Opinions on "Universal Accounting Center" bookkeeper training program?

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Thanks,
Dennis

I have heard that it is good, but it is very expensive. Have you considered taking some accounting classes at you local community (city) college? It is much more affordable!

Thank you. Yes, I have considered the local community college. UAC promotes a very short runway -- 60 hours of self-paced study with phone support for 6 months. But, yes, cost is high. Would like to know if anyone has personal experience or has feedback from anyone who has done the program.
-S

Hi Shellah,

I have not taken UAC's bookkeeping training program, but know several of my peers who have. The feedback I get is that it is a good program, but a bit out of date. And, as already stated, it is quite expensive.

You may want to also review and compare NACPB's and AIPB's bookkeeping programs. NACPB's website is www.nacpb.org and AIPB's website is www.aipb.org.

Depending on what you plan to do, NACPB's emphasis is serving the needs of public bookkeepers (independent contractors providing bookkeeping services to the public) and AIPB's emphasis is serving the needs of individuals wanting to obtain a bookkeeping job or possessing a bookkeeping job.

For your information, NACPB started a new sister association earlier this year, National Bookkeepers Association, which also serves the needs of individuals wanting to obtain a bookkeeping job or possessing a bookkeeping job. They offer a free membership. Their website is www.nationalba.org.

Cathy Hernandez, CPB
Certified Public Bookkeeper
Member: NACPB

If you have no bookkeeping experience, I would suggest going through the course with AIPB. There price is very reasonable. If you have bookkeeping or accounting experience, the UAC is a big waste of money. I had looked into it once and actually returned the materials and they are quite expensive. I didn't feel like I was getting what it costs.

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Thanks for posting,
Dennis

Thanks for all the input, everybody.

Universal Accounting also has a practice builder module that seems expensive....what do others know about it?

Hi, Shellah,
I have done the UAC bookkeeping program and I have also taken college courses. I liked the UAC program, but it was kind of too simple and left me wondering "Can I really start my own business with this training only like they say???" Their Module 4, which talks about how exactly start your business (what you need, marketing, presentation, etc.), is pretty useful. They also create and host your website for you for a year for free. Overall, I am glad that I purchased it (and their Quickbooks program, too,) although if money is an issue, it is maybe not worth it. I find that with the knowledge I got from the college (AS degree not BS) and the tips and practice I got from UAC program, I can start my bookkeeping business and keep learning/reading as I go, of course.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

I completed UA's bookkeeper training and Alan Bostrom is a very good instructor. Most of it was review for me as I have been a bookkeeper for over 30 years so I'm not sure how effective it is for beginners. Another program you might like to consider, in addition to UA's training, is through AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers). Their course is less expensive but it does not include video, it is strictly self-taught by books. Most of the exams are open book except for a couple that require you to go to a testing facility to complete. Hope that helps.

I am responding about the PB and UPB course that UAC offers.  To say that it is expensive is a relative term.  I took the UPB and learned ho to better market and position myself for what I do.  Between May 2008 and December 2008 my revenue increased from a projected 36k to an actual 88k.  And a year later I am projected to finish at about 100k as I have just passed the 77k mark by mid October  I do not believe that the marketing techniques are outdated, as I am continuing to use them. 

As far as expensive, how much is it worth to increase billing 52k in 7 months.  I will tell you that it is not sit back on your [removed] and wait for money to roll in.  It is work, as it should be when you are in business for yourself.  I have also taken the PB course, and found it to be very informative, but again there is no magic here.  It is a good and practical approach to learning and understanding accounting. 

I have been a student for the last 18 months, and have achieved more with each interaction with UAC.  I have continued to use their coaching and enjoyed their mentoring as my business has grown!

Scott

I do not know about their training because I have an accounting degree.  However, the package I got was about marketing.  It has some good techniques but if you have problem with sales it still does not cure that.  Their return policy depends on you complying with their system and continuing to pay the $161.00 monthly. If you fail to pay the monthly payment then you forfeit the return policy. My issue is that we who order this program have an issue with marketing so there is only few of us who will maintain this agreement. When you call an asked for help they just guide you do as the program say. I'm still gonna try the program but I have to get over the butterfly in my stomach. I still wish I hadn't purchase this program because I knew I was unemployed and getting little work from the two clients I had. Maybe next year I'll start repaying for the program but until then the collection agency will keep calling and I will keep not answering my phone. Sorry!

Check out http://www.aipb.org for bookkeeping training.

I took the Universal Practice Builder course from UAC.  This is work and is not smoke and mirrors.  What I learned was what to say, how to say it, who to say it to and when to say it.  People's eyes do NOT glaze over any more when I talk about what I do.  Proof is in the pudding... I earned $60 k year 1.  Cheapest course I could have taken

Universal has a guarantee... my suggestion is if you can't keep your commitments then don't do anything.  Their guarantee had two caveats.... 1 - DO the course and 2 - Make your payments -

I just looked at their sales video and it sounds impressive.  I'm a longtime accounting employee about to embark on a freelance career.  Marketing and experience with a variety of small businesses are a confidence issue.  I wish I could trust the positive reviews on this course, but I'm sceptical; I can't afford to waste what little money I have.

to Eli21 and anyone else thinking about Universal. I just purchased the course on Saturday. I am an inactive CPA wanting to start my own business. I consider my self a very strong accountant, but I do not have the confidence to go out there on my own.

If anyone wants to hear how it is going, I will be glad to post my experiences as I go through the course. I only purchased the PB for now, thought I would wait and get the practice builder later, when I hopefully have a practice to build!  I have not received the materials yet.

I just signed up for this community so I don't really know how it works set, I see Eli21 left a comment just the other day, so I thought I would chime in.

If there is a way to send private message and anyone wants to hear my experiences, I would be glad to share.

jean