Forum

• # 71113
• Thu 19 May 2011 03:18 AM

hi there,
im thinking of studying all the course to become an bookkeeper.. however iv have looked at all course providers, and the fees seem to be high... i was just woundering if it was possible to buy the books myself, self teach in preperation for the exams?
or do you need a tutor?

thanks

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• # 71119
• Thu 19 May 2011 08:24 AM

Hello!

It's not impossible to self-study, plenty of people do. I guess it depends what your level of experience is...do you work in accounts? have you ever done any bookkeeping? It certainly would help if you had experience.

There are plenty of text books to get you through the courses from the ICB store, from Amazon, ebay, library...even some online courses. However I have always found that I learn better when I have ideas to bounce off other people...the forum is always here if you get stuck.

Best of luck

Helen.

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• # 71120
• Thu 19 May 2011 08:30 AM

Hi

It really depends on you as an individual and if you have the self discipline to work on your own.

I've personally completed the majority of my studies via self study, originally like you due to cost, but now because I prefer it that way as I create my own work plan and timetable.

However, it's not always appropriate for everyone.

What I would suggest is, why don't you download the mock papers for Level I and maybe Level II and see if from that you feel you could cope with studying on your own. If, however, when you see them you realise it's all a bit too much then you'll probably be better going through one of the course providers. Either way the mock papers won't go to waste.

It's a personal choice and I'm sure you'll get alot of people explaining the benefits of using a course provider too.

Hope that helps a bit.

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• # 71125
• Thu 19 May 2011 11:43 AM

Hi,

I understand perfectly where you're coming from with regards to course fees... When I first started I thought the fees where rather high too but then I decided to look at it in another angle and thought of them as investments; you will soon get your returns once you've started earning your own money as a bookkeeper!!  It'll be well worth it in the end if you do decide to do one the course(s).

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Regards,

Lisa

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• # 71131
• Thu 19 May 2011 01:21 PM

Another thing to consider is the computerised couses - most of the training providers will supply you with a working copy of sage and sage payroll and the training to use it - although you can't use it for anything but training and taking the exams.

cheers

Mike

Edited at 19 May 2011 01:23 PM GMT

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• # 71152
• Thu 19 May 2011 08:52 PM

all have you have been fantanstic, and your advice and encouragement is very much appretiated..

im currently doing my A.C.C.A, iv got my first exams in a few weeks. acca is more or less self study.. basically im study straight from a text book, and doing mock exams, all without tutors.. if the icb is similar, then hopefully, i shud be ok... atleast untill i get to the computerised section. iv have zero experience in book keeping  or any aspect of accountancy... icb seems like the pefect way to start at the bottom and work my way up in regrads to gaining experiance... plus the biggest selling point for me is being self employed in the near further,  something that is not far fetched, also u need 3 years experience to become a charted accountant with the acca. even though im at the early stages with my acca, gaining my experience before i complete my course, would only make things easier later.

im open to all advice

you've all been great

and thank you 

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• # 71710
• Fri 03 Jun 2011 10:41 AM

Hello, 

I hope that you are well.

I am pretty new to ICB too, I have just passed my Level 1.

Something to watch for, and is a dilema that I face also as I am looking at going self employed is the fact that after the ACCA exams, or during, you need to have worked with a chartered accountant, be it in practice or industry for 3 years who will sign and verify that you have practiced certain elements and to a satisfactory standard. By being self employed you would not be able to get a training log signed off and will never gain the right to use the ACCA letters which is obviously a shame after years of hard study.

Just something to watch for.  


Dave. 

• DaveY
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• # 71714
• Fri 03 Jun 2011 11:18 AM

DaveY said:

“Hello, 

I hope that you are well.

I am pretty new to ICB too, I have just passed my Level 1.

Something to watch for, and is a dilema that I face also as I am looking at going self employed is the fact that after the ACCA exams, or during, you need to have worked with a chartered accountant, be it in practice or industry for 3 years who will sign and verify that you have practiced certain elements and to a satisfactory standard. By being self employed you would not be able to get a training log signed off and will never gain the right to use the ACCA letters which is obviously a shame after years of hard study.

Just something to watch for.  


Dave. ”

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