Like some other people on this forum who are looking to start their own bookkeeping business, I don't have any practical bookkeeping experience. I have worked in pretty mudance data entry/customer service roles for over 5 years, and I've just completed the foundation level of the AAT. I'd like to know how important it is to prospective clients that you have years of experience in bookkeeping? Or is it more important to them that you have a qualification or taken a bookkeeping course and are up to date with new rules/legislation (which I am)? I imagine like most newbies I'm a bit concerned about being asked how much experience I have, and not knowing the best way to respond that won't make them doubt my abilities.
I'd be grateful if any experienced bookkeepers would respond.
In my experience of business accounting & bookkeeping (5 years) clients would prefer experience over qualifications, simply because you would have the confidence to do the job effectively and deal with any issues that may arise, because you've 'been there and done that'.
Don't get me wrong, a qualification is really important, and the standards of the AAT are very high, so qualifiying with the AAT is certainly a strong asset, although Foundation-level is not the end, it's just the beginning.
The best thing for you to do when asked about your experience is tell the truth; you've worked with numbers, you're qualified in book-keeping to the highest standards and you're confident in taking on any challenge.
