Can anyone please advise of any good sources of information, be they books, websites etc for a newly practising book-keeper.
I am soon to start offering my services to sole traders and eventually to Ltd companies but am very aware that there is more to offering a good service than what is included in course work.
The more info I can get on this the better so please don't be shy!
Websites such as this and other accountancy based sites such as , www.accountancystudents.co.uk - www.sageforum.co.uk are good sources of information and help, as is the revenue and customs site for all things related to VAT, tax and CIS etc.,.
Starting off with small sole traders and building up slowly is the best way to go. You will not only gain confidence in the services you offer but valuable knowledge in how various clients operate their businesses.
Books and courses are great to give you the technical know how, but practical experience will always pay dividends.
I feel like I can't see the wood for the trees at the moment...and there are so many trees!! I guess a lot of people feel this way at the beginning though.
I felt exactly the same as you at the start ( I started as a self employed bookkeeper in Sept) you'll soon get the hang of things and your confidence will grow! This forum is great, lots of friendly people in the know to help :)
