AAT is a sound qualification that's recognised by QCF.
Accountants many of whom started out as AAT before moving up to ACCA or ACA recognise the qualification and much of your work may come from that source. That one said, experience beats qualificzation so if you are ICB but have loads of experience the qualikfication is basically ignored.
If your intended market is micro clients you dont need anything more than MAAT MIP to be an accountant in that market.
Remember also that there are now two levels of AAT. The AAT Bookkeeper qualification (up to trial balance) and the full AAT qualification (everything except statutory audit and insolvency).
Also remember that just because you train under one qualification doesn't mean that you have to practice under it. You could study AAT, get membership then join the ICB or IAB or IFA or AIA by exemption if that grabbed your fancy (doesn't work the other way around with the ICB as their qualification isn't generally recognised by the other bodies).
right, thats my quoita of site usedd up for the week, lol. Have fun on here,
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.
Based on your ambition of self-employment as a bookkeeper I would advise you not to completely rule ICB out as they may just offer everything you need. If you've not done so already, why not make a list of colleges that offer both AAT & ICB qualifications (there are quite a few) and ask their opinions.
The route I chose was AAT, (1) primarily because it gets you on that bottom rung on the accountants ladder, and is a recognised qualification. As Johnny points out, you can take out a Government loan to do levels 3 and 4, so it's only level 2 where you need a bit of dosh to get started
Back in 2006, when I first became involved in bookkeeping, I thought it a good idea to become qualified, and saw an advert for Home Learning College. The qualification was AIB and when I asked our external accountant about it, he'd never heard of it, which put me off it entirely.
I am self taught and only deal with small businesses, but I'm sure there's a lot more I don't know.
I wouldn't dismiss ICB or AIB out of hand, if all you want to do is self employed bookkeeping, and possibly SA returns, but bear in mind that's just the beginning, and the real fun/work starts when it's becomes practical.
(1) A failed attempt to get started about 18 months ago but I was juggling a lot of things and didn't spare the time to give it justice. Things are a lot calmer now so I'm starting again from scratch in February.
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
ICB is PERFECT for those who wish to go down the Self Employed route and what you learn with the ICB can be transferred to AAT and if you study with a provider they will help you with this. Fact is as a Bookkeeper or an Accountant for that matter you will virtually NEVER be asked what qualification you have, all a client wants to know is can you do your job and if you cant you will soon be found out.
As far as recognised qualifications are concerned then AAT is by far more recognised. Many providers like Ideal Schools and Training Link provide both ICB and AAT and they will have your best interests at heart so why not give them a call discuss your needs and professional requirements and they WILL put you on the right path.
