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• # 70342
• Wed 20 Apr 2011 04:01 PM

Hi

I have done my level 1 manual and level 2 computerised bookkeeping exams and passed 94% and 97% respectively.

For the course i done with early learning this would appear now to be the end. I know that i am now an associate bookkeeper, but would i have to spend £££££ on studying for the level 3 and 4.

Problems are money if that is the case, as i am scraping by paying off the course i am on in instalments for another 15 months, and my company refuse to help me in any way shape or form.

Does this make my CV more desirable by having these qualifications, what sort of salary can i command at the moment on average?

I do want to do the books for small businesses at some point as a sideline or as a fulltime job one day.

Plenty of questions there, i would appreciate if anyone could answer them for me.

Thank You

• Mine has been 10 and i am still checking every day.
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• # 70343
• Wed 20 Apr 2011 04:30 PM

Hi Darren,

Many congrats on your exam passes.

At the moment you are eligible for Associate Membership with ICB, but that will change in september, when you'll also require the Level II manual qualification. These courses don't have to cost thousands as you'll see from our own college link below:

http://www.idealschools.co.uk/courses/institute-of-certified-book-keepers-icb/course-modules

As for career and salary advice, perhaps ICB could give you some help on this, as oportunities and salaries vary greatly, depending where you are based.

I wish you all the very best with your new career and if any of our own team can be of help to you, please get in touch.

Kind regards
Brian

• Brian McVean
  brian@idealschools.co.uk  
  Course Advisor/Tutor
  Ideal Schools, Glasgow
  0141 248 5200 - 0800 028 1404
  www.idealschools.co.uk  
  
  
  

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• # 70344
• Wed 20 Apr 2011 06:39 PM

Hi Darren

Congrats on passing your exams, they do add to your CV but without relevant experience not as much as you might expect. There was thread on Experience V Qualifications, the consenus was you need both but it's a chicken and egg thing. Any prospective employer will look at your work experience then your qualifications and value them in that order.

My advice would be don't think of the money you have spent so far on courses as debt but as investment, if you are determined it will pay off.

Mike

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• # 70386
• Fri 22 Apr 2011 05:00 PM

James @ ICB said:

“Mikeee Said: "My advice would be don't think of the money you have spent so far on courses as debt but as investment"

Well said Mikeee,

DarrenJ your next step would be the Level 2 Manual Bookkeeping. Perhaps you should also look into buying a text book and studying that way, although if you stick with Ideal Schools their prices for just the level 2 are pretty good.

You can take a look at text books here: http://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Shop/Category/Text_Books

You could set up self employed now, you would need a practice license and insurance. This could bring in some extra cash alongside your current job to help pay for the next levels.

If you would like information on going self employed please email memberservices@bookkeepers.org.uk”

Thanks for all the advice, i will take a look at the last link. I have other qualifications such as A level and GCSE in accounts, modest grades though and achieved more then 10 years ago. I have worked in a clerical accounts position where i have 6 years experience in a variety of accounts work, but not too much in the final accounts side of things which prompted my foray into the bookkeeping side of things. 

  I may have to wait a while for the level 3 computerised side of things, but if i can get a good deal for just the level 2 manual that may be an option open to me.

Thanks again.  

• Mine has been 10 and i am still checking every day.
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• # 70387
• Fri 22 Apr 2011 05:07 PM

I got charged nearly 1500 quid for level 1 manual and level 2 sage. Its paid back over a 2 year period. But still looks like i got conned a bit looking at your prices. Wish id seen your prices a year ago. 

• Mine has been 10 and i am still checking every day.
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• # 70391
• Fri 22 Apr 2011 08:06 PM

Woah...Darren, they saw you coming...£1500?!  Who did you say you went with...not the Home Learning College by any chance?

Pauline

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• # 70399
• Sat 23 Apr 2011 06:22 PM

When I was first looking into the courses, I looked at both Ideal and Home Learning College.

HLC quoted me £2200 for level 1 manual, level 2 computerised and level 3 payroll.

Ideal quoted me just under £1000 for level 1,2 and 3 manual, level 2 and 3 computerised, level 3 payroll and a bonus for paying all up front of Financial Reporting for Small businesses.

Money aside, Ideal have served me well so far with me passing all exams with no less that 97% (I am currently awaiting results from computerised level 3).  I can't recommend them enough.

If you are looking into doing further studies - or starting out - Ideal are definately a step in the right direction!

Good luck with whatever you do next

Sandra 

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• # 70463
• Wed 27 Apr 2011 01:30 PM

Stardoe said:

“Woah...Darren, they saw you coming...£1500?!  Who did you say you went with...not the Home Learning College by any chance?

Pauline”

• Mine has been 10 and i am still checking every day.
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