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• # 117372
• Thu 13 Dec 2018 07:24 PM

I am currently completeing my ICB Level 2, 3 and 4 Qualification in Bookkeeeping and Accounting. As I come from a family full of self-employed people and friends also, I am quite positive about gaining clients quite quickly (do have a well paid part time job so don't worry, not being too ambitious!), I wanted to ask if anyone has gone straight in to Bookkeeping self-employed by themselves after they've qualified and not worked in an Accounting business before for experience?

I understand the steps I need to take in becoming self-employed and the expenses and am prepared just didn't know if there was a strong opinion of NOT plunging straight in to this. 

The only thing is I don't want to commit to an Accounting and Bookkeeping business full time and then regret it? As I've always planned to do this by myself, I'm more of an independent worker and just plainly have the drive to be my own boss and do this myself.

PLEASE tell me if I'm in over my head, would appreciate anyone getting back to me.

Georgia

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• # 117373
• Thu 13 Dec 2018 08:17 PM

Hello! 

Yes I went straight into self employment after completing level 3, I started level 4 but didn't enjoy it as much so I've parked it for a while and doing my payroll diploma now. I'll get round to finishing my level 4 in 2019 I'm sure. During my studying I offered to work for free for a local charity on their accounts which has given me invaluable experience along with shadowing another bookkeeper within business. If you have the opportunity I would recommend doing something similar. Since being self employed I've found it easy to get going and gain clients. I have been in banking for 10 years so dealing with customers, looking at their banking and discussing finance comes naturally to me. So bookkeeping has been applying my skills in another way as opposed to a brand new career. I'd also recommend going to your local branch meetings, every month I've attended I've taken so much learning from other more experienced bookkeepers also! If you have any questions feel free to get in touch. 

Amy 

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• # 119266
• Tue 24 Nov 2020 06:51 PM

Has anyone here started self-employment with qualifications only, without eperience in employment? I'm worried it's too much and it's better to get a job in accounts first to gain experience.

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• # 119267
• Wed 25 Nov 2020 10:22 AM

Turefu said:

“Has anyone here started self-employment with qualifications only, without eperience in employment? I'm worried it's too much and it's better to get a job in accounts first to gain experience.”

 Hi, 

I went straight into being a self employed bookkeeper after finishing my level 3 and payroll during the first lockdown.  I'm fortunate I have another business that provides my regular income as so far I've just got 6 clients and I'm coming up to 6 months of being in practice now.  It depends on what contacts you have I guess and how much of sales person you want to be.  I personally would love to get some exeperience in practice to cement in the knowledge from what I've learnt in my studies, but personally I can't afford to take what a practice pays.  I'm also fortunate to have a good friend who's a bookkeeper, so if I get stuck with anything she's always there to help. 

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• # 119281
• Thu 26 Nov 2020 06:30 PM

dave@driveaheadbookkeeping.co.uk said:

“

Turefu said:

“Has anyone here started self-employment with qualifications only, without eperience in employment? I'm worried it's too much and it's better to get a job in accounts first to gain experience.”

---

 Hi, 

I went straight into being a self employed bookkeeper after finishing my level 3 and payroll during the first lockdown.  I'm fortunate I have another business that provides my regular income as so far I've just got 6 clients and I'm coming up to 6 months of being in practice now.  It depends on what contacts you have I guess and how much of sales person you want to be.  I personally would love to get some exeperience in practice to cement in the knowledge from what I've learnt in my studies, but personally I can't afford to take what a practice pays.  I'm also fortunate to have a good friend who's a bookkeeper, so if I get stuck with anything she's always there to help. 

”

 Thank you Dave, that was very helpful. I've already done payroll qualification, now I'm doing Level 3. I also got other business, which provides me with income and bookkeeping can be done outside office hours. I'm not sure should I start my bookkeeping business without experience. 

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