Bookkeeping courses

tru

I already do basic bookkeeping for myself, I use excel spreadsheets.

I thought it'd be a good idea to get a qualification, eventually I'd like to do it as a job so I looked up my local college online and I don't know where to start :undecided

There are so many to choose from - do I need bookkeeping or accounting? Can I start at any level, or do I have to start with Level 1 and work my way up? College vs. online? Paper or computer?

I've just looked up a course at my local college called Association of Accounting Technicians Foundation Level Certificate (copied and pasted that, it won't unbold), it's around £1000. Is it cheaper to study online? I can't find a price without sending my details and I don't want to do that yet.

shappers82

Hi Tru, if its any help, have a look into what the Open University offers. I was like youself a couple of years back wanting to get into Accountancy, but just couldnt afford the 'professional' routes that AAT offered.
I ended up taking B190 - An Introduction to Bookeeping nad Accounting - cost around £400 for a 3-6 month course, and was a good taster for bookeeping, accounting, and distance learning.
I passed this course, which gave me examptions up to AAT level 3, and meant I was entitled to join the International Association of Bookeepers (IAB) as a Member (MIAB after your name basically!).
I again looked at AAT and CIMA, but they were too expensive, so stuck with Open University who offer a Professional Certicficate in Accounting, which consists of two modules (Financial Accounting & Managment Accounting), which upon completion, exempts you from the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

I have found it a cheaper, and more useful way of becoming qualified. You can also apply for grants through the Open Uni depending on your circumstances.

Hope that info helps, and good luck on whatever path you take.

Pete

tru

Thanks Pete, that's really helpful