Hi, I am new to the forum. My plan is to start my own bookkkeeping business towards the middle of next year. I have studied the subject to some extent having passed Unit 5 Financial Accounting on the AAT Advanced Cert. I have spent quite a while plodding through AAT, but because of a possible career change looming next summer I thought I would leave that and qualify as a certified Bookkeeper in the intervening months. My strategy at the moment is to do ICB level 1 and 2 manual from the textbook and then find a course to do levels 2 & 3 computerised. I would appreciate any views on how sensible, or not, that appears to be. Also I am looking for decent and cost-effective training provider that offers L2+3 computerised; recommendations from people who have studied both of these would be really welcome.
Have you spoken to anyone at ICB regarding exemption for levels I & II, as you are at advanced level with the AAT. They may allow direct membership if the qualifications are equivilant and less than 2 years old.
I can recommend Ideal Schools as a cost effective training provider and you may be able to negotiate multiple course discounts.
Thanks Bill that is very helpful. I am only about halfway through Adv Cert with AAT, and not being in an accounting role I need to refresh my double entry knowledge anyway.
I may decide to work through the ICB L1 & 2 text then just do the L1 exam, after which I may go straight onto L2 & 3 computerised.
Are there any negatives, in your opinion, for choosing that route to full membership? I suspect most clients would expect a computerised bookkeeping service anyway.
Peter
-- Edited by Peterm on Wednesday 11th of November 2009 07:36:13 PM
Sounds like a pretty organized plan. I am a CPA here in my country and plans to migrate to AUS this mid 2010 and will take the chartered accountant certification. I know its a long shot but accounting and bookkeeping has been my passion eversince.
