I though I would start a new thread as I have changed my mind again & decided to go back to original plan of doing IFA. I work part time self employed doing bookkeeping/tax returns under ICB practice licence.
Just looking to see how other people have studied for this? Is the only method using the BPP books? Are these books enough or have you done the recommended reading too?
Does anyone on here know if you can get the new 24+ govt student loan on the first level of the IFA (level 4)? If I remember rightly you can order the full package of books & IFA fees for around £500 for level 4 in one go, but I am unable to find this on their website again.
How are people getting on with the e books? Do you just look on your computer or are you using a kindle? I have only ever studied using paper books before, I'm not sure how I'd get on with ebooks. Sometimes I find reading on a screen for too long tiring on the eyes
I think that the bulk of IFA members in practice didn't actually study IFA at all but are rather refugee's from other qualifications.
A good many move up from IAB and there is a large contingent of ACCA people who can accept IFA to park themselves on whilst attempting to build up experience and contacts. Sometimes before returning to the fold better able to gain an ACCA practice licence, sometimes a full emigration accross to IFA. (there are complications around regulation 8 but I won't clutter this thread up with what one needs to do to stay within the rules of both bodies).
As IFA base their qualifications on the ACCA first nine you should be able to study IFA by watching the ACCA Opentuition lectures (which are free) and doing old ACCA exams which are available for anyone to view complete with the answers.
On the whole subject of e-books I hate them and cannot use them and if I have no option but to view something on screen then I print it out... but then I'm dyslexic so my brains miswired anyway (not actually sure whether its me thats miswired or everyone else).
Not sure how you would print a kindle book but sure that there must be a way (short of screen shot and paste which would take forever).
Again, ACCA study materials can be used to study IFA so you have BPP and Kaplan study texts and exam kits available to you but if your doing a course then you lose the ability to choose your materials..
If the IFA courses are levels 3 or 4 then there should be goverment funding available. You are best calling the IFA to get their advice on how best to pursue that.
kind regards,
Shaun.
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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 did level 4 and 5 and although I've got various other text books, I think you could do it OK with just the study texts. It might depend on what qualification you do, if you do law or the management topics, you might find it helpful to read more widely, especially if these aren't topics you've done before.
I like e books, but I think it's a marmite thing, you either love it or you hate it!
The IFA have revamped their learning materials as a result of the recent OFQUAL acceptance. There is a page mentioning that the new books will be available from 1st September and the tax book (e book) is already available. As you say there does not appear to be a page showing Package prices available at the moment as was previously the case. The E book is restricted so that you can only print off up to a maximum of 10% of the pages.
I am a little confused as to the level 5 qualification. I am not sure its because of the revamp, but at level 5 I cannot see any qualification specifically for professional accountants, just SME finance managers. The level 5 SME finance manager qualification has 4 exams, one of which is exactly the same as level 4 tax?
I wasn't planning on starting studying until after Christmas so I can wait for the new books.
Shamus - I have already been looking at the Open Tuition stuff which I think is great & try and tell people whenever I find someone interested :)
