Book keeper not accountant - what do I need?

[LaTrucha]

I'm looking into options for flexible working, perhaps from home. I quite fancy the idea of book keeping but I am a bit bamboozled by what all the different qualifications are.

Can anyone help point me on the right track?

Thankyou

I did the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers exams through distance learning. There are several different levels, but once you have level 2 you are deemed qualified to work as a bookkeeper, either self employed or as an employee. You can also do training on the legal side of things and payroll which will mean that you can offer more services to prospective clients.

There are loads of colleges that offer these courses which are all listed on the ICB website.

Too tired to think more now, but if you have any questions ask away!

Ooo. Thanks for replying. Are there any online colleges that have a good reputation? How long did it take you to train.

Do you think it's a good idea for a mum supporting little children?

Thankyou!

AAT is widely recognised. I would look at working for someone else first just to get up to speed with use of jargon, VAT returns, learning common packages like Sage and recognising reasonable client expectations. It could work well as P/T role from home.

Interesting. Thankyou.

Are ICB and AAT completely different?

I'm sorry I'm so ignorant.

I took about a year to complete to level 3 with Ideal Schools, but that was pre children. I found the course really prepared me for the exams and the tutors were always really helpful.

AAT is accounting technicians, but your right, its so confusing trying to work out which course would be best for you. I agree with iseenodust that working for someone else first would be a good place to start. I have now taken a different finance path, but if I were to use my bookkeeping that is how I would get in to it.

So work for someone else before taking a course? Would anyone take me? I only have Maths to GCSE level.

It might be that you can find someone who will take you on and be prepared to give you the time to go through the courses but having real world training at the same time, or more likely you will need to get a basic level eg up to level 2 of ICB and then look for an employer.

By that point you will have already shown that it is something that you are dedicated to and employers will be more keen to take you. You can then take the other courses to enable you to offer more services (to clients and your employers) while working.

Thanks. That's very helpful.

Home Learning college do a good distance learning bookkeeping programme through the AAT.
Jules

Thanks.