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• # 71102
• Wed 18 May 2011 05:10 PM

Hi Mike

I would say your age is an asset. I'm 50, started my practise a couple of months ago and have over 40 hours work per week. I had no previous experience in bookkeeping, save doing a two month spell as temp credit controller when I was 18. My background was in engineering, but in both fields an analytical mind and methodical approach is required - experience isn't just about how many years you've been a bookkeeper. But I will admit the learning curve is quite steep.

As James says, some clients prefer to have a slightly wrinkly bookkeeper - if you've got them flaunt them!


Cheers

Mike

Edited at 18 May 2011 05:13 PM GMT

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• # 71107
• Wed 18 May 2011 06:58 PM

Hi Mike 

I would say everything is on your side.  You are exactly the right age.  Rightly or wrongly I think when it comes the age thing real life tends to favour the older male .  

I am only joking but businesses do seem to love that 50 year old look from men in Finance.    

On a serious note your never to old to learn, yes try to get a much experience as you can.   Just because someone has been doing Bookkeeping for years it not always a good thing.

At the moment I have been far to busy over the last couple of years and have not had anything like  the time to do as much learning as I would like.  I think this takes its toll on your practice and clients can see it , especially if there used to you been on the ball and knowing the latest software upgrades and all the numerous tax rules that keep changing.   I do but not as much as I would like.

The advantage of you starting out, is your knowledge will be fresh and new.   So I say go for it if you would really like to. 

• Sarah Douglas C.FICB

  HouseTree Business Ltd 

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