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Thought it might be nice if we had a thread where people could introduce themselves. So I'll go first  .
Well I'm obviously Tony and I'm based in Liverpool where I've started my own bookkeeping business around this time last year. I'm my early forties, I have 2 teenage sons who I don't spend nearly enough time with - except when we're all supporting Everton.
And you?
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Hi i'm Mandi, I'm a mum of one (2yr old boy) and just turned 30. I've been studying whilst on maternity leave and qualified in November, so i've just set up my practice and currently very nervous about getting my fisrt client  .
Any help, support or advice would be gratefully received! especially about how and how much to charge!!
PS-My husband is an Everton fan too!
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Hi, i'm Rina. I was encourage to introduce myself when I saw Tony who started his own bookeeping business & mandi1080 getting first client. You guys are lucky. I obtained my qualification on 2009 but until now I couldn't find any bookkeeping job. All companies i'm applying are looking for "experience" but as i've said to an agency, how will I gain experience if nobody will take me on board :-( :-(
I'm working as an Administrator at the moment.
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Hi everyone I think someone has been reading my mind i have wanted to contact people this way for ages. Well done CIAB.
I am mary early forties recently done my first exam could of done so much better but at least its over with. My kids are my dogs looking for a man though lol
Looking forward to being able to get to one of the meetings but they are so far out especially when you dont have a car.
No I dont twit but I have been trying hard not to be one LOLLLLLLLLLL
Very much got a sence of humour
Happy New Year Everyone
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 43 posts
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Hello I am Ian and I am based in Sussex, I don't have my own business but I do bookkeeping for 4 different businesses as an employee.
I have been a bookkeeper for about 18 months, I have got all my jobs from the local paper, jobcentre and Gumtree website. There is a lot of work out there if you keep looking.
I'm a Liverpool fan, good luck on Sunday!!
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Hi All
I am Stuart and have been working in accounting and bookkeeping for approx 20 years any one interested in any more detail can read my profile which is on the news part of the main site under newly appounted fellows
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Hi, I'm Lizzie, I have been working in finance for best part of 20 years, before taking voluntary redundancy, rather than relocating, last year, and setting up my own accounting and payroll practice.
I'm currently living in the Hampshire/Surrey border area, but am from Liverpool originally and am a Red through and through, this weekend's derby match looks like it's going to be a theme on here!
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Hello
My name is Sally, I qualified in level 2 manual and computerised at end of last year, have started my own business and am now looking for my first clients - scary and exciting. I have also agreed to be the treasurer for a local group "Domestic Violence".
I am a single mother of two teenage sons and have a great group of friends who have supported and encouraged me every step through my studying.
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- Fellow
- Practice Licence
- 27 posts
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Hi All, my name is Pam and I like others have wanted this Forum since I became a member five years ago. I live in Wiltshire and qualified as MICB almost four years ago. I started my practice before I qualified but always felt that I needed the backing and support of a professional body. For those of you who are taking their first steps in self employment go for it. You will be amazed by what you can do and how grateful your clients will be. I wish I had had the confidence to set up on my own years ago.
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- Companion Fellow PM.Dip
- 1139 posts
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Hi
I am Sarah and run my own practice in glasgow, and whilst a few people have mention their football teams. I am a rugby supporter all the way , first Leinster , Glasgow Warriors , Munster, and even Leicester as my my Grandfather was born there as long as their not paying Leinster in the Heineken Cup.
Then its Ireland , after that I don,t mind who wins between Scotland , England, Wales, France , Italy as long as we have a few beers to enjoy the six nations as I like them all.
Sarah
Douglas Accountancy and Bookkeeping Services ,Glasgow
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Hi I'm Andrea, I work full time but not in accounting. I passed my exams the middle of last year, then got a promotion at work and became really busy.
I want to start my own business with 2 or 3 clients but I just don't know where to start, I know I'm being a bit of a scaredy cat, any pointers greatly appreciated.
Edited at 15 Jan 2011 02:50 PM GMT
Edited at 15 Jan 2011 02:51 PM GMT
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 481 posts
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Hi,
Stuart from Ayrshire here.
Prefer to use my nickname "Peasie" on the internet rather than my real name. Was given the nickname 25 years ago at a football match (the nickname of the opponents that day) and it's stuck with me since then.
Currently I've done Manual Level II and the Self Assessment Diploma. I'm part of the way through doing manual level III and the computerised level II (and then III). Also doing the Payroll Diploma and I've just the last assignment to send off to Ideal Schools before doing the exam. Just got side tracked. Hopefully in a couple of months I'll be in a position to set out into the big scary world and looking for clients.
Edited at 17 May 2011 12:09 AM GMT
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Hi all
I am Alfred, have worked in Accounts for years and have wanted to start my own practice so as to have more time for my family as i am all about that work life balance. Trying to get myself set up but work seems to always win at the moment but one day will pack it all in and concentrate on what I want for once.
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Hi
Iam martyn and live in Tamworth staffs me and my 2 cats lol this is going to be great when you need a bit of help as we all do from time to time . and on hear will be a vast mind of info on Bookkeeping thanks ICB
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Hi all i'm Linda
I'm from Coleshill N.Warks, I have two grown up sons who live with me, I'm presently working as a Credit Controller/Bookkeeper/Payroll for a Foundry, Passed bookkeeping exams last May, will be taking my payroll exam within next couple of weeks. Like most of you i would like to set up my own business,but it's bit scary to give up a job at the moment. Nice to chat too other ICB members. Thankyou ICB
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Hi I am Sarah from near Wetherby West Yorkshire. I set up my own business in October 2009, after been made redundant for the second time in a year from building contractors. I have worked in an accountant enviroment for over 15 years, with the last 10 years in construction. Business started off very slow, but after months of doing every option of getting business, getting in contact with Accountancy firms helped and it found my days, weeks and months filling up very quickly, my phone still rings even a year on, with new potential clients, but they just isn't enough time in a day for me to take any more work on. Starting out with my own business was the best thing I have done in years, other than saying 'Yes' to my future husband (getting married April 2011).
All I can say to everyone, who is struggling fo more business, carry on and advertise on every free website and contact your local accountants, many have cleints who need some help, but the client may not want to pay any more high bills to the accountancy firms.
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Hello everyone, I'm Liz and started Bramley Accounting 5 years ago. Gradually got all the ICB qualifications, but there is no substitue for experience. My background working in IT has helped, especially when setting up computerised systems for people. My latest experience is with SAP Business One (a small ERP system aimed as small to medium companies).
When I'm not working I have a son and husband to look after, and love playing tennis. And when its winter, we always get a skiiing holiday in. Our son has the bug too! Just need some more clients/projects to be able to afford to go at half term!
Great to have a Forum for the ICB, at last. Somewhere to network, and get help from fellow bookkeepers.
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Hello everyone. I'm Fay, probably one of the older members  having been a bookkeeper for over 30 years.
I have been self employed for the past 18 years and have worked with a huge variety of businesses from construction to sample sounds and all sorts in between. These days I am doing less but still hugely interested in my work and being a member of ICB.
When not working I spend a lot of time with animals being involved with various charities and I paint animal and human portraits. I have 2 dogs, a lab and a cocker spaniel, 3 cats, oh and a husband and grown children. .... not forgetting 3 grandchildren ranging in ages from 1 year to 18 years.
Nice to meet you all.
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Hi I am Michelle and have been a bookkeeper for far too many years!!!!
I setup my own business in Taunton, Somerset 5years ago and haven't looked back since. I enjoy my job and enjoy the different clients that I have.
I have 2 girls aged 6 & 7 so they keep me busy, sometimes I go to work just for a break!!!!
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Hi Everyone,
My name is natalie and have been working as an accounts clerk for more than five years. I decided to take ICB courses even though i already got another management degree. Was not too keen in taking ACCA nor CIMA. I would like to take a plunge into the scary process of advertising and gaining clients once i have passed my exams.
I am over 35, single and have no children. Live in Essex.
Would like to have info about working on a part time basis first, eventually weekend to juggle with my current corporate work. Any bookkeeper looking for someone to work on a part time basis, please get in touch.
I am not really a foot or rugby fan but Love dancing afro latine!
Bye from now.
xxx
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Hi Andea just think of all that money you have spent and doing all that work so you could get a new job or start up your own business.
Go on lass best foot forward start with your employer they may have more work make sure you let people know that yu have New Qualifications. I dont know what sort of work you do but if you let people know pass the word on and do some work along side your job if poss.
You can do it love.
Now i just need to give myself a kick start and get my second exam done Good luck
Try local papers
Make some biz cards get talking to people advertise in local news agents only 20-50pence a week.
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Hi, my name is Kate and I have been a member since last April when I passed Level 3 manual and computerised. Just sat payroll exam and awaiting results. Got my first couple of new small clients plus one I used to temp for years ago, which has been great, but finding more clients a bit difficult. I am finding the marketing side very daunting, especially as my husband was made redundant a year ago and giving up fulltime employed work to concentrate on my practice is a bit of a gamble at this difficult time for us financially. I have two beautiful daughters, 23 and 20 plus my wonderful husband of 25 years plus two gorgeous cats, hence photo. Been working in accounts off and on for over 30 years, so finally decided to get some qualifications and try and work for myself.
Never used any forum before and my daughters banned me from facebook as I made too many mistakes - didn't really understand it!
We live in the beautiful historic market town of St Ives in Cambridgeshire although originally from Cheshire and husband from Sheffield - up the Owls!!
Hoping this forum will encourage me to carry on pursuing my dream of becoming my own boss, and not feel so pressurised to return to the guaranteed earnings of employed work.
Any encouragement and advice greatly appreciated.
www.kmlbookkeeping.co.uk
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Hi, I am Mike Foster and run the A1 Financials bookkeeping practice in Oxford. I have ran my own business now for 11 years following a roles in banking and leisure.
I am a level 3 qualified member and employ 4 staff with 2 offices in Oxfordshire.
I also own other businesses including a first aid training busines and a childrens soft play centre (yes I know very diverse!).
I coordinate the Oxford regional events and enjoy working with the ICB team when we are organising events. In 2009 we were shortlisted as Bookkeeping Practice of the Year.
Since the start of 2010, we franchised our business model and offer business franchises under the banner of A1 Financials to support new bookkeepers or existing business owners looking to grow their business.
Married again, now for 2 years and my lovely daughter, Molly, has just had her first birthday and taken first steps (& fall!)
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Hi,
I have been running my own business providing virtual secretarial services for four years. I enjoyed doing my own books and passed my ICB exams to offer basic bookkeeping services.
I am currently studying the L2 manual course. Many years ago I used to work in a pay office so may be brave and take on the payroll course after.
I have worked in administration for over 15 years and have previously worked in Automation (Instrumentation & Control), creating water treatment works on SCADA and HMIs. I love techie stuff and gadgets, and couldn't live with out my iPhone.
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- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 117 posts
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Hi, my name is Jude and I'm fairly new to ICB but not to accounting. I'm early 40's, 3 daughters, live in North Essex (originally from N. Ireland) and am full time emlpoyed with a plc. I started off in personal tax with big 4 firm about 17 years ago and then qualified as accountant 12 years ago. I've always worked in commerce for plcs so don't have audit background or practice licence so have started ICB (now AICB) as I would like to do some private work and maybe start my own business to improve work life balance in the future. I have decided to do all the exams rather than try for any exemptions as I thought it best to make sure I've not missed or forgotten anything over the years. So far really enjoyed the experience and impressed by the ICB support. Looking forward to participating in the forum.
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Hello Everybody
My name is Sangeetha, I am mom of 2 children. I have a Masters degree (MSc Accounting that was 10 yrs back). I have worked in different accounting role, before children. I have had 4 yrs break in my careeer and now to refresh my Bookkeeping knowledge I decided to do ICB. I have completed Level 3 manual exams, and ofcrse cleared all the 3 levels with distinction. Now, I am in a dilema whether I shld satrt looking for Bookkeeping roles or start on my own. Iam at the moment, doing Sage certifications. Would love to hear all your advices!
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 1 post
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Hi Sangeeta...
I have recently applied for practicing license and got certifications in ICB. I think it would be beneficial for you if you can apply for certification.
Edited at 26 Jan 2011 03:48 PM GMT
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Hi I'm maureen. Just joined in January. Doing computerised Level II next week. I'm building up skills so I can advertise for clients. Doing the accounts for my teenage son at the moment but would prefer to be paid by someone.
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Hi I'm Nikki,
Just done my mock exam for level l and i'm loving the course!
I'm going to be 40 this year and after 14 years of devoting my time to my kids it's now time for me to find me again!! It's certainly getting the rusty coggs working again in my brain and i remember how much i loved doing accounts at school!!
Am hoping to get myself some clients and run my own small business from home although i am petrified of how i'm going to do that Not got much confidence after being out of the work force for so long so i'm hoping the courses will build that up along the way!
Looking forward to getting lots of advice from you all on here. So pleased this forum is here!!!!!
Nikki x
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Hi I'm Ruth.
I used to work in banking and it was when I was doing my banking exams (ACIB) that I first studied bookkeeping and accounting. I then stopped working to start a family and to cut a long story short, becoming a self employed bookkeeper seemed the perfect part time flexible job whilst the children were small, so I first joined the ICB in 2003. Now I am developing my business to offer all sorts of business support and I'm looking forward to the level 4 qualification being launched so that I can extend the accounting services I offer.
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Ian said:
“Hello I am Ian and I am based in Sussex, I don't have my own business but I do bookkeeping for 4 different businesses as an employee.
I have been a bookkeeper for about 18 months, I have got all my jobs from the local paper, jobcentre and Gumtree website. There is a lot of work out there if you keep looking.
I'm a Liverpool fan, good luck on Sunday!!”
Ian I saw your post and looked up where you live - you're in the same town as me!! I've got two bookkeepers working for me at the moment and I'm currently extending my business further, maybe if you see this and you might be interested in some extra work you could get in touch?
Thanks!
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Hi at least one person not interested in footie or rugby yeh.
I would rather watch paint dry. I did have a jack russel who was great with a football, she would of made the footie players earn each and every last penny of their over seized pay cheque lol
Edited at 29 Jan 2011 08:37 PM GMT
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- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 424 posts
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Just to introduce myself. 1st time on this forum with the ICB.
Am a mid forties male based in Southend on Sea, Essex. I started my own practice and welcome any advice as I am working another job on nights until the practice starts paying it's own way.
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- Companion Fellow PM.Dip
- 1139 posts
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Hi Mary
I thinks there loads more in life then Rugby and Football but its a quick and Friendly way to say hello.
I had a friend who had a jack Russell and none of as kids liked that dog , he was like something out a horror movie. I still can,t bear to see a Jack Rusell to this day. I can still remember him. Because of that I know which I d rather do, and that probably involves watching and hopefuly Ireland wining the six nations with a a good beer and and a Baileys when we win a game . Mind you I sponsor a dog for the Blind so much cleaner, less noise and he cleans up it own dog dirt and does,nt cost me a fortune in Vet Bills or food.
Edited at 30 Jan 2011 03:16 PM GMT
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- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 13 posts
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Hi everyone, I'm Carole and I set up my bookkeeping business 'The Little Bookkeeper' in August 2009, but I am only really getting going with it all now as I was and still am completing the exams up to level 3. I am almost there, hoping to sit level II and III manual in the next few weeks.
I have had a few bits of work so far, self assessment tax returns and year end bookkeeping and have a few more clients who are new businesses with year ends up to 5th April 2011. It has been slow but I have not really advertised yet, just want to get the exams out of the way and see where we go from there.
Look forward to getting to know you all
Carole
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hi...
im Dean Patrick, filipino college student... studying on its 3rd year level..
God bless us :)
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Hello. I'm Liz and I suppose you could say I'm a potential student. I'm thinking of signing up to the ICB, completing exams to at level II this year, and perhaps level II next year, and taking on my own clients part-time.
I left my old job as an Inter-Company accountant (read: shuffler of numbers in Excel) and haved worked in Finance as variations of an Accounts Assistant for 7 years. I studied AAT to Intermediate (Level 3 now is it?), but that was 5 years ago. When I left my job in August to get married I knew I wanted to change my career and decided to train to become an Adult Numeracy tutor. I thought I wanted to leave accounts behind, but turns out it's in my blood now and bookkeeping was suggested to me by a good friend as a flexible way to earn money while getting established as a teacher and beyond as we plan to have children. (And you don't teach for the money by the way)
I'm really looking forward to being self-employed and know that I have a good grounding and just need to brush up a few skills I lost when stagnating in my old company. But like so many people here I am apprehensive about going it 'alone'. Working for the same company for 5 1/2 years can make you think you don't have what it takes, and I'm very wary of crossing the line of what I can and can't do. But I am determined to make it work.
Sorry for the essay. I'm so pleased there's a forum of lovely people to talk to while I go on this journey.
Off to see if I can do the level 1 past paper.... I do hope so, else the whole thing might be off. :-)
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Hello ICB network,
I did accounts from school, then went into banking, then after a career break I decided I wanted to get back into something I loved. So I studied bookkeeping and joined ICB. My small home based business has been up and running now for 4 years and it's the best job ever. The flexibility is great so I can do the school runs, and I am fortunate enough to have built up a stock of regular clients.
I also experienced the loss of confidence a career break brings and struggled with the 'selling' side of things. One piece of advice I would give is to be yourself and be honest. The first couple of times you meet a potential client, just explain that this side of business is new to you - it will put you both at ease and the client may offer you some top tips. After all they know what they want. The same with pricing - agree a price and explain that it will be reviewed when you know better exactly what is involved. They might get an introductory bargain but you get the experience to quote better next time!
Finally keep your costs low and your growth steady, and persevere. It will be worth it!
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Hi Kate my name is mary
Just wanted to say i love your business card looks really professional.
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Hi its mary trouble ha ha
Well done on taking the plunge i did level one back in december and got it. I dont have all the experience of accounts infact none would be nearer to the truth apart from petty cash and ledger books when i went on a training course many years ago.
I think its in my blood too my late Grandad was very good at ledgers he was acting Manager for a long time and in those days his boses wanted to pay his way through Accountancy courses but his kids were young and he couldn't take them uo on it. I have a cousin who works for Accountancy company in Eire so yeh its in the blood you could say. Good luck with the exam . I have to do level 2 soon and the Sage pack is being delivered tomorrow yeh.
Have even thought of business name "Figure it out" book keeping services
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Hi, I'm Jo and this is my first time logging into the members area.
I've been started on the Level 1 Manual Bookkeeping course now for almost 3 weeks. I'm finding it really interesting and I'm actually surprised to say I love it!I Only recently went back to college to get my maths GCSE after 20 years of burying my head in the sand. Now here I am doing numbers and figures! Steaming ahead and staying focused... I plan to do my Mock 1 in a couple of weeks.
Planning to emigrate in Sept 2012 to Australia which is why I've started training for a new career. Another string to my bow.
Jo
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marytrouble said:
“Hi Kate my name is mary
Just wanted to say i love your business card looks really professional.”
Hi Mary
That is so nice of you to say so. I did have a picture of my two cats instead, but after reading the thread where the lady was sort of "told off" for her assignment query and the comments about our professionalism, I thought I'd better change it to my business card.
However, I would like to say that I have only recently started marketing myself in the local paper and the enquiries are suddenly coming in thick and fast. I can hardly believe it, so keep studying hard everyone - it really is worth it. I haven't been this excited in years.
Regards
Kate
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delete
Edited at 25 Nov 2024 03:43 PM GMT
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- Member
- Practice Licence
- 50 posts
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Hi all,
My name is Lara & I'm 21. I live (just) in Licolnshire & have recently set up my own business, LJM Bookkeeping. I got into this whole bit because I used to be a practice manager for a health clinic & used Sage in my role there & like the fact that bookkeeping is logical as my brain works that way.
I have ME & had to drop out of school so have no A levels, however, now I'm recovering I've found that I can work from home & only do bits when I'm up to it (mostly afternoons). I'm lucky as my boyfriend, who I live with, is working full time & really supportive.
I'm doing my Level 2 computerised at the moment & hoping to do the self-assessment dipolma before level 3. I have a couple of clients, from friends, but am trying to write an advert to go in our parish magazine currently...which is rather daunting!
Good luck to everyone with their businesses/studies...
Lara
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Hello Everyone
My name is Nelufa, I have a BA(Hons) degree in Accountancy and Finance and have had a few years work experience, but parenting made me take a few years off work. I am a mother of four children 2 girls and 2 boys and in my late 30's and I am now refreshing my bookkeeping skills by joining ICB and enjoying all aspects of it. I started doing all the exams starting at level I and have completed upto level III computerised bookkeeping, and am looking forward to doing all the other exams. I am planning to apply for my practice licence as soon as my youngest starts full time school so I can dedicate some time into setting up my own business and working again.
Wish everyone the best.
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Hi to all , I'm Pinay here in the Philippines. Wish to apply as a bookkeeper there in UK. Any vacancies?
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I'm George, formerly a banker and became associate member in 2008. I'm based in Oldham, Greater Manchester and in the process of setting up my Practice. I'm in my fifties and married with two adult children. I'm a Christian.
Edited at 05 Feb 2011 09:31 PM GMT
Edited at 05 Feb 2011 09:43 PM GMT
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Hi, Im Deb from the Ribble Valley. I have just passed Level 3 Manual but have no practical experience of bookkeeping although I have just turned 40 so have plenty of other work experience. I currently work 4 days per week and would like to try and obtain some bookkeeping work on the day I have free, perhaps just one or 2 clients to get some experience. I would very much appreciate any advice on how to go about getting that first client. I am worried that I will not know enough. I am about to start studying payroll and plan to take other courses but do I have enough knowledge at the moment to feel confident looking for clients?
Thanks
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LizFish said:
“
Hello. I'm Liz and I suppose you could say I'm a potential student. I'm thinking of signing up to the ICB, completing exams to at level II this year, and perhaps level II next year, and taking on my own clients part-time.
I left my old job as an Inter-Company accountant (read: shuffler of numbers in Excel) and haved worked in Finance as variations of an Accounts Assistant for 7 years. I studied AAT to Intermediate (Level 3 now is it?), but that was 5 years ago. When I left my job in August to get married I knew I wanted to change my career and decided to train to become an Adult Numeracy tutor. I thought I wanted to leave accounts behind, but turns out it's in my blood now and bookkeeping was suggested to me by a good friend as a flexible way to earn money while getting established as a teacher and beyond as we plan to have children. (And you don't teach for the money by the way)
I'm really looking forward to being self-employed and know that I have a good grounding and just need to brush up a few skills I lost when stagnating in my old company. But like so many people here I am apprehensive about going it 'alone'. Working for the same company for 5 1/2 years can make you think you don't have what it takes, and I'm very wary of crossing the line of what I can and can't do. But I am determined to make it work.
Sorry for the essay. I'm so pleased there's a forum of lovely people to talk to while I go on this journey.
Off to see if I can do the level 1 past paper.... I do hope so, else the whole thing might be off. :-)
”
Hi Liz,
Thanks for your Essay. I must admit your are not the only one. I have been stuck for more than five years working for various company as an account assistant. I have got a strong experience in Account payable and Cash but now I decided to go through self employement because i want to put the effort and be rewarded.
My job was not appreciated by previous employers and i want to put an end to this!
I am apprehensive too,I am feeling excited though reading other people stories here in the forum.
Ladies and gents please keep those stories comming!!!
Nathaliexxx
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Hi Everybody, I'm Allen and i graduated last year with an honners degree in law. However, I want to get into bookkeeping so I started Level 1 in January and hope to do the exam in the next week or two.
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