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• # 113944
• Tue 11 Oct 2016 04:05 PM

Hi

Just after a bit of kindly advice from those experienced practicing bookkeepers amongst us...

I've sent an email out to some local accountants offering my freeelance bookkeeping services, and have had some requests to meet.  Ideally I would like to take on clients directly, but wonder whether I'm being a bit optimistic?  I don't offer tax return services (other than VAT), and have pointed this out in my introductory email.

I wondered what the experiences were of others here; are accountants nervous about handing out clients for bookkeeping work?  And (...the inevitable question) what sort of rates should I look to negotatiate if it were a sub-contract arrangement.  I'm based in Warwickshire.

Any advice and thoughts will be very much appreciated.

Deb

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• # 113958
• Fri 14 Oct 2016 09:05 AM

Hi Deb

I do ad hoc work for several accountants.  All but one I work to the accountant not to the direct client.   

I charge less to the accountants than to direct clients but they provide me with regular work either in their offices or working from home. I also will bounce ideas / questions of them so its a win / win as far as i'm concerned.

Regards

Liz

• Time can never be replaced. Spend it wisely.

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• # 113964
• Fri 14 Oct 2016 09:33 PM

Hi Deb,

I work some of my time for an accountant who got to know my work through a mutual client, and asked me to work for her. The hourly rate I'm paid is quite a lot less than I would charge for my own clients, but when I factor in all the benefits of working with a really good accountant, it is worth it to me. We work in a team and bounce ideas around each other, plus we get training in new software etc. Finding your own clients is a lot of hard work and you have to bear the responsibility for the work yourself. I think that good bookkeepers are always in demand. That's my experience anyway. 

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• # 113965
• Fri 14 Oct 2016 09:33 PM

Hi Deb,

I work some of my time for an accountant who got to know my work through a mutual client, and asked me to work for her. The hourly rate I'm paid is quite a lot less than I would charge for my own clients, but when I factor in all the benefits of working with a really good accountant, it is worth it to me. We work in a team and bounce ideas around each other, plus we get training in new software etc. Finding your own clients is a lot of hard work and you have to bear the responsibility for the work yourself. I think that good bookkeepers are always in demand. That's my experience anyway. 

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