The role of a Bookkeeper is to record financial transactions on a regular basis and in doing so provide accurate up to date information that enable the business to know exactly how well it is doing in terms of how much it owes, how much it is owed and how much it has or has not got in terms of capital and assets. Bookkeeping is based on an ancient formula and process that once learned can be applied to businesses of any kind.
Bookkeeping is now a fast growing profession.
New businesses open for trading every single day of the year and as it is a legal requirement in the UK for a business to keep accurate up to date records qualified bookkeepers are in high demand.
Bookkeeping is exciting, challenging and above all, rewarding. I attended a recent ICB member's seminar where it was established that some self employed bookkeepers were earning in the region of £45 per hour. This is still a lot less than an Accountant will earn but there are differences in what a Bookkeeper provides compared to an Accountant. But at the end of the day this is one of the reasons why Bookkeeping is a growing profession.
People of all ages and experience are interested in becoming bookkeepers.
Young people fresh from school or college can achieve professional qualifications that will open up a whole new world of business understanding to them. People with disabilities find it to be a profession that fits perfectly around a compromised lifestyle, as do parents bringing up a young family. The biggest advantage being flexibility and the prospect of being able to work from home.
There are many courses out there which will teach you to become a bookkeeper but if you plan to do it as a career then really you need to get a professional qualification in order to comply with the ever changing regulations.
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest bookkeeping organisation in the world and offer professional qualifications which are constantly updated to fall in line with any new laws or legislation. The level of qualification achieved denotes membership level which can be reflected by using designated letters after your name.
Other benefits of membership are:
Membership certificate sealed by the Institute
Membership card
Access to the 'members only' section on the Institute's web site.
Notification of Bookkeeping Job Vacancies in your area.
Free Technical advice line covering all aspects of bookkeeping.
Free legal advice line for business and personal usage.
Free access to technical and legal downloads.
Free updates on changes to legislation which might affect bookkeeping.
Free advice and guidance on setting up a private practice (Self Employed)
Free information on employment opportunities which arise.
Regional meetings
CPD (continuing professional development) seminars
Access to ICB Plus - Exclusive offers on professional and everyday products and services
Whether it be for career purposes, to look after your own personal accounts or to set up your own bookkeeping business you will need the skills and qualifications offered by ICB. There are a number ICB Bookkeeping course providers that can be found in the where to study section of the ICB web site.
Home study is the most popular method of learning due to its flexibility and it is possible to become fully qualified within 12 months. I recommend doing your homework before you start though because the training providers listed offer all sorts of different packages, some of which look to be very good value for money but when you start adding on the extras like membership fees, mock exam fees, exam fees and even postage and packaging you start to see that it is not such a good deal after all and once you have signed up it is too late. If you go for a company that offers everything included in the price and also a few guarantees along the way you can not go far wrong. You could always phone the ICB and ask them about the company before signing up.
Distance learning Bookkeeping courses
ICB Bookkeeping Courses and professional qualifications.
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