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IAgSA helps you to succeed throughout your career with Professional Training

Are you interested in becoming a farm administrator or bookkeeper working in the UK rural economy, or to work closely with them? Do you want an industry-recognised accreditation to further your career and raise your level of expertise?

IAgSA provides training to help farm administrators and bookkeepers – and those working closely with them - to develop their knowledge and become more professional. Our training will prove valuable whether you are beginning your career, changing roles, or looking to refresh or enhance your expertise. Our training is open to IAgSA members and non- members, and can be useful for land agencies, accountancy firms and other organisations to provide their staff with essential, specialist knowledge of the agricultural sector, as well as for employed and self-employed farm administrators and family members working solely on their family farm.

The work carried out by a farm administrator, bookkeeper or accountant for a farm or rural business requires a solid level of understanding of current issues, rules, regulations and terminology, as well as knowledge of how to keep up to date with changing requirements. Much of this is unique to the agricultural sector – and that’s why training is so important.

IAgSA’s Online Accredited Farm Accounting and Rural Business Administration Training Programme

Our online accredited Farm Accounting and Rural Business Administration Training Programme is suitable for those working within farming already, returning to the sector or looking for a new career, and our UK Rural Skills accreditation is recognised and respected across the agricultural sector.

Our training programme is split into 5 Courses, each taking 1-1.5 days in total to complete, and each comprising of 2 individual modules. Some individual modules are, where appropriate, also being offered as standalone courses to provide a flexible learning pathway for students. All Courses are spread across several weeks, so it’s possible to work at your own pace, fitting the programme conveniently around your current job whilst still getting accredited quickly. Students receive pre-work three weeks before the Course’s Zoom virtual classroom date, and need to return the pre-work test one week before the Zoom class. Afterwards, students participate in the Course Zoom virtual classroom sessions, then immediately after perform the online Course assessment. A UKRS accredited certificate is awarded to each student who participates fully in all parts of the Course and then successfully passes the Course assessment.

Farm accounting and rural business administration requires a certain amount of experience and maturity and so 18 years is the minimum age for students to participate in IAgSA’s Online Accredited Training Programme Courses.

Courses available to book

Our online accredited Farm Accounting and Rural Business Administration Training Programme is now available. See the latest Training Dates for specific Course dates and booking details.

We run a series of our accredited training courses in the spring, summer and autumn - come back to see further available dates.

IAgSA will make every effort to run the courses as advertised, we reserve the right to postpone and reschedule courses should it be necessary.

Available Funding

IAgSA has access to funding, from the Studley College Trust, to award to those who are eligible and looking to undertake the IAgSA Online Accredited Farm Accounting and Rural Business Administration Training Programme. For further information please see the Member Support page.

Training Courses

Course 1 – Farm Office Administration

This course will enable the participant to gain understanding of the evolving farming industry, standard farming practice, key roles and responsibilities and key legal and compliance requirements that apply to farm office administration. This course is designed for new Farm Administrators and new entrants to the farming sector.

Module 1.1 - The Farm Administration Landscape

Module 1.2 – Farm Administration Essentials

CPD points awarded: 5 structured CPD points

Total duration (pre-work included): 1 day

Price:

Members - £240 inc VAT

Non members - £295 inc VAT*

Course 2 – Financial Record Keeping for the Farm Business

This course will provide the participant with more understanding of the key financial nuances of a farm business and the key legal, regulatory and compliance requirements of farm accounts and financial record keeping. Topics include the annual financial cycle, enterprise gross margins, VAT and partial exemption.

Module 2.1 – Farm Finance Foundations

Module 2.2 – Farm Enterprises & VAT

Course prerequisites are a recognised bookkeeping qualification at a minimum of Level 3 e.g. AAT, ICB, IAB and/or relevant experience and, in addition if new to the industry, then having completed Course 1.

CPD points awarded: 7 structured CPD points

Total duration (pre-work included): 1.5 days

Price:

Members - £360 inc VAT

Non members - £415 inc VAT*

Course 3 – Managing the Farm Financial Business Performance

This course will enable the participant to gain more understanding about the key cashflow nuances for a farm business, cashflow forecasting and how to manage farm financial performance. Topics include how to create and maintain a rolling cashflow forecast, the key levers that can aid farm cashflow, and the key tools that can help drive overall farm financial performance including enterprise margin and farm management accounts analysis.

Module 3.1 – Farm Cashflow & Budgeting

Module 3.2 – Farm Financial Performance Management

Course prerequisites are a recognised bookkeeping qualification at a minimum of Level 3 e.g. AAT, ICB, IAB and/or relevant experience and, in addition if new to the industry, then having completed Courses 1 and 2.

CPD points awarded: 5 structured CPD points

Total duration (pre-work included): 1 day

Price:

Members - £360 inc VAT

Non members - £415 inc VAT*

Course 4, Module 4.1 – Farm Livestock Record Keeping Requirements

Standalone course for the first Module of our full Course 4 (which is not yet available), without any Course prerequisites. If you are new to the farming sector we recommend you participate in our Course 1 - Farm Office Administration before participating in this course, however this is not required.

This course will enable the participant to gain more understanding of the farming nuances and physical and legislative record keeping requirements of a farm business with livestock enterprises. Topics include typical livestock enterprise production systems and the farm record keeping needed to meet livestock legal, cross compliance and farm assurance requirements.

CPD points awarded: 2 structured CPD points

Total duration (pre-work included): 1/2 day

Price:

Members - £144 inc VAT

Non members - £199 inc VAT*

Course 5, Module 5.1 – Farm Cropping Record Keeping Requirements

Standalone course for the first Module of our full Course 5 (which is not yet available), without any Course prerequisites. If you are new to the farming sector we recommend you participate in our Course 1 - Farm Office Administration before participating in this course, however this is not required.

This course will enable the participant to gain more understanding of the farming nuances and physical and legislative record keeping requirements of a farm business with cropping enterprises. Topics include typical cropping enterprise production systems and the farm record keeping needed to meet cropping legal, cross compliance and farm assurance requirements.

CPD points awarded: 2 structured CPD points

Total duration (pre-work included): 1/2 day

Price:

Members - £144 inc VAT

Non members - £199 inc VAT*

* To include 1 year's IAgSA Student membership - subject to application. An invite to make an application will follow on confirmation of course booking.

Upcoming Events - we run a series of our accredited training courses in the spring, summer and autumn, come back to see further available dates.

AML Training

Calathea Solutions are passionate about helping IAgSA members improve their governance and AML compliance. We understand that many worry they are not complying with AML legislation and fear an inspection from their supervisory body. We love to work with members to ensure full compliance and understanding of the legislation providing confidence and peace of mind to them. Building a compliance culture into everyday activities so it becomes second nature and not seen as an unnecessary chore. As well as already providing two free AML support enquires for members per membership year, we also provide AML audits to bench mark members compliance, which can be carried out in person or remotely, AML training which can be in person, online or on-demand and also support packages, all with a discount for IAgSA members. (In order for us to offer a discount on our on-demand training please contact us before purchasing online). To find out more please visit our website, www.calatheasolutions.co.uk or email us at [email protected].

Farm Software Training

IAgSA works in partnership with a number of farming software companies including Farmplan Computer Systems, Landmark Systems, Quickbooks and Sum-It Computer Systems to help farm administrators and bookkeepers to improve their financial management.

Farmplan Computer Systems

Our training is ideal if you're planning to set up a bureau service or start employment as a farm administrator - and you want to find out about using Farmplan financial software. You don't need to be an IAgSA member to book a software training day. But a basic knowledge of bookkeeping may be required by some sessions. Participants should also bring a laptop with them. Please contact [email protected] for more information. https://www.farmplan.co.uk

Landmark Systems

Landmark Systems has supplied software to support British agriculture since 1987. As part of our long term commitment to support IAgSA members, we are delighted to offer them training and assistance in a number of ways. Any IAgSA members who purchase our software either independently or through a client are entitled to 2 hours’ free web based training on their new product (including our legacy KEYPrime Accounts software). All IAgSA members are also entitled to a 10% discount on any of Landmark’s chargeable training webinars or workshops held at various locations throughout the year – these are in addition to a number of free topic based webinars we also hold throughout the year. Webinar recordings and training tips can also be found on our Youtube channel.

Sum-It Computer Systems

Since 1983 Sum-It have been developing and supporting straightforward farm software to many thousands of farms across the UK. The Total Accounts Module is their main program in the suite that is used by farm administrators, either in a client’s office or on a bureau basis. Key to the success in operating any software effectively is gaining a thorough understanding of the product’s operation and Sum-It have developed a free distance learning course for the Total Accounts Module to enable delegates to build up their skills at their own pace. Using a variety of sample invoices, the delegate is taken through a range of exercises to cover all aspects of the software. Additional one-to-one training is also available, either online, on-site or at our training suite in Sum-It’s Head Office in Thame, Oxfordshire. To find out more about the distance learning course or book some training please contact Gordon Fowler on 01844 213003 or email him at [email protected] https://www.sum-itsoftware.co.uk

Get your copy of the essential Farm Office Handbook

Farm Office Handbook is a practical reference source for anyone involved in farm administration. It offers comprehensive guidance on farm office basics, from equipment to ‘doing it online’; setting up accounting systems; computerising a manual accounting system; year-end procedures complete with a check list; management reporting and budgeting with useful templates. The chapters on VAT and payroll and statutory and assurance records have been thoroughly revised in this second edition to incorporate all the extensive changes made since the first edition was published in 2012. Additionally all the website addresses for legislative updates, contacts and online resources for rural businesses have been updated. It is an invaluable resource for someone tackling farm paperwork for the first time and for experienced staff seeking to improve their skills.

To purchase a new copy of the Farm Office Handbook please click here.

All purchases using the above link are made via Amazon.co.uk

Farm Office Handbook

Member Support

The Package is aimed primarily at all members currently undertaking their training whilst working in the industry and includes the following: Mentoring Programme Studley College Trust Bursary

Mentoring

Enquiries from new entrants led us to believe that there is a need for an Associate Support Package to follow up the success of the IAgSA Training Programme. We now have a small team of Mentors who are available to provide support (free of charge) when required. By providing this service, IAgSA hopes to ensure the future of our industry and are seen to support their Members to the best of its ability. Our Mentor Group includes existing IAgSA Members who have a wealth of experience in our industry. They are located throughout England, Scotland and Wales and are assigned primarily on a geographic basis unless experience and knowledge dictates differently.  For any enquiries email [email protected], or call her on 07411 678963.

Studley College Trust Bursary (Student or Associate Membership required)

“Never stop learning. Never stop growing”
Studley College Logo

We currently have access to funds, kindly provided by the Studley College Trust, to support those who are wishing to undertake the IAgSA Online Training Programme. It is anticipated that any bursaries awarded will be to students broadly meeting the following criteria:

  • Be aged between 18 and 40 years (except in cases of genuine career change)
  • Have their career progress obstructed by lack of funds
  • Be committed to a UK land-based industry
  • Have relevant practical experience and/or be from a rural background

For further information please contact IAgSA National Office