Courses completes - ICB Levels 2-4 plus Self-Assessment Taxation

After a seventeen year career in client services working mainly for global corporations, including five years in the international financial sector, Mrs Nicky Hagenbeek took time away to raise her son. When it came time to rejoin the world of work, she wanted to do it on her own terms.

Having come from a financial background, and with a brief period reading accountancy at university, bookkeeping was the logical choice. After looking into the options of starting her own business, and talking to some friends who were accountants, Mrs Hagenbeek settled on distance learning for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB).

With a two year old son to look after, classrooms and a set timetable simply wouldn’t be effective. After some online research, she selected Ideal Schools as the best choice for her.

Mrs Hagenbeek said: “Unlike some of the others, Ideal Schools weren’t pushy with me. I spoke to Brian (McVean) at length, and he was very helpful, very informative, and nothing was too much trouble. I got a really good feeling about the organisation.

“I would say that the course materials were mainly easy to follow and gave me the practice needed to expand my understanding of bookkeeping. If there was ever anything I struggled with, Ideal Schools always provided examples and explanations to help me understand.”

That good feeling has translated into results for Mrs Hagenbeek, who has achieved Advanced Bookkeeping, or Level 4, and Self Assessment Taxation, never scoring less than 96% in any exam and completing in less than ten months. She managed these successes in the two mornings a week her son was in pre-school, and evenings. She credits the material and support provided by Ideal Schools, and hard work.

Mrs Hagenbeek said: “I’d really recommend this as a way of learning. Ideal Schools was supportive, and very responsive to my needs. Brian was never offline, and always available for help. It’s not just the tutors, either. Ideal Schools has created a network of supportive students and former students available via social media.

“It’s more than just forums, they are a whole online community who are helping each other through the learning process, and the first steps into the business world.  It always feels like there’s someone  there as back-up, and can help you through the problem you’re having. It gave me huge confidence to start my business.”

Mrs Hagenbeek’s business, Beeline Bookkeeping, has really taken off this year, to the point where she may shortly have too much work due to the number of interested clients she has received enquiries from.  

Click here to see the services that Nicky offers.