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• # 70943
• Fri 13 May 2011 04:37 PM

Hi everyone,

I've recently finished my course for level 1 & 2 in manual bookkeeping and will be looking to take exams shortly. I'm hoping to eventually set up on my own and would like to know of other people's experiences in doing this.

Was it difficult?
Where there any challenges you came accross?
How was it finding work?
etc

And finally are you glad you took the decision to go it alone? 

Gemma 

Edited at 13 May 2011 04:38 PM GMT

Edited at 13 May 2011 05:59 PM GMT

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• # 70946
• Fri 13 May 2011 05:51 PM

Hi Gemma

I'm in no man's land at the moment - I have passed my level 1 and 2 manual bookkeeping and am awaiting the results of the level 2 computerised exam.  In the meantime I have got my practice license and set myself up to take on some clients and have written to local accountants telling them I'm here, and done some local advertising.  But I this has all been in the last 2 weeks and I'm just sitting here waiting for the phone to ring.....

It's been very straightfirward and easy - just be prepared to wait a few weeks for your license to come through when you apply for it, don't advertise your services until you have the license number, and prepare some stationery now while you have time so that you can submit this to the ICB (if you want to use the crest on it) so they can approve it.  This includes all adverts and website too.  Good luck!
 
 

• Debbie
  www.beckcottage.com
  
  

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• # 70948
• Fri 13 May 2011 06:04 PM

Thanks for your reply Debbie, I was just after a little insight. Did you have a course in computerised or just get to grips with the software yourself to take the exam?

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• # 70952
• Fri 13 May 2011 10:01 PM

Hi I am in a simimalr postion. I have just set up practice and sorting advertising ect. Im getting as much advice as I can. I currently have maintained my full time job as I am very nervous about going it alone 100% but looking forward to make the jump as I start getting some clients. Hope it all goes well for you both :)

• Aaron Lilley
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• # 70958
• Sat 14 May 2011 12:56 PM

gemmagem said:

“Thanks for your reply Debbie, I was just after a little insight. Did you have a course in computerised or just get to grips with the software yourself to take the exam?”

• Debbie
  www.beckcottage.com
  
  

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• # 71127
• Thu 19 May 2011 12:40 PM

Hello
I have also set up in practise - done all the usual stuff like website, contacting local accountants, and put my details on the free sites.

I am continuring to work as a housekeeper whilst I build up my client list and eventually hope to do bookkeeping full-time.

I got my first (and so far only) client via the bank.  I signed up for a business bank accout as you get the first 2 years free - and the manager asked for a pile of my business cards to pass onto any new clients opening up a business account.

Here is hoping for more from the bank - but good luck to all starting out
Sally

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• # 71128
• Thu 19 May 2011 12:41 PM

Hello
I have also set up in practise - done all the usual stuff like website, contacting local accountants, and put my details on the free sites.

I am continuing to work as a housekeeper whilst I build up my client list and eventually hope to do bookkeeping full-time.

I got my first (and so far only) client via the bank.  I signed up for a business bank account as you get the first 2 years free - and the manager asked for a pile of my business cards to pass onto any new clients opening up a business account.

Here is hoping for more from the bank - but good luck to all starting out
Sally

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