seperate conference 100 feet down the road in the Firkin pub. Free entrance, choice of music on the jukebox, all the training providers and HMRC reps will be at the bar anyway and £40 will buy you an awful lot of beer and McCoys crisps.... You can get a lot of information from a trainer for the price of a beer.
Quickbooks books are as you say a difficult one.
I've got two, the UK dummies guide which I know that you've found to still be US boased but the thing is its the only QB book that I've found that covers VAT.
The other book that I've purchased is the running quickbooks premier editions (The UK Accountant edition is premier). This book is very American and shows that they have an awful lot more versions of quickbooks over there than we do here.
The reason that I got that one is that it shows you the shortcuts around the software including cheats and hidden features.
Now if only I could bring myself to open the book I would be an expert, lol.
There is much more material for Sage which to my mind makes a market for software where the licencing makes it software that many would not actually choose to use.
Back to QB there are hundreds of Youtube tutorials out there. The issue is that unless you know what you are looking for you don't know which video to try and find.
There is a real market for a QB course but my understanding is that training companies won't touch it as they're too cosy with Sage (Your not going to get Sage discounts on your courses if your pushing other manufacturers products in competition).
Personal view is its about time that at least one of the training providers grew a pair and stuck their flag in the intuit camp.... Or better still, Amanda sets up a Quickbooks training company in competition (about time she made some money from all of this free QB advice that she gives on here).
Good luck in moving forwards and any help you need just post... We're always here even if not always able to answer immediately,
kind regards,
Shaun.
p.s. you do realise that you get a 180 day trial version of sage 50 in the certification course in a box that you can buy don't you? just type this into Amazon : sage workbooks You want software and then order by date and try and then balance off the version against the price Make sure that you don't accidentally buy the Payroll course and ensure that the version that you get comes with the 180 trial version (some of the cheaper versions don't. Your looking for the one thats an actual box with four workbooks and a CD in it) The trial is actually the full version of the software with some minor restrictions on the reports that can be produced but its perfect for the computerised exam plus you can get a Sage certificate of competence as well. Note that the software comes in three levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Intermediate plus a good Sage book to cover the basics would be your best approach (advanced is things like stock control). With the course in a box you get 180 trial version of sage 50, manuals relevant to the level and an attempt at Sage certification (think that its good for two goes but don't quote me on that). These boxes are also what some training providers supply but the difference is that through a training company you also get support and (sometimes) additional materials for your studies. Good luck with computerised bookkeeping.
Oh ye of little faith Shaun, my motto is don't knock what you have not tried, £125 will be an investment in CPD and information and knowledge gained. How about I pay for you to attend this years conference and then you have first hand knowledge of what the ICB Bookkeepers Summit is all about? If you agree to my offer you can then come on the forum and share your opinion based on fact and not assumption. Many ICB members who have had to learn through a provider have paid 10's of hundreds of £s to gain their qualifications to be a member of the institute and yet you think that those who have paid this money are getting a bad deal from being charged a £125 to attend the summit? Of course in an ideal world the ICB could get these venues for free and not have to pay the expenses of the guest speakers, but lets not forget the ICB are a non profit organisation and ticket prices have been set accordingly. You know I am your biggest admirer on here but that does not mean I have to agree with all your opinions.
unfortunately I'm not known for having opinions that follow convention, feel free to disagree. I never take offence, don't hold grudges and I'm first to admit that I'm not always right and my opinions are only that. Opinions.
My not going to the ICB bash is to do with not having the time rather than not having the money but many thanks for the kind offer Dave.
For members of the ICB I am sure that the fact that they may have paid thousands of pounds to obtain qualification is not indicative of them having funds available to continue paying at that sort of level going forwards.
Many people will have taken out loans or invested their reduncdancy money in training and going forwards they will be looking to keep CPD costs as low as possible until their businesses are established which at the moment to my mind would put these annual gatherings more at the level of those who are already in successful practices than those just starting out.
People at Lisa's level will be interested first in qualification, then in gaining a customer base, then when they have made it they will have the money to attend the annual gathering of the clan by being an allowable expense of their business rather than coming from their own pockets (even though in a roundabout way it is their own pockets but its a tax thing).
Always good when the taxman pays a contribution towards one's attandance at these things, lol.
Big chance here for a sell on attencance Dave.
Last gathering that I went to that made it worth my time attending I got £550 worth of free software (QB Accountant edition with no tie ins to payments or subscriptions down the line). What freebies can attendee's hope to get at the ICB bash that would justify the entrance fee for them?... And I can't see networking as a plus at these things as everyone is looking to sell and nobody would be looking to buy as everyone there will be a service provider, not a potential client.
The floors all yours (cos I've got to go out for an hour and then I've got to do some Excel stuff... Seems that the only difference between a Sunday and any other day is that clients aren't (normally) calling so we get to do more real work!),
talk in a bit matey,
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.
Without opinions we would all just be clones but my opinion on the ICB Bookkeepers summit is based on fact as I have attended them all. We had a student who we put forward for the ICB student of the year award a couple of years back and she actually gained a few clients from the contacts she made at the conference. it would be foolish for me to state " Come to the conference and your certain to gain clients", but what I can say with 100% honesty is that the networking opportunities are fantastic.
Your comment about it would be better for ICB members and students to be more established before paying to attend these events is flawed inasmuch as to make that statement you would need to know what the conference agenda and topics were all about, for example last years main speaker was from the Start Up Britain campaign which was solely for the purpose of those who were setting up their own business, not only did the speaker give great advice but the campaign even offered funding for those that met the criteria.
I know you can afford to attend the conference me ol mate but my offer was I wanted you to see for yourself what the conference is all about and the advantages that one can gain from attending. I know you wouldn't spend money on something you may feel was not worth the investment and to my mind I am confident if you did attend your opinion could be changed and as such so would the advice you would give on the forum, your advice is very important to BKN forum members as without it and you the forum would just not be the same.
Those who attended last years conference were given free software, free high quality lap top bags (I still use mine) and lots of other merchandise which offset the cost of attending the conference in the first place but apart from that the knowledge gained and contacts and friendships made proved invaluable.
As you know I have been trying to get you to come to one of these for the past few years and until you agree I will keep on trying, how you fancy being kidnapped for 24 hour on November 14th lol?
Enjoy what is left of the weekend mate and take care
Lol crikey, that gave me some interesting reading in the half hour I had spare this afternoon :D!
I can see both points of view on the ICB summit. I looked into it Dave and nearly fainted at the cost. If I had the spare money, it would be something I'd try to attend (pending babysitter arrangements)! Emails that get sent through to me about it look interesting and I'm sure would be of benefit for sure, but paying that kind of money just for entrance etc alone is just too difficult being as I've already taken so many cutbacks in my income - hence the studying. I did pay a fair old whack for the studies alone, but to me it was an investment into a future for me and the kids.....not to mention that it set a good example to them that you have to work hard in life to achieve anything. Paying for the studies mind was a monthly cost therefore strict budgeting and sacrifices were made to afford it!
That aside however, I do see your point Dave and how much benefits it could possibly have to offer.....i'm a great believer in 'word of mouth' and good old 'it's not just what you know it's who you know'! The neighbour and New Enterprise Allowance Scheme are both proof of this as it's given me future contacts for when I'm ready to make the break and get some clients in.
Back to the QuickBooks too Shaun, I had an interesting chat with my mum when she returned from holiday who said how unimpressed she was with the whole Sage business. She is a huge big TAS fan but being as they've been bought out by Sage, has had choice but to use it for Payroll. I definitely agree with her....for the price of it, when I used it to run her payrolls in her absence, I really wasn't at all impressed by the service or software itself. Therefore, she is also considering using something else in it's place and asked me which way I was going to go.
After soooo much circling around and searching and searching and searching and.....you get the idea, I have decided to use either VT or QB....IF....the ICB respond to my email and inform me that either of these are useable for the exam. Reason being is that a/ as you said Shaun, I can use one of the books around Americanised or not and b/ there is masses of help on VT that I can use. Failing that, as you said about Amanda, I noticed she replies to tons of posts about QB so completely agree, she should get something back in return!!! She'd make a fortune writing a book on it!!
Oh and lastly, when you get around to opening that book, it would be interesting to hear your views on it! And I completely agree on these training peeps growing a backbone and saying 'no' to sodding Sage for a change! It's quite crazy how much of a grip Sage seems to have with all the training!!! And yes, I have looked at the dvd's study material again for Sage but seems to be the same old story.....expensive :D!!!! I shall however, continue my search and hope for the best....i'm sure something will fit into place eventually!!
By the way.....I meant to ask earlier, regards to the Self Study pack, what version / year do you think would be best? There is one that is Stage 2 self study (not payroll) 2011 and that does have a 180 day free trial with it and it seems a really reasonable price. Thought i'd check first.
for taking the ICB exams it doesn't matter if its the 2011 version.
For a long while they used to supply data disks with the company data to load but nowadays its all input it yourself so no compatibility issues to worry about.
You will need a book in addition to the level II as you will be missing out the basics level. At least with Sage there are plenty of books to choose from.
I was made an offer this afternoon of someone willing to pass you their unused 180 day trial copy of the software but didn't want to ask you your address as giving things like that away to strangers over the internet is dangerous even though the person who made that very kind offer is a really good fella (and no, its not me... Also it was a one off offer so sorry to anyone else, there's no point sending me your adresses).
On the versions of software front when working at client sites you will seldom work with the latest versions of software.
Even the banks (who are not short of a bob or two) tend to stick with software that works for quite a while as they have too many things that would need to be rewritten if they move versions.
For example, back office are only now starting to migrate from Excel 2003 due to having Macro's that will not work with 2007+.
I mention that as some believe that its only the latest versions of anything that business want but the reality is that the newer versions are not as far and widely used as you may think.... And often how they are used is not at all as the developers intended. (lol, thinks about the Lotus 1-2-3 disk that I used as a coffee coaster).
Actually, thinking about it, it was only 2012 that I was finally able to decommission a windows 95, Excel 4 setup that I had as some Macro's that I had written and supported were finally replaced.
HTH,
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.
Again, I completely agree with you....having worked in so many different companies, didn't like having to upgrade or have new systems....one of them didn't even want the entire staff having computers!! Was only me at the time until he realised there wasn't much of a choice to go with the times that were changing! Even I have Office 2007 and won't upgrade to anything newer until that one just doesn't cut it anymore. It does what I need it to do so it's good. I do think banks should be made to pay out more than excessive amounts just so the big fat cats sitting at the top taking all our money don't get so much!! I shan't go into a rant about my political and personal views....be here for the rest of the day :D!!!
The book I have is for Sage 50 Accounts 2013, that can easily be exchanged for a different version - so many out there as you said.
Wow, were you really??? what a generous person.....kind of restores my faith in humanity when I hear about things like that! But, yes, of course, the internet is a dangerous old world as I keep telling my daughter, you do have to have your wits about you and never give out personal information! If for whatever reason, their offer is still there, let me know and there are other ways around it i'm sure :D!!
Got to try and get this sorted over the next couple of days though...the kids are back at school so i'll be taking on some different work during the day, so really can't waste anymore time trying to find things. Got to make a decision, write it down on the board and stick to it I think!! So....if /when the ICB - they're usually pretty good - get back to me and say 'yes', VT or QB are a viable option for me....I have decided to go to one of those and stick two fingers up at sage completely (very deserving I feel).....if not, the self study pack I've seen is for £42.99 on Amazon for the 2011 version....not bad, not bad at all...I'm sure I could stretch to that.
Thanks again so much for your help Shaun, it's not only sound and valuable advice given, it's nice to be able to talk it through and not feel or sit there like a plum trying to work out what the best way is to go!!!! Makes a change than talking to myself in any case :D!
my name is Lisa and I've been trawling these forums for quite some time. I do the books for my neighbour after passing my exams in bookkeeping and payroll management and am looking forward to the day I can branch out to offer my services alongside being a Virtual Assistant (still a way to go yet though :D)
