The Book-keepers Forum (BKF)
The Book-keepers Forum (UK) -> Book-keeping Software -> New Self Employed Bookkeeper and using Bookcert Pro
Post Info TOPIC: New Self Employed Bookkeeper and using Bookcert Pro
Terri


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 411
Date:
New Self Employed Bookkeeper and using Bookcert Pro
Permalink  

Ok, first of all, a little background on me...

Currently I have a level 1 certificate in Basic Bookkeeping and I am awaiting June 10th to take my level 2 in Manual Bookkeeping.  I have just started studying towards my level 1 and 2 in Computerised Bookkeeping (all through ICB) and am learning to use Sage Instant Accounts.  I have been advertising for a week as of tomorrow (no calls as yet but not giving up hope ) but because this is a whole new career change for me, I am a little nervous and worried about taking on my first client.

My main concern is that my manual bookkeeping studying through the ICB has given me the practical knowledge that I need to complete books up to trial balance but I am struggling as to how to convert my studying knowledge into "the real world" where I will be working for sole traders or small businesses (hope that makes sense).

I have purchased Bookcert Pro and found it extremely useful but my main issue at the moment is that although I have used the Cash Book software supplied with Bookcert and found it easy to use and quick, is this enough of a record to keep?

I don't know if you has seen it but basically, it is based on an excel spreadsheet - you enter the money out and money in, reconcile the bank account every reporting period and print of an Income & Expenditure Report.  If I use this and my client gives it to their accountant at the end of the year, will this be enough or do I also need to be keeping sales and purchases ledgers, assett account etc.

I do have Sage Instant Accounts and it is a great package but I think that for the sole traders and small businesses that I am aiming to work for, it is a little too much, I need something simpler and quicker to use.

I am afraid that if I take on a client and do their books for a year using only the Bookcert Pro Cashbook, the client will then take their 12 or 4 (depending on the reporting period) and their files containing  recepits, invoices, statements etc and the accountant will need to do a lot of work for them to finalise their end of year accounts and VAT returns.

Has anyone else used the Bookcert Cash Book or Sage Instant Accounts with their clients.

Does this make sense?  Sorry that it was so long.  Any thoughts at all are greatly appreciated

Thank you

Terri

__________________

Terri Homyard AICB CB. Cert PM. Dip

A1 Bookkeeping & Payroll Services

www.a1-bookkeeping.co.uk
Julie


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 301
Date:
Permalink  

Hi Terri,

I use both Bookcert Cash Book and Sage for my clients.  I tend to use Sage for Limited Companies because they tend to need more complex analysis of their accounts on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.  

The Cash Book is perfect for sole traders who are essentially `one man bands` such as electricians, plumbers who mainly work from home and really only need a straightforward system of accounting. 

All I can say is that whatever system you use will depend upon what the clients want, or is using currently.  I have used Sage for many years but have found the Cash Book system perfect for very small sole traders / companies mainly because they prefer its simplicity.  As for Sage, I would say the larger the company the more likely they will require the detailed analysis that Sage can offer.

The prospect of gaining your first client is both scary and exciting, as long as you are clear and confident in what you know in terms of bookkeeping, then you should have no problems.  You know your stuff, you just need to put it into practice.  Believe me, when you do acquire your first, then second, then third, you will see that no company no matter what size does not always run in a text book style and that is part of the attraction of being self employed !

You will be fine, honestly.

Julie 



__________________
Terri


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 411
Date:
Permalink  

Thank you for the reply Julie. It is SO daunting waiting for that first client to make contact but I am sure that I will cope. I have heard that a lot of bookkeepers get their work by word of mouth so I am hoping that once I get a couple of clients - they may refer me on for more work.

__________________

Terri Homyard AICB CB. Cert PM. Dip

A1 Bookkeeping & Payroll Services

www.a1-bookkeeping.co.uk
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
The Book-keepers Forum (UK) -> Book-keeping Software -> New Self Employed Bookkeeper and using Bookcert Pro
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
©2007-2024 The Book-keepers Forum (BKF). All Rights Reserved. The Book-keepers Forum (BKF) is a trading division of Bookcert Ltd. Registered in England Company Number 05782923. 2 Laurel House, 1 Station Rd, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, BS22 6AR, United Kingdom. The Book-keepers Forum and BKF are trademarks of Bookcert Ltd. This forum is a discussion forum only. There will usually be more than one opinion to any question and any posting should not be viewed as a definitive solution. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any posting on this site is accepted by the contributors or The Book-keepers Forum. In all cases, appropriate professional advice should be sought before making a decision. We reserve the right to remove any postings which are offensive, libellous, self-promoting or engaged in covert marketing. We will not notify users of removals. The views expressed in the forum posts are those of the individual and do not necessary reflect or agree with those of The Book-keepers Forum. Any offensive or unsuitable posts will be removed by the moderators. Any reader of this forum can request for a post to be looked into by sending an email to: bookcertltd@gmail.com.

Privacy & Cookie Policy  About