I have been a self employed bookkeeper who has been doing the bookkeeping and payroll for a small number of my clients for a very long time now (some over 10 years) - the max number of employees for one of them is 7, the others are just one or two. The problem I have is that I am a member of the ICB and although I am AAT qualified, in order to receive my practising certificate later this year i either have to get a diploma in payroll management so i can offer payroll services or give up the payroll on these clients. This has only happened since the change re the new MLR.
OK, this has thrown me into a bit now. I actually sat down this morning, downloaded payrollmanager to spend the day training myself, because one or two of my bookkeeping clients had asked if I could do their payroll as well.
Do you have to be certified/qualified to do this? I have searched the MLR and HMRC site to check, but cannot find anything. I am MLR registered.
Have you looked at the ICBs payroll diploma syllabus ? With your many years experience, you may find that you will be able to complete the exam without having to do a college or home study course. Also, if there are any elements that you need brushing up on, there are plenty of books to help you.
Payroll is something I have avoided so far, but I`m sure I have missed out on one or two clients because they have wanted a more complete package of services, so I know sooner or later i will have to bite the bullet and get some training.