Forum

• # 77202
• Sun 27 Nov 2011 08:25 PM

Hello

So I have passed my exams and set up a practice as an AICB.  I attended the Summit this year and picked up some really good tips to get a practice going.  A really great conference, thank you.

I am wondering if it is better to take the management accounts Manual and computerised 3 at level 3 ICB, or to go for payroll. Personally I think it better to continue with the level 3 but will I limit my possibilities by not being able to work payroll?
Also, how much study support would  this require, I say this having achieved my AICB in 6months without much support.
Then there is which course provider to go with, I am considering Training Link?

I would be grateful for any useful comments.

Is there any ICB bookkeeper out there in Cheshire with whom I could work with to gain experience with or buddy with?

Many Thanks.  Looking forward to replies.
 
 

• Kind Regards
  Molly 
  
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• # 77213
• Mon 28 Nov 2011 09:44 AM

Welcome Molly

Which route you go down really depends on the services that you want to offer to clients. You may find, as others have, that clients that require bookkeeping will also require payroll and it probably makes sense to have them under the one roof (which is why I have just sent in my Payroll exam before going on to do Level 3 manual...)

If you want to prepare final accounts for limited companies then you will need Level 3 though, so you need to have a think about the services you want to offer.

Remember that if you do Level 3 there is absolutely nothing stopping you doing Payroll at a later date at any time if you find that it is limiting you in any way not being able to offer it

Good luck
Clare
 

• Bruton Young Bookkeeping
  
  

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• # 77214
• Mon 28 Nov 2011 09:51 AM

Hi Clare

Thanks for the input, I was wondering what level of payroll study you took, the basic or payroll management?

It is good to chat.

Thank you. 

• Kind Regards
  Molly 
  
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• # 77224
• Mon 28 Nov 2011 11:56 AM

I'd suggest doing the level 3 first.


I don't know what others have experienced, but I see level 2 as only the start, really, and if you're in practise I think it's quite important to have the a higher level of knowledge, because queries will come up and clients will ask questions and there are simply going to be times when that knowledge is needed.  

• Ruth
  www.shoreaccounting.co.uk

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• # 77229
• Mon 28 Nov 2011 12:23 PM

Hi Molly

Personally I chose to go straight through to MICB so that I would not limit the type of clients I could capture (i.e. partnerships and Limiteds).  The Level 3 is extremely useful as it gives a more complete picture as to what bookkeeping can really be about.  

I'll be starting the payroll course this week as I'd like to be able to offer a complete service to clients where required (having now completed the Self Assessment course).  In my mind, it made sense to get to Level 3 before going onto payroll as the odds of a payroll client being a Limited company were quite high.  Although relatively unrelated, I could see the possibility of a cross-over.  If I could offer payroll and am qualified to MICB, I could also offer bookkeeping should they need 'cover' (and vice-versa).

Not to 'plug' but, I studied with Training Link and the level of support is second to none.  The quality of their course materials coupled with the fast-track study option, customer care etc. meant that I chose to continue my Self Assessment and Payroll studies with them -- it is definitely worth giving them a call.
 

• General Bookworm and Keeper of the Books
  oh, and...
  Bookkeepers keep the best figures 
  www.yourtrustedresource.com
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• # 77247
• Mon 28 Nov 2011 03:49 PM

Good afternoon all,

Thanks for the encouraging responses.  It has been most helpful.  

I have booked a course today and bartered for a reasonable price.

Happy bookkeeping.   




 

• Kind Regards
  Molly 
  
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