I'm ACCA qualified and have worked for multi nationals for over 12 years.
Due to personal circumstances I have decided to start doing some bookkeeping from home whilst working towards getting a practice certificate.
I have been approached by a fairly large practice with the prospect of a lot of regular work. The thing is I need to let them know an hourly rate and think I may be judged on whether I go in too high or too low.
What does everyone else charge by the hour? I was thinking of saying £12 an hour, does that sound too high or too low. My priority is getting the practice experience rather than making a lot of money at the moment.
I'm based in Birmingham, will be contracting myself to them, will be doing work from basic data capture through to accounts prep and submission to Companies House. I will use my own computers and Sage software from my own home. I'm unsure at present about whether I will visit clients but it is a possibility.
I'm unsure as to how many partners there are but there are in excess of 300 clients ranging from small sole traders up to Ltd co's with a substantial turnover and audit work is also carried out.
It is fairly varied work which can make it a little more difficult, from their cost perspective I think you may need to consider the average level of the work involved - else provide rates depending on the work.
I would think basic data capture type work would really be a waste of your skills but to charge a rate for your experience and qualifications would be too high for this - something to consider.
We've publish a blog entry today - What hourly rate? - something probably worth a look and will give you an idea what you should be worth.
It does sound like you would very much be self-employed since you'd be working using your own equipment from your own 'office'.
