I am considering retraining from another career and starting the AAT course - the course provider said I wouldn't need the foundation course due to previous related experience. Could anyone give an indication how long it would take before I had sufficient knowledge to provide a self employed accounting/bookkeeping service ? Would the AAT course be enough to do this after a year or so, or is it only possible with 'practical' experience being gained prior to setting up ?
I think it all depends upon how confident you are in your abilities !
The fact that you do not need to complete a foundation course, is a good starting point in terms of you certainly knowing the basics of bookkeeping through previous experience already. I did not go the AAT route, but instead went via ICB and went as far as level 3 before venturing out on my own.
I am not sure, but I think the AAT have guidlines about starting up whilst still studying with them, perhaps someone else on the forum can shed some light on that !
Anyway, most clients just want you to tidy up their accounts and produce P&L / Balance sheets at the end of the month. It may be a good idea to see if you can gain some practical experience with an accountants practice, offer your services for free ! or see if there are any voluntary groups in need of a bookkeeper.
