what account qualification??!!

[pocahontas]

Basically all i want to do is get an accountant qualification that enables me to do peoples accounts for SMALL busniesses!
I don't want to do major firms, i would just like to open a small business and then do accounting for small businesses! if that makes sense??
Its just the basics, working out their profits,vat,taxes etc.
There is acca,cima,etc.
What is the best one for me?
help!!!
Thanx :)

[pingping]

you may want to look at the AAT which offer a variety of accounting training courses such as bookkeeping, audit, payroll as well as accountancy basics. have a look at their website: www.aat.org.uk

[Buenchico]

If you want to be qualified to carry out statutory audits for limited companies, you'll need to become a qualified accountant. See here for details:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile187/

However, for the type of role you describe, it might be sufficient to qualify as an accounting technician. See here:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile128/

An alternative route would be to forget about anything which uses the terms 'accountant' or 'accounting' and study to become a Certified Bookkeeper:
http://www.book-keepers.org/

However, with the exception of statutory audits, you don't actually need any formal qualifications. I've kept the books (and sorted out VAT, PAYE, etc) for several businesses without holding any relevant qualifications (except a degree in Mathematics).

Chris

[verycurious]

CIMA is the Certificate in Management Accounts which is more for people who work in large organisations.

I worked at an Accountants for 4 years, only as a secretary, but I would say that it's an in-depth knowledge of tax laws that sorts the wheat from the chaf so to speak. Tax is an absolute minefield so unless you just intend to do book-keeping up to say year end and perhaps payroll, leaving the businesses to sort out their own tax affairs. Failing that I would make friends with and enlist the help of a tax specialist.