Comments on: Accountant vs. Bookkeeper: What’s the Difference?

By: Beverley Hall

Beverley Hall — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:40:22 +0000

A quick note on being ready to be a self emplyed bookkeeper. I had passed my level 4 Accounting and also had DipCB Computerised bookkeeping, but nothing other than actual accountancy practice experience gave me the confidence to work for myself. If you are considering becoming a self employed bookkeeper I would say get a job clearing up the messy accounts for an accountancy practice. Most accountants will have these accounts that have mountains of bookkeeping to undertake and problems to chase up. Until you see these you will not be prepared to work on your own.

Bev

By: Leeds Accountants

Leeds Accountants — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:03:16 +0000

Hi ! Interesting post !

From experience, The difference between the three would no doubt be a job title, or description. Each requires differant skills and albeit differant qualifications.

All three roles are differant in their own way, however each one as important as the other.

Uusually, however, an accountant is of higher stature (in the workplace) than a book keeper.

Thanks !

By: Commie B

Commie B — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:46:14 +0000

Hi S Shaw,

It’s not clear if the ICB will accept an AIPB qualification. Here is what their website says:

Will my qualification taken with another organisation exempt me from the Institute’s examination?
A.

The Institute will only accept you solely on the basis of your qualification if it was awarded by a recognised awarding body and was completed within the last two years. You should forward to the Institute COPIES, not originals, of your qualification certificates. An up to date CV and details of two referees familiar with work carried out by you within the last two years, will assist your application. You will need to complete the application form.

The application form is available on their website.

In my personal experience, UK and US accounting bodies are no cooperative. CMA has no validity for CIMA, neither does AICPA have much for ICAEW, or vice versa. Everyone’s got an attitude problem.

Your best bet is to contact Henry Gradstein, Chairman of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers in the US. Email: info@bookkeepers.us.

By: S Shaw

S Shaw — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:27:28 +0000

Hi!
I have completed the required series of courses in the AIPB National Bookkeeping Certification in the US and will soon be returning to the UK. I do not yet have the work experience required in order for me to call myself a Certified Bookkeeper in the US. How does this Certification translate in the UK? Is this certification recognised by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers in the UK? Not being a US citizen, can I accumulate the work experience required for completing the certification in the UK and get recognition from the AIPB?
Any help, greatly appreciated.