I'm a Junior Bookkeeper and I'm studying through ICB path to be certified.
I got my business degree on the end of 2013 and I was wondering if a Bookkeeper, with some certificate or experience, can also be a business advisor or tax advisor for small businesses?
In my opinion, business advisors need to have quite a few years experience to call on. Regarding tax, I would exercise caution as it's a very emotive area. Make sure you have correct insurance in place
Chris
I'm certainly a business advisor for my clients. Sometimes the only things needed are some common seance and to be a bit further from the situation. I find that often clients know the right answers but they either can't see the wood for the trees, or are afraid to take the actions necessary.
I agree with you Kris, and I often get asked for advice from my clients. I think Chris is right to sound a note of caution regarding tax advice though.
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
Hi Boris
I agree with the others about tax advice - if you are thinking of going along these lines you need to be appropriately qualified. Plus make sure your PII cover provides enough cover. Your bookkeeping clients will always ask questions or need advice about a range of things which your degree will come in useful for helping to answer but there will be a raft of things that you can only assist with once you have gained more experience or act like a sponge to learn in your spare time. I would suggest you consider what 'advice' you would be willing and capable of providing as this could be an add on service eg I am sure your business degree will have taught you to do businessplans so this is perhaps an area where you can assist a client, in part (the part you might need to expand your learning on is forecasting), although my question would then be, as an ex financier, would this businessplan stand up enough to enable your client to get any funding they need.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
