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• # 83657
• Mon 02 Jul 2012 08:56 PM

Hi all

I am thinking of joining the ICB, however, I note that it is aimed at becoming self employed rather than enhancing your career. I am looking to eventually go self employed but I would like to get some experience before I do this and was wondering whether I should look at other qualifications such as AAT/ACCA/CIMA, seem to be what employers are after?

I have already bought the manual book keeping text book from Kaplan and i am half way through it and really enjoying it. I am looking forward to taking the level 1 and 2 exam when I know I am ready. I am hoping to go without a training provider until I reach Level 3 as with the financial climate as it is I would rather not pay the fees. I know the training providers will do a great job I just don't have the money to buy every module.

When looking far ahead, Level 2 computerised accounts, I know I will need to buy software, however, I am not sure which one too buy, does anyone have any recommendations? 

If anyone has any genuine sucess stories, I would love to hear them.

Kind Regards

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• # 83677
• Tue 03 Jul 2012 05:34 AM

Hi, welcome to the forum!

Not sure I can be a vast amount of use answering your questions but I'll give it a punt!

AAT/ACCA and CIMA all require that you use a course provider to study to time lines - as I understand things.
The ICB is the only professional body that understands we have brains and can study on our own :) 

ACCA have a few extra 'issues' with bookkeepers and if you are considering training as an accountant with them you would be better off going their route as they will not accept bookkeeping experience is valid, nor self emplyed experience.  Only work with/for an accountant who should (I am told) also be ACCA will could towards the required experience (several years) to get full membership over and above the exam requirements.

AAT are a little more easy going thought I am not sure of the experience requirement - except that they have one.

CIMA I have never researched, can't help there. 

 

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• # 84525
• Thu 09 Aug 2012 09:18 PM

Theresasaid:

“Hi, welcome to the forum!

Not sure I can be a vast amount of use answering your questions but I'll give it a punt!

AAT/ACCA and CIMA all require that you use a course provider to study to time lines - as I understand things.
The ICB is the only professional body that understands we have brains and can study on our own :) 

ACCA have a few extra 'issues' with bookkeepers and if you are considering training as an accountant with them you would be better off going their route as they will not accept bookkeeping experience is valid, nor self emplyed experience.  Only work with/for an accountant who should (I am told) also be ACCA will could towards the required experience (several years) to get full membership over and above the exam requirements.

AAT are a little more easy going thought I am not sure of the experience requirement - except that they have one.

CIMA I have never researched, can't help there. 

 ”

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