Hi, ive recently qualified with the ACCA. Im finding it extremely difficult to find a job within practice although i am continuosuly applying. I have been told it is due to me being qualified, as firms usually take on people who are trainees.
I have finance and book-keeping experience and am confident in using quickbooks.
Im seriously thinking about becoming self employed and setting up a book-keeping business. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas they can throw at me in terms og how to start this and where to look for clients.
Does anyone know the major difference between book-keeping and accounting courses? is there anything i would still need to learn as a book-keeper that i wouldnt have covered in my ACCA. I am assuming not as the ACCA is very in depth.
In answer to your setting up question, have a look at www.blueorchid.co.uk they provide pre and post business start up training in the North West. The sessions are FREE.
I attended a similar project run by WirralBiz, and had to attend six sessions (each 3 hours long), these covered all aspects of starting up from marketing, financial planning, advertising and business plans. I received a small grant.
Certainly a good tip from Julie if you are going to start up in business - plus you may even meet potential new clients at a training session!
There certainly are major differences between bookkeeping and accounting training, and ACCA does cover it though it really only touched on bookkeeping - knowledge of double-entry basics and reconciliations seemed to be assumed.
I don't think that would be a problem at all for you, just a little practical experience should get you running quickly enough.
The main issue I can see is with what the ACCA will let you do. I'm not entirely sure on this, and it may just be that you can not mention ACCA with the business (though possibly as an individual) without a practice certificate from them. Something to double check with them or on accounting forums.
Thanks for that info, its really usefull. Ive just been on the blue orchid website and it looks really good, I think its what i need to give me the info and that little bit of extra confidence.
Thanks for that, it sort of confirms what i was a bit nervous about with regards to to the difference in book-keeping and accounting courses.
The ACCA allow me to use the letters ACCA after my name as I am now a member, however without a practising certificate i can only provide services in payroll, book-keeping and VAT, which to be honest at this stage is more than enough
I was looking through the postings on this website and i think its great, i only found out about it by chance. out of interest, do you work as an accountant? its just that ive seen alot of your responses and you seem to know quite alot. Im jealous
I'd expect you would be mostly fine with those services too, possibly worthwhile aligning yourself with an ACCA accounting practice to offer your clients a full service (though done through the practice).
I work really in supporting accountants and bookkeepers though I studied here in Poland but have also been studying ACCA (to second year level) so I am more familiar with the UK as well as international requirements. I'm sure there's probably a lot you know that I don't!
Most of my actual work is split between template development for our members and provide outsourced management accounts, and budget and projections. I don't speak to members or their clients though... just email because my spoken English really isn't the best!
