I have passed both level 2 manual and computerised bookkeeping and I am applying for my praciticing certificate with the ICB within the next few weeks. Once I have received my certificate, I am going to send out letters to local accountants to see if they can send any business my way.
I was just wondering if you guys had any tips on how to approach them? I was thinking a letter, together with a business card and flyer.
Should I target the larger accountancy firms, or the self employed ones?
Also, and you can be honest, do you think that any of them would give me any work due to me having very little experience? I do have the qualifications and I do have a client, but I am lacking in experience.
Any thoughts on this would be very greatly appreciated
Hi. When I started up some 5 years ago, I contacted accountants in my area. I have to say that few acknowledged me, and even fewer kept my details for reference. If they don't know how good you work, they are not likely to recommend you on to their clients, in case you make a mess of the books ! I found the best way forward was to just advertise for clients. You can take it slowly at first, so that you can really provide a good job with those few that you have. As you build in confidence, you will process things quicker, and can then take on more work. Don't forget, when a new client approaches you, he does not know that he may be only your second or third client ever! I did however have an advantage in that I'd already got a reasonable amount of experiance before I started my business. If you are really concerned, it may be worth looking in the local papers, and seeing if you you could get a part time bookkeeping job first, for say 2 or 3 days a week. They will not necessarily expect you to have the experiance from the beginning, so you can learn with them, whilst building your own business in your spare time.
The views expressed in this post are my own personal (HRA protected) views, and are not representative of any organisation I have any involvement with.
I sent over 90 letters to accountants both large and small within my area back in May this year. I received 6 replies in all, 5 sent me the `will keep your details on file letter`. and one rang me up to arrange a meeting - the meeting went well and I currently take care of three of their clients on their behalf.
I received a call last week from a firm who had kept my details on file and fingers crossed, they will out source some work.
Make sure that what you send them looks professional, if you are successful and they call you up for a meeting, be prepared to take your certificates, qualifications, even references from previous employment along. Also they make ask if they can take up references with any clients you may have. Be honest about your practical experience and push the fact that you have specific bookkeeping qualifications and also be prepared for them to ask you questions about how you would prepare a clients books.
