Accountancy Student Stories:
AAT Student Stories: Julie Spence | AAT Level 3 Diploma

Julie wanted to start her own accountancy business, so she studied with ICS Learn.

My name is Julie Spence, I am the founder and director of NOEXSPENCE LTD, and I am a fully qualified AATQB bookkeeper. I studied the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting all with ICS Learn.

I wanted to share my experience with ICS Learn and tell the story of how their online learning courses have changed my life.

I left school at 16 and stumbled into business administration. I worked for a small construction company based in Cumbernauld and was responsible for the payroll administration and purchasing. I eventually left this company and increased my knowledge in finance and payroll by working within other industries such as construction, hospitality and facilities management. However, I was unhappy. I did not know what career I wanted for myself. I felt it was the right time for me to step back into academia and so, enrolled into the OU. I studied a business management access course, and it was this that sparked my passion for accountancy.

Now knowing what I wanted to do for my career, I had to research how to get there. That’s what led me to AAT and ultimately ICS Learn as my training provider—recommended provider by AAT themselves!

The option they provided for online learning suited me perfectly, as my previous university course was also online, so I had become accustomed to it and had my own time management schedule to keep me accountable.

It also allowed me to fit it around my personal commitments, meaning I did not feel pressured by course deadlines, etc.

I spoke to one of ICS Learn's course advisors, Anne Marie, who was an absolute delight, and I still speak to her to this day, and that’s almost 3 years on already. We went over my goals, current abilities and experience and agreed that starting with an introduction into a bookkeeping course would be most beneficial. If I enjoyed that and passed the exams, I could then transition onto studying an Advanced Diploma in Accounting & then onto a Professional Diploma in Accounting.

As of the date of writing, I have just received my final exam results for the Advanced Diploma in Accounting and have enrolled for my final course, the Professional Diploma in Accounting.

I have also successfully applied for and received my AATQB licence, and in November of 2023, I opened my own bookkeeping firm. This would never have been possible if it had not been for ICS Learn.

I acknowledge a lot of people may feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of online learning, but honestly, the experience and support I have had with ICS Learn's tutors have been second to none. They really do care!! I highly advocate ICS Learn and would recommend them to anyone who is thinking about advancing themselves and their learning.

Thank you so much, ICS Learn. I am forever grateful.

Inspired to start your own accountancy journey? Get your free AAT course guide here