I have a business management degree. After some considerable amount of time I decided that I wanted to become an accountant. Along the way I have gained Level I in manual bookkeeping and Level II in Computerised bookkeeping with the ICB and now am half way throught the intermediate level of AAT having just passed both exams.
I am constantly applying for accounts assistant/clerk jobs, I have written to many accountants asking for positions but to no avail. I am unemployed and now have nothing to lose by setting up as a bookkeeper.
I need to get indemnity insurance, pay up for my practise licence fee with the ICB, advertise etc but what can I offer? I can obviously use sage (do I need to buy this myself or do my clients buy it?). I don't know anything about Payroll, will this put clients off?
If I'm going to be working at a clients office I always get the client to purchase the software themselves. If I'm working from home I use my own Sage licence. I've always found it easier this way.
Not all book-keepers offer payroll services so I wouldn't see this as a problem. It's a service you can always offer at a later date.
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"People who are exceptionally good in business arent so because of what they know but because of their insatiable need to know more"
I agree with Dustin. See what clients you get first and then decide on the best software for them (which they may already have).
You could always advertise that you offer other services such as payroll and company formations etc and then outsource them to another company. This allows you to offer a wider range of services (which you can earn commission on) and clients won't be tempted to go elsewhere to someone who offers all the services they need.
