I have stumbled across this website which looks like it's going to be a great source of help to me.
I have worked in accounts/bookkeeping for 15 years and am AAT qualified.
I have 2 children and although I have a Part time job (2 days a week) I would like to do some freelance bookkeeping as well.
I feel very nervous about going it alone and would ideally like to work for someone if that makes sense.
Are there such things as bookkeeping agencies? Where an agency would supply me with work/clients? Or would that be too good to be true!
Also, if I was going to do some work from home which software packages am i most likely to need on my PC. Quickbooks, Sage etc?? I'm guessing this is an expensive outlay.
Like I say all help and advise is very welcome and much appreciated!
Just a couple of things you might not have seen. The 'Resources' button on the green bar has a wealth of advice re. start up, careers, maketing etc including recruitment websites. As for software, have you read the 'Sticky' link in the Professional section which is a nice thread to get your teeth into. There's always discussions on software and don't be afraid to ask as you may come across some product we haven't thought of.
If you're thinking about final accounts for companies then one place for information is this :-
Myself, I'm a Moneysoft fan but using an old version and I'm in a minority of about two, and though competitive, it's more suitable for unincorporated businesses.
Anyway, just thought I'd give you those pointers for starters and welcome to the forum.
Hi Kate, Not sure if this helps... but I only bookkeep through another bookkeeping firm. I take a slightly less amount hourly as they obviously cover the marketing to get the client's on board.. but it works well for me. Where are you based? I could introduce you to the bookkeeper I work for if it helps? Even if he can't take you on as a sub-contractor.. he's a lovely friend who would advise well.
Ive gained all my clients from advertising or my original client and branches from there. Only gained one client from an accountant and once started I could see why they hadn't taken that side on themselves.
Most of my clients have a copy software on their machine for office visits however some I virtually log into their machine. I do have software on my own system, and recently gained the Intuit (Quickbooks) copy by attending their seminar - if your lucky you may not be too late to attend. Having said that there are also online accounts packages and a few clients use mybrightbook.com - its free and works well.
good luck with your new adventure.
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Donna Curling - Complete Book-Keeping Ltd (CBKLtd) - 07939 101900
Accountants should be a good source of work, but only the small practices who have few, if any, staff. Many, like me, often find that their clients want to buy a complete service but our time is best spent sticking to the accounts and tax. I first learned this when I was looking at setting up in practice and considered taking on a franchise, AIMS in fact. Talking to one of their existing franchisees they told me AIMS accountants do no bookkeeping at all, it is always subcontracted. That isn't advice I've always taken, but in every case where I haven't I wish I had! As an accountant I can honestly say a good bookkeeper is worth their weight in gold (which equates to £10 to £20 per hour for sub-contract lol). Nothing wastes more of my time than clients' chaotic record keeping, and I find it hard to recover the cost of sorting it out as they truly believe their books are 'done'.
If any bookkeepers haven't had success approaching accountants it's probably because they're approaching the wrong ones. High street practices usually have their own staff they prefer to use, basically as they can charge them out for a lot more than they pay them. A small practice like me will often add little or no mark-up to sub-contract costs (depending on what, if any, support the sub-contractor needs) as we are just truly grateful to have the books being done by someone who knows what they're doing, enabling me to knock out limited company accounts and a tax return in a not too stressful day. Everyone's happy
