As someone who is considering entering the profession and operating a Bookkeeping service from my home office, please could I have some feedback on what "legal" accreditation my business would have to obtain prior to launch. I understand that recent Money Laundering Legislation has set required standards
Thank you Rich Griffith
PS I appogise as I originally posted this in the wrong section of the forum (in the welcome section)
You do not need any professional qualifications or legal accreditations to operate a bookkeeping business from home. Many bookkeepers (including myself) do not hold any such qualifications and this is not a problem.
As you mentioned you will need to comply with HMRC's money laundering regulations and if you are not a member of a bookkeeping or accountancy institute you will need to register with HMRC.
You do not need any qualifications or accreditations to operate a bookkeeping business from home but it can help.
I started my business in August 2006 no bookkeeping qualifications apart from RSA stage 1.
I started ICB qualifications in September 2007.
By October 2008 I finished all but the level 3 manual in bookkeeping, so got level 1 and 2 manual, level 2 and 3 computerised and level 3 payroll. Would say this has benefitted my business greatly and now not missing out on clients because of lack of qualifications. You get many benefits from being member of bookkeeping institute - not sure if all have it but ICB once you passed up to level 2 manual you get access to bookkeeping vacancies (some are full time but there are many aimed at freelance bookkeepers various hours)
I'm another 'unqualified' book-keeper and not belonging to an institute or association has hindered my career. In my experience clients want to know you can do the job they've engaged you to do. Qualifications 'may' help, but they aren't the bee all or end all.
If you do want to look at gaining a qualification there's numerous ones out there. The following links may help you:
Hi, I am a bookkeeper in employment and also do some work part time for a few self employed people. Although it is now necesary to be registered to meet the money laundering regulations if you want to practice bookkeeping (it is not necessary if you are employed as a bookkeeper) you don't need any professional qualifications. I have qualifications from years ago but certainly my experience has been that experience is considered far more valuable than any paper qualifications both in employment and operating as a practice. Also, I think you can earn far more in employment rather than as a self employed bookkeeper but of course it is up to the individuals personal preferences whether they want to be emloyed or self employed or you could do both.
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