Where to start

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited 12:08PM in AAT member discussion
ok so have done all the studying.... and now thinking of doing book keeping from home but literally don't know where to start!
Have sorted out advertisments in local rags and am dab hand at vat returns, can see myself doing general book keeping and little bits in preparation maybe for it to be passed to a accountant - just don't know what to expect when meet clients or what to say to them.. it's easy doing questions out of a text book! for example daft i know but it just where do i start if they give me a bag of receipts!

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Where to start


    First of all if you are an AAT member you have to apply to become a Member in Practice. You should also look into Insurance (which is a requirement for Members in Practice).

    With the Clients on take on I handle them in different ways depending on how complicated they are and what they are looking for from me. You might find it helpful to speak to their Accountant first to see what they are looking for, but make sure you have your clients permission. You could try looking at how they have been presenting the books previously. You need to make a decision on each client as to whether the work can be done on a spreadsheet or whether you need to use an accounts package.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Where to start

    I agree with Sue - I handle each of my clients individually. I do know of a couple of bookkeeping bureaux who insist on using there own routines and systems. That's fine if there are no systems in place, but I have found that most clients already have some software or systems in place, and for those that don't you really need to assess their requirements before deciding on software.
    If you're new to "being in business" have a look at your local Business Link - they provide free courses to start up business, offer advice on marketing and any other general topics.
    When you meet prospective clients you will be selling your services, but also finding out all you need to know in order to complete their books.
    The "bag of receipts" syndrome can be a bit daunting but you can use this to your advantage as an opportunity to learn about the client's business, with the comfort of knowing that once you get it all up to date it will be easy to keep it up to date.
    Good luck
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Where to start

    Confidence would seem to be the key in getting started - it may be worth selecting an industry that you know something about and targeting it through a mailshot. You will not get a massive response as you are narrowing your field, but it may well be a starting point.

    Also, try and sort out a reference, even if that means doing a bit of work for nothing.

    My experience so far is that word of mouth is the most efficient way to get new business - albeit a frustratingly slow way !

    Good luck

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