...So........ thanks in no small part to the incredibly helpful people on here, I am now in the position to become IAB certified. I have been sent a checklist which needs signing off by a chartered accountant (which is no problem) and so now, I'm wondering - should I go straight ahead and send the application off and pay for my (half year) membership? Or is there anything else I should be looking to put in place before I do?
Excellent Rich. Sounds like you're firing on all cylinders. I don't know you've come across AAT. I'm aware that they've got pretty active local networks and someone here might be able to say whether they earn on average more than bookkeepers. Sorry to bring this in at such a late stage but better late than never.
Tim, I am aware of AAT. In fact, I started taking the course around 8 or 9 years ago, but was pulled out by my then boss who needed the extra hours around the office.
I am interested in gaining as much qualifications as possible (was already thinking about running through the AAT once I'm up and running in my (naive, I know) spare time). Pretty sure I can attain at least level 2 AAT through exemptions, but need to look more into that. Tbh, at the moment, I'm eager to get things up and running and am not overly interested in the exact amount of money I'll be earning. I expect to learn and improve in time to maximize the profits side of things.
A couple more things that are troubling me....
One, (sorry for spelling numbers on a bookkeeping forum, what must you think of me??) - I am not currently in any form of employment. Will that (or, CAN that) be held against me while making my application to IAB. (guess I'll find out in time on that one)
and Two - I'm only 26 years old, but, tbf, look about 20. Would you trust someone so young looking with something so important? I know that if I can get to speak to potential clients, I can convince them of my skills.... but do you think it may prove to be an initial barrier in gaining clients?
Hahahaha - hilarious!
Not the ideal role model.... but I see your point
Thanks for the input again. Can't stress enough how helpful this forum has been.
I was 21 too, when I started out. My first client was in the middle of a tax investigation and he wasn't happy with the way his accountant was handling it, and I offered to take over! I spent my 20's trying to look 30 - now well......... I won't say how old I am, but I'm still trying to be 30!
