Bookkeeping

[RedJ]

I'm a part qualified accountant and as part of my qualification I'm also qualified as a standalone bookkeeper. I've recently been looking at doing a bit of sole trader accounts on the side (currently working in industry so I won't be poaching people off my work and they're supportive) and I'm in the process of applying for my AAT Licensed Bookkeeper, er, licence.

I know there's a few accounts people knocking about on here, any of you do anything like this and have you any advice? Just looking at doing a few a month for a bit of extra money really.

[NickDRFC]

I'm an accountant myself, FC at a company that provides accounting software aimed at small businesses/sole traders/practices & accountants looking after them (I always dread telling people what I do "oh aye, I'm an accountant...for a company that sells accounting software"), although I don't do anything on the side. The guy I replaced here did though and found it ok to juggle both that and his full time job up until he took on too many clients; may be a good idea to have some time booked off in January when the self-assessment deadline is approaching though, that will definitely be a hectic time for you.

I would recommend my company's software though if you're looking for something like that - if you'd be interested drop me a DM (not sure about advertising on here).

[RedJ]

Only really looking at doing a small number especially to begin with, I think as I'm just looking for something as I say to do on the side for a bit extra cash. I guess that's probably the biggest pitfall though, taking on too many clients. Currently using Sage as I do my dad's sole trader firm's books but might give you a shout sometime as I'm not hugely keen on it to be honest...

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Which qualification are you doing?  All credit to you if you could do something on the side. The last thing I want to do after work is anything related to finance.

[RedJ]

AAT. Taken a break from it before I go onto level 4 as to be honest I'm f**king sick of studying and exams after work for the moment, but the level 2 qualification allows you to apply for licensed bookkeeper status with AAT. Would like eventually to work in a practice and I think this would give me good experience (as I notice a lot of job adverts for accountants in practice want you to have experience in practice, I suppose understandably).

[GazLaz]

I remember when I was young and my mum was working and doing her ACCA exams. There was a lot of work involved and it took her years. She ended up being FC and FD for some massive companies global operations though so it was worth it in the end. It’s definitely not an easy thing to do if you are also working full time.