The Book-keepers Forum (BKF)
The Book-keepers Forum (UK) -> Introductions and Time Out -> Wee Intro
Post Info TOPIC: Wee Intro
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Wee Intro
Permalink Closed

Hello,

I've been visiting BKN on and off for a few weeks, generally just reading up on the advice you guys have been giving each other and to new members. A lot of inspiring stuff for future aspiring bean counters such as myself. So I thought I'm as well making an account and hopefully leech as much professional advice before I eventually take the plunge into eventually working for myself as a bean counter.

 

A wee bit about me:

I served as a chef in the armed forces for 10 years, my first number crunching experience was cost accounting for meals, input and output of stock. I then left the army after losing my passion for cooking and worked in the construction industry as a labourer, where I was introduced to SA Tax and VAT Returns whilst working for my old mans construction company. Well after years of abuse my knees had taken, I found I could no longer do manual labour work as it was causing to much pain. 2 years of procrastinating and working silly little jobs later, I decided what I enjoyed most was working with accounts.

It became a toss up between studying with AAT distance learning or becoming a full-time student at college studying NQ Finance. Having never been to college (joined army at 16) I decided that I would take the college route (absolutely love the course) I have 2 months with 3 assessments left for this year before heading to another college to study HND Accounting (which I was just recently given an unconditional offer).

The reason why I've chosen bookkeeping isn't just because I enjoy working with numbers but I found a level of intimacy when I work with accounts, after all, someone is allowing you to know the ins and outs of their business that chances are a spouse/partner wouldn't get to know (I found this when working for my old man, and knowing how much his business was struggling at times). And at 35 I'm looking forward to facing new challenges.

I know there is and will be a lot of work involved with my studies and even more so when I take that plunge working for myself. 

I look forward to being a member of the community

Tomo



-- Edited by AlbaBeanCounter on Saturday 15th of April 2017 07:54:35 AM



-- Edited by AlbaBeanCounter on Saturday 15th of April 2017 09:13:42 AM

__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Douglas Stroud


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 119
Date:
Permalink Closed

Hi Tomo

Welcome to the forum

A few similarities to how I have ending up working in finance, I too worked in the construction industry for many years before having to give up the manual side after having operations on both knees and then decided to move into Bookkeeping & Accountancy.

I think you made a wise choice in studying AAT as that is the route I took and it certainly helped me to decide that working with accounts was definitely what I wanted to do.

What level AAT are you on?

 



__________________

Doug

These are only my opinions of how I see things and therefore should not be taken as advice
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Permalink Closed

Hey Doug
I didn't go the AAT route, I'm studying NQ Finance at college full time. I'm glad I chose this route as it has allowed me to work on my soft skills.
One of my classmates dropped out of college after a month and went the AAT route. He was a mature student like myself and it's benefited him more than being at college, yet college has benefited me more this last 8 months than if i had went AAT route distance learning.

__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Douglas Stroud


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 119
Date:
Permalink Closed

Hi Tomo

Sorry my mistake, I thought you meant you were studying AAT at college my fault for not taking the time to read the post properly.

Glad that things are working out for you at college



__________________

Doug

These are only my opinions of how I see things and therefore should not be taken as advice
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Permalink Closed

I have edited to make myself a wee bit clearer , pretty hard typing on here from a phone lol.

__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Cheshire


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 8646
Date:
Permalink Closed

Oh no, I read the post before you edited it, but can't see what you have edited out.

Anyway, welcome to the forum.

Have a son who was a chef and an ex who was in the forces so know all about the daft shenanigans of both jobs. Hours my not be quite so long, but not far off in this industry, but at least you get to sit down for most of it (not good neither really!)

Suggestion if I may, forget the hnd accounting, go for the AAT but instead of distance learning then do the AAT at college. D/L is much faster route to completion but if that method doesn't work for you then obviously college is the best option. I know a fair few who do it that way. But reason I say AAT as this will prepare you more for the real world AND provide better opportunities for the future. Eg Accountants always look to work with AAT students, whether as employees or subbies. If you work as an employee they will expect you to take AAT whether you have the hand or not. Also companies looking for in house accounts teams want AAT part of full qualified. AAT is more recognised (take a look at the job offerings on eg Reed!), so don't restrict your marketability for the future is what I'm saying. The place is littered with thousands of (even AAT) students finding getting that first job really difficult.

Plus I would recommend the ATT for tax after the AAT or just go for the ACCA for a chartered accountant qualification, depending on where you want you end up in your career.

Leech away, most folk on here do, but at least you are brave enough to say hi!!

__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Permalink Closed

Hey Cheshire

I appreciate the advice, I am likely to go for the AAT level 4 ( level 8 here in Scotland) but it won't be until i complete my HND. I know i can be exempted half the level 4/8 AAT assessments after completing the HND. I am aware that this is longer to achieve, but I'm gaining other skills whilst at college that i couldn't gain with distance learning. If AAT was offered as a full time course I'd be on it in a heartbeat..



-- Edited by AlbaBeanCounter on Saturday 15th of April 2017 10:03:40 AM

__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Cheshire


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 8646
Date:
Permalink Closed

Im not really up to date with the current exemptions for AQA2016 AAT, but if thats the case then fair enough. Good luck with it all.

__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Leger


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 3904
Date:
Permalink Closed

Belated welcome to the forum, Tomo



__________________

John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
Cheshire


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 8646
Date:
Permalink Closed

Where have you been John. Moi - nosey??!!!!!!! Just knew you mustve been on your travels as youve not been around for a few days. Same with Johnny!!!

Oh - Tomo - suggestion. If you add your name to your signature bar via edit profiled-->Signatures it will save everyone calling you oi you, Alba or Martin in your next posts, assuming you prefer Tomo!

__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Permalink Closed

Thanks for the welcome John.

Will follow your suggestion, Joanne.

__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Leger


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 3904
Date:
Permalink Closed

Cheshire wrote:

Where have you been John. Moi - nosey??!!!!!!! Just knew you mustve been on your travels as youve not been around for a few days. 

Apart from a trip to Hull yesterday, I haven't been anywhere.  Decided to take a well earned 4 day break and just totally chill out.

Just realised today that I haven't been on, which is highly unusual for me.



__________________

John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
abacus12345


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1363
Date:
Permalink Closed

Hi Tomo - welcome to the forum.

Hi Joanne, no I've been busy eating way too many eggs!


As a completely unrelated point to this thread, although Joanne has mentioned ATT -

Now, links shouldn't be used to other sites, I agree, BUT I found this, it is out of date now - so don't take everything within the download as still being true.

An ATT Tolleys memory jogger. ATT study materials are hard to come by - I've never seen one.

The jogger is impressive and I like how it refers to legislation. Maybe of use to someone who wants to see if there is value in studying tax.

I'm impressed with the comprehensive manner it's written and referenced.

(Other training providers are available)

www.tolley.co.uk/knowledge-centre/knowledge/att-memory-jogger-corporate-tax

__________________

Johnny  - Owner of an overly-active keyboard. 

A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.

 
Shamus


Forum Moderator & Expert

Status: Offline
Posts: 11981
Date:
Permalink Closed

I've no issue with links to quality sites Johnny.

Some entry level sites are recognised by Norton as dangerous so I remove those.

Also the information discussed in some major forums is dangerously incorrect so I would also tread on those one's.

However, the like of Tolleys, Aweb, RossMartin, ACCA, ICAEW, HMRC, OpenTuition, Companies House, etc. no problem.... There's even a page of useful free training material that this would sit perfectly in... Hang on a sec... Here you go :

http://forum.bookkeepers.network/t50282839/free-training-materials/

Doh, it's a sticky so didn't take that much finding! (but of course, I always look at the site through Recent Posts, not the individual buckets).

Just on my way out the door but if you don't include it I'll include it myself later (I need to go through and check the continued validity of the links in that thread).

.... Actually.... Might be tomorrow night as really inundated today.

All the best,

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.
Douglas Stroud


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 119
Date:
Permalink Closed

 

Sorry Tomo for taking over your post

Hi Johnny

Tolleys do a memory jogger for all the different papers and you can purchase them separately or together with the study materials if you want, they cover all the relevant bits  on the things that have been learnt within that chapter and are great for revision. 



__________________

Doug

These are only my opinions of how I see things and therefore should not be taken as advice
abacus12345


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1363
Date:
Permalink Closed

Thanks Shaun,

Valid point(s)

I didn't think it would be an issue as it is from a bona fida source, always best to make things clear mind.

Thanks

__________________

Johnny  - Owner of an overly-active keyboard. 

A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.

 
abacus12345


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1363
Date:
Permalink Closed

Douglas Stroud wrote:

 

Sorry Tomo for taking over your post

Hi Johnny

Tolleys do a memory jogger for all the different papers and you can purchase them separately or together with the study materials if you want, they cover all the relevant bits  on the things that have been learnt within that chapter and are great for revision. 

 Hi Doug,

 

Yes I think they form part of their distance learning Programme?

 

That particular link of mine was part of Tolleys free for Christmas giveaway. Pity the other papers aren't included lol.

 

Very comprehensive stuff. I wonder what a CTA memory jogger looks like?!



__________________

Johnny  - Owner of an overly-active keyboard. 

A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.

 
Cheshire


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 8646
Date:
Permalink Closed

abacus12345 wrote:

Hi Tomo - welcome to the forum.

Hi Joanne, no I've been busy eating way too many eggs!


As a completely unrelated point to this thread, although Joanne has mentioned ATT -

Now, links shouldn't be used to other sites, 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope you didnt make yourself sick!   My son was most disappointed I didnt get him an Easter Egg, but I said that at 27 think yourself lucky you still get a Christmas and Birthday pressie!!!!!

On the egg thing though I did see a video for what to do with your left over Easter Eggs!   What the hell are they when they are at home? Why oh why would anyone have left over Easter Eggs?  I would post the link, but not giving them the opportunity for a few thousand hits by BKNers looking at a ridiculously well made chocolate pie with meringue topping......oh I can here John and Shaun drooling already!!!!!

Its the folks that come on, post a couple of questions and then dump their business names and websites all over the place that Mr Moderator doesnt like - regulars he doesnt mind them doing it (phew!)



__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Leger


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 3904
Date:
Permalink Closed

Cheshire wrote:

oh I can here John and Shaun drooling already!!!!!

 You know us too well lol

I've been reasonably good his year.  Half an Easter egg plus a chocolate bar, and (Hopefully) another half soon (not the same one) when I find out where it's hidden biggrinbiggrin



__________________

John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
Cheshire


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 8646
Date:
Permalink Closed

Loving the fact that Mrs R is hiding the chocolate from you (Im assuming its her!). Hope you found it!!!!!

__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Leger


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 3904
Date:
Permalink Closed

Mentioned it again just over an hour ago, and Mrs R has made me do with 3 small celebration chocolates and a Kit Kat chunky bar instead!!!!  Also muttered something about why was I still at home anyway as I should be at the office.....which is true.



__________________

John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
Cheshire


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 8646
Date:
Permalink Closed

biggrinbiggrinbiggrin 

Say you will get out from under her feet for another Kit Kat chunky!!!!

biggrinbiggrinbiggrin



__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Leger


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 3904
Date:
Permalink Closed

I should have tried that lol.  Anyway happy to say the half egg was devoured today, and very nice it was too.



__________________

John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Permalink Closed

A wee update for anyone who may be interested

As I said in my original post I am currently studying NQ Finance at my local college, well I'm happy to say I have completed the course (yeay go me ) I feel pretty chuffed with myself as I never really thought I'd handle college at 34 years of age. but I loved it and I loved the course. I am now eagerly awaiting starting my HND after the summer.

Martin

__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Artois


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1313
Date:
Permalink Closed

AlbaBeanCounter wrote:

A wee update for anyone who may be interested

As I said in my original post I am currently studying NQ Finance at my local college, well I'm happy to say I have completed the course (yeay go me ) I feel pretty chuffed with myself as I never really thought I'd handle college at 34 years of age. but I loved it and I loved the course. I am now eagerly awaiting starting my HND after the summer.

Martin

 Hi Tomo/Martin

Well done on completing the course and good luck with the rest of your studies



__________________

Doug

These are only my opinions of how I see things and therefore should not be taken as advice
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Permalink Closed

Artois wrote:

 

 Hi Tomo/Martin

Well done on completing the course and good luck with the rest of your studies

 I thank you kindly



__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Cheshire


Master Book-keeper

Status: Offline
Posts: 8646
Date:
Permalink Closed

Well done Martin. How long is the HND course?

Study is addictive! Mind you it needs to be in this job!

__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
AlbaBeanCounter


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date:
Permalink Closed

Cheshire wrote:

Well done Martin. How long is the HND course?

Study is addictive! Mind you it needs to be in this job!

 Its 2 years, exciting times ahead



__________________

Martin (Tomo) Thomson

 
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
The Book-keepers Forum (UK) -> Introductions and Time Out -> Wee Intro
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
©2007-2024 The Book-keepers Forum (BKF). All Rights Reserved. The Book-keepers Forum (BKF) is a trading division of Bookcert Ltd. Registered in England Company Number 05782923. 2 Laurel House, 1 Station Rd, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, BS22 6AR, United Kingdom. The Book-keepers Forum and BKF are trademarks of Bookcert Ltd. This forum is a discussion forum only. There will usually be more than one opinion to any question and any posting should not be viewed as a definitive solution. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any posting on this site is accepted by the contributors or The Book-keepers Forum. In all cases, appropriate professional advice should be sought before making a decision. We reserve the right to remove any postings which are offensive, libellous, self-promoting or engaged in covert marketing. We will not notify users of removals. The views expressed in the forum posts are those of the individual and do not necessary reflect or agree with those of The Book-keepers Forum. Any offensive or unsuitable posts will be removed by the moderators. Any reader of this forum can request for a post to be looked into by sending an email to: bookcertltd@gmail.com.

Privacy & Cookie Policy  About