Org Accountants..

Im currently at home looking after my young kids contemplating the future and would like to set myself up with a small business over the next couple of years that I can run from home. Maths has always been my area of excellence and so I have been looking at book keeping and payroll possibilities. I am happy to home study, I've done it before with the OU and achieved really good results.
Obviously its important to have the recognised qualifications so I was considering this as my starting point http://www.uk-open-learning.com/Cart...?ProductID=465

I really dont have anyone knowledgeable to discuss this with and dont want to waste my time and money so any thoughts/ advice would be most welcome, thankyou, KJ x

Not an accountant so I can't comment on this course. Generally you seem to be 100% correct to look for accredited courses. There are a lot of home/part time ones where the piece of paper you get at the end is worthless.

Good luck.

I would have a look at the ICB website www.bookkeepers.org.uk and check out how much you will have to study to qualify as a bookkeeper. I think there are four levels in all but might not all be needed for full membership. You may also need a practice licence issued by the institute if you want to have your own business with ICB backing.

Have a look on the website though and see if the qualification fits with what you want to do. As stated above the letters after your name etc that you get from using an accredited course should reap benefits down the line.

[Messie]

EssexDave has been known to be very useful in such situations

Thanks Davey, I got the link through the ICB website, levels 1&2 are required for associate membership and level 3 for full membership.

It is possible to study all 3 in one course but I will need to make enquiries as to study time required and then decide whats best, maybe just 1&2 this year then 3 next. At least there seems to be a lot of flexibility and exams can be taken at any time through the year so I can progress at my own rate.

I think I just wanted confirmation that this was the correct route for me to be following.

Thankyou x

I started on the AAT route, which can then lead onto Chartered accountant, if you find that later on you want to develope this area. Best thing I ever did.