I've been reading up on the AAT websitea as I am about to apply for full MAAT and then apply for my member in practice certificate.
It says if I have more than 6 clients (which currently I do as I have just 1) I have to have a continuity of Practice agreement. How on earth do I go about this if I have no colleagues or know anyone who is also a bookkeeper who would be willing to take on my work if I was unfit to work?
Obviously I intend to have more than 6 clients but for now should I opt for less than 6 and in the meantime look for a partner?
Doesn't seem like you need to worry until you have the six but the obvious candidate would be the accountant you met. So no, it does not need to be an official partner.
I understand this is the arrangement of who will tide over the clients should you fall ill or get marooned on a desert island. I already do this and am familiar with most of the clientele, so this doesn't present a problem.
A friend took over from her own colleague and basically discovered that her friend had been utterly botching and guessing for several years so found her plate rather full. It needs to be someone who can either take over the work or care-take until another accountant is found.
Thanks for that. I will just tell AAT that I have not yet got more than 6 clients and also speak to the guy I met last week. We are still in talks about the first client and it sounds positive. I will admit that it doesn't sound like I am going to be taking on bookkeeping but more helping the client to put their own stuff on sage instants. I suppose it's a start and there were 2 other clients in the pipeline.
Where are you based as I see the postcode M24 on your profile. I work in M24, near the chinese restaurant Ocean Treasure.
Oh, I know it. The biggest Chinese restaurant I've ever seen - not tried one of those booths yet though. We're right behind the shopping centre on the corner. This is getting to be the Middleton Mafia in 'ere lol
Glad things are going well for you and I admire the determination you've shown. It must seem daunting but at least thats one obstacle you don't need to face just yet.