Bookkeeping

pollyanna24

I just wondered if anyone could advise regarding bookkeeping. I started looking into it and think it would be a good opportunity for me as I've always been interested in figures. At present, I am working as a legal secretary, but am getting frustrated with the long commute into London every day and know that after a while I may be able to be a self-employed bookeeper and work from home (esp handy in a few years when I may have children).

I'm not looking for a quick fix or an easy way of making money, just an honest career. So far I've looked on the net and found courses from the Institute of Bookkeepers and just wondered if anyone knew the difference between the different Level IIs and diplomas and also how much I might be looking at in order to complete each course. I would probably study from home as I still have to keep my full time job. I also wouldn't mind hearing from other bookkeepers who might be able to tell me how much they enjoy their work!

tiamai_d

I would advise checking your local college first. I paid way way too much for an at home course, found it difficult as your left on your own to do it. I then discovered my college did night courses. One night a week for 12 weeks plus lots of at home study. Its far better, means you can see someone face to face to solve any problems. Plus you may be entitled to get it free or discounted!

MrsFroogle

I'm currently two years into a three year AAT course. I've enjoyed it so far. I'm doing it through my local college.

Jet

AAT is the way to go really. It's well recognised and a good grounding. However, it is effectively a 3 year course (part time) although you can probably skip the first year if you are a "mature" student.

tlf

Hi
This is my 1st time posting but thought I would give it a go.

I am AAT qualified and it is the qualification that is most well known. I did it as a 3 year part time course (I had half a day a week but I think there are night courses). I'm sorry I can't give you any more info on cost etc because my ork paid for it but I would contact your local college and see what they offer.

swampduck

I did the IAB course upto intermediate level which gave me the incentive to start the AAT at Intermediate Level last year. In September I start the Technician level of the AAT - it is well worth doing.

By doing the IAB it gives you a good grounding in the principles of accounting and is offered at many evening class venues. I have to agree with another poster that classes are better than correspondence courses as you can ask questions etc

Swampy

pollyanna24

Thanks a lot for everyone's replies. Will now look into my local college. I think I would prefer to do it that way as well, not sure I'd have enough motivation to do it by myself.

I'm actually quite looking forward to starting, it will give me something to get my teeth into as the job I am doing at the moment is very boring.

I've heard that you can become self-employed and work from home. This sounds like a good option for me in a few years time.

honeypop

West Herts College have the AIB courses starting September or February in the evenings, at your local college (going by past posts!)

www.westherts.ac.uk

pollyanna24

By heck, that's a bit scary!! I was wondering how you knew where I am! But I have spoken to the actual tutor at that college and am going to speak to him again later about where I want to go with this course and to tell me more about it to make sure it is what I am looking for. All quite formal and professional! Quite scary, but I'll speak to him later and hopefully this will be a new beginning for me!