Accounting??

[flutter13]

Just curious about it, is there much work available? Or do you mostly get your work at tax time doing returns. Just exploring the few options there are out there to work mainly from home. Was thinking bout doing an accounting course through Oli.

Any info would be greatly appreciated:thumbsup:

[Kirstlea]

Well I know good bookkeepers are as scarce as hens teeth.;)

I have been trying to find someone to take over my work (business) while I have our second baby and its not easy to find a good bookkeeper who cares about each individual.

You don't have to be an accountant just very good with data entry and a good understanding of how systems work and general ledgers.

Good luck

[flutter13]

I just figure having qualifications will make it alot easier to get work, the lady my mum gets her tax return done through works out of her own home, don't know what other work she does, I guess there are lots of small businesses that need accountants.

Is there a big difference between accounting and bookkeeping??? Im not really sure. I know the course Im considering says both are career outcomes.

[Kirstlea]

I just figure having qualifications will make it alot easier to get work, the lady my mum gets her tax return done through works out of her own home, don't know what other work she does, I guess there are lots of small businesses that need accountants.

Is there a big difference between accounting and bookkeeping??? Im not really sure. I know the course Im considering says both are career outcomes.

Massive difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper. Accountants give financial and business advice, prepare Tax and have to know all the laws, must also have all sorts of different insurances.

Bookkeepers are really just glorified data entry clerks except that they have an extremely good understanding of general ledgers etc and can assist to run a business sucessfully if they are good with cash flow etc. Bookkeepers only need to have public liability insurance unless they are giving out advise then they must also have indemnity insurance.

If you get a bad bookkeeper who really doesn't have a clue it can make or break a small business.

At the end of the day a bookkeeper is not supposed to prepare BAS etc (according to the ATO website)

A business can only claim bookkeeping fees for general bookkeeping not for preparation of BAS or PAYG etc. They can only claim if done by a registered tax agent.

Hence why there is a big difference. :)

I don't think you will have any problems finding work to do at home if you just do general bookkeeping for the small business.

[Kirstlea]

Forgot to say

Accountants get paid alot more than bookkeepers;)

So if you can put in the time and effort required to become an accountant, go for it.:D

[flutter13]

Insurance? lol I had no idea about all that. I'm going to have to do some research on it. Though Im still very interested, I intend to be a SAHM for a lot longer So putting the extra work in may be worthwhile, as Im aiming for a few more kiddies so far;) And every work from home opportunity I've looked into is selling in pyramid schemes.

And more money, who wouldn't want more,LOL.

I feel like I need to be doing something to, my brain is turning to mush. I just need the willpower to complete the course through corospondence:fingerscrossed: lol

Thanks for the info;)

[Cheeky Little Monkey]

Forgot to say

Accountants get paid alot more than bookkeepers;)

So if you can put in the time and effort required to become an accountant, go for it.:D

They get paid more because they are required to have University Qualifications and then do further study ie CPA course or Chartered Accountant qualifications through the Institute of Chartered Accountants....... a course which involves many years of study and sacrifice and shouldnt be taken on in a half hearted manner. Then requires further study and is a complex industry to work in.

If you want to do this kind of work, I would suggest you speak to a Chartered Accountant or CPA and get their view on what is involved.

Am I a CPA or a CA? hell no, you couldn't pay me enough to put up with that kind of work. Im married to a CA and trust me, while he has a rewarding job professionally The stress and work load is enough to make you want to pull your hair out .

Good luck

[me&mine]

yep, being an accountant is not the sort of decision youd just wake up one morning and say your going to be one! It takes years of study and then at the end you'd have to work under a CPA to actually become a CPA. (hope that makes sense)

Bookkeepers there are more and more poeple out there now days calling themselves bookeepers, but are generally causing more harm then good!

So whatever decision you make, put 100% into it and good luck!

[Ineedsleep]

wasn't aware you HAD to become a CPA. Anyway I do my husband's books at home for BAS and I hate it so i would love to hire a bookkeeper (can't justify it as I'm at home!!!) Speak to a bookkeeper that isn't in your area (ie so they don't see you as a threat) and ask them what they offer.

You will need to do a MYOB course.

You don't have to do the full accounting course - just choose the modules that you would like - you may not get a full qual but it will give you more knowledge and confidence.

I used to work at OLI - give them a call and speak to a teacher, they'll give you more info (ask for Andrew).

All the best

Oh and you'll need an ABN - get it online it's instant - too slow over the phone