“I found the resources very useful. They provided me with all the information that was needed for the qualifications.”
Alicja successfully completed the Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting via the self-study route. She is now a professional member with the IAB and is currently employed as a business analyst for an international company where she provides support with reports and budgets.
Q: What made you choose bookkeeping as a career route?
A: I chose to study bookkeeping when I was looking at university degrees, and then saw how many career opportunities there are. I also liked the fact that it is a career which enables you to open up your own business and work for yourself.
Q: What was your reason for choosing to study the IAB’s qualifications?
A: The IAB’s qualifications are recognised in different countries, which really appealed to me. The qualifications are also a simple route to professional membership and I read good reviews about the IAB.
Q: What made you decide to take the self-study route, and what techniques and resources did you use?
A: As I work full time, I don’t have the time to attend a college so it fitted in really well with my work commitments, enabling me to study at times which suited me. I produced a schedule so I made the time to study. This helped to motivate me and ensured I took the time to sit down and review my studies. I found the IAB’s resources very useful. They provided me with all the information that was needed for the qualifications and gave me the best preparation for the exams.
Q: Do you plan to become a self-employed bookkeeper? If so, what is it about being self-employed that excites you?
A: I would like to be self-employed one day as it would mean I can choose my work hours and be my own boss. I would like to open my own bookkeeping business and complete the ACCA qualification to help me further develop my own business so I can offer accounting services as well.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying to become a bookkeeper via the self-study route?
A: Make sure you are disciplined and schedule time to study. The most important thing is do not give up!
