SAGE accounting course? Too much for basic accounts?

mummybearx

Im looking at doing a basic accounting course at a local college. My husband is looking to set up his own business, and I have been nominated to do the accounts:(

Only course they have is Introduction to Computerised Accounts (SAGE), just wondering how 'heavy' this course will be? Is it going to be too much for what I need? I have no idea really what SAGE is, and thoughts welcome

x

bap98189

Sage is a software package used for order processing, stock control and accounting. I would check with the college what the content of the course is, it may be focused on using Sage (many courses are) and not focused on basic accounting. It sounds to me like you need a course in basic book-keeping or small business accounting rather than one that trains you to use a software package you probably won't be using.

runninglea

Hi see if the college does aat level one. Sage is an actual computer program and that course will teach you the basics such as entering invoices, bank recs etc not accounts completion

mummybearx

So, it's more for people that already have a basics account knowledge, and SAGE is to learn like an advanced computer system?

Hmmm, will look for something else me thinks, thanks for your help x

saintjammyswine

You could do accountancy as an apprentice, employed by your company. This will give you AAT at Level 2 which, if you are working with accounts, should be the right level (you can do an online self test on the AAT website to check it is about right). You will, as the apprentice, get the training for free although the college may ask the company (yours!) for a small contribution although in the current climate it may well waive the fee to get you on the programme. AAT is normally a roll on - roll off programme so you could start at the beginning of the next module.

LadyMissA

A SAGE course is only going to be of benefit if you are going to be doing the accounts on SAGE. If you aren't then no it's not worth it as SAGE is Accounting Software. Maybe just do a bacis bookkeeping course ?


The guideline learning time for the Foundation in Book-Keeping Diploma is: -

• 120 hours flexi study or 4 weeks full-time*

*full-time is based on approx. 20-30 hours a week.


http://www.pitman-training.com/Courses/bookkeeping-and-accounts-training/foundation-in-book-keeping

GotToChange

saintjammyswine wrote: »

You could do accountancy as an apprentice, employed by your company. This will give you AAT at Level 2 which, if you are working with accounts, should be the right level (you can do an online self test on the AAT website to check it is about right). You will, as the apprentice, get the training for free although the college may ask the company (yours!) for a small contribution although in the current climate it may well waive the fee to get you on the programme. AAT is normally a roll on - roll off programme so you could start at the beginning of the next module.

This is very interesting..........
How would it work?
I am keen to join the AAT ourse at my local college although missed enrolment. I already have O level (yes!) book-keeping, some basic cacounts knowledge and experience and previously started AAT alongside a job but funding was pulled when the business went down...... I am trying to find a way to get onto a course part-way through - rather than wait another year, when all sorts of things could have changed. So, if what you say could work for me, I would be interested to know how I should phrase my question to the college?
TIA

saintjammyswine

Ask if they are running AAT & whether you can speak the team that deals with Employer Engagment (may be called something else) on apprenticeships. Either you will speak to someone on the business development side or the AAT tutor/co-ordinator and they will advise what they do at your local college. If your 'company' can do it then will bite your hand off to get an apprenticeship start!

Hammyman

zepsgal wrote: »

So, it's more for people that already have a basics account knowledge, and SAGE is to learn like an advanced computer system?

Hmmm, will look for something else me thinks, thanks for your help x

No, SAGE is actually quite straightforward however for most of it to make sense you have to have a basic knowledge of accounting terminology.

saintjammyswine

A lot of people on the AAT Courses, apprentices or otherwise will do SAGE Payroll & Accounts about halfway through once they are happy with the terminology.

GotToChange

Another thought - you can actually buy some of the training software from Sage - see their website.
As others are saying, Sage is a tool to computerise the acoounting function, so an understanding of the terminology is useful for using it.