The business world has a constant requirement for individuals trained in bookkeeping, accounting, payroll and financial management. Training to become a bookkeeper is a wise career choice, not only will it open up the doors to hundreds of possible jobs but the salary prospects are excellent too. Here we look at the simplest route into the profession ? taking bookkeeping courses.



Why take an accounting course?

An entry level job is one bookkeeping career option but we recommend taking a certified accounting course instead for the following reasons:

Keeping your options open: on-the-job training is invaluable but the bonus of taking book keeping courses or payroll courses is that you broaden your accounting experience, giving you a greater choice of potential jobs and flexibility for the future.

Industry recognised qualifications: Every viable business needs to do their accounts and every business needs their accounts managed efficiently. Industry recognised qualifications give potential employers confidence in your skills and are therefore essential to securing the best possible job.

Getting to grips with Sage: Courses are essential for developing computerised accounting skills and in today's world that means getting to grips with Sage. Sage is the industry standard software, used for all accounting procedures. Sage courses do vary, so make sure to choose the best one available and don't overlook opportunities for home study.

Becoming your own boss: You get to pick your own hours, pick your clients and most importantly ? get rid of the boss when you work for yourself! All book keeping courses should fully equip you for becoming a freelance bookkeeper.

Keep skills up-to-date: Even if you already work in accounts, it may be worth looking into an accounting course to see if you can increase your promotion prospects or fill any knowledge gaps.

Your bookkeeping course checklist

There are hundreds of possible payroll courses out there. We advise you apply the following criteria when selecting one:

Well-established: The main criteria for selecting a course is a well-established training provider that can demonstrate previous student's successes. Always go for a course recommended by industry and your peers.

Affordable: The most expensive isn't necessarily the best, especially when it comes to Sage courses. Don't blow your budget in the hopes that you'll benefit, a more affordable course could be just as good.

Breadth: Ensure the bookkeeping course covers computerised bookkeeping, accounting theory and practise, computerised payroll and financial management ? all the skills required to manage a small business or department within an organisation.

Depth: Any bookkeeping course worth its salt should cover the following in depth: double entry bookkeeping, completing and understanding VAT return, reading profit and loss accounts, managing sales and purchase orders, following the audit trail, business planning and of course Sage. All Sage courses should cover accounting theory as well as the computerised processes.

Professional certification: Do check that your bookkeeping courses are certified by the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB). Employers will want to see you have an accredited qualification and the IAB is the longest established international professional body for bookkeeping.

What's SkillsTrain?

SkillsTrain are Europe's largest computer training organization with facilities in 11 countries. They have trained over 5 million people and have accumulated over 50 years experience in skills training. They offer payroll courses and Sage courses including Bookkeeping (SAGE Line50).

For full course details, please visit: http://sage.skillstrain.co.uk/