As a accountant wanting to start up my own firm, I understand that practicing certificates are issued by regulatory bodies but is it possible to start up without one?
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if youre qualified with one of the CCAB then you need a PC if youre qualified by experience you dont need a PC!!
Or...
...the magical 3rd option - you have qualified with one of the CCAB and decided that continued membership with a professional body offers you nothing of value. So, you resign your membership and operate without a PC. Same accountant, same academic achievement, same commitment to providing an excellent service....less c**p to put up with.
But remember
If your clients' try to raise funds they are likely to be faced with a request for accounts and/or an Accountant's Certificate. Most lenders will require these to be signed by an accountant from their list regulatory bodies. Imagine what it would do for your credibility if a successful client found that they cannot buy that house they want or the equipment they need because a financial insitution is not prepared to accept your accounts. Whatever some disgruntled accountants feel about the main accountancy bodies we cannot forget that they do provide comfort for outsiders by their oversight of practising members.
Why not take the strategic view that in the long-term you are better off with a practising certificate. Make an arrangement with a practising certificate holder so that they can supervise you while you gain the practice experience necessary to apply for a practising certificate in your own right. You might even find someone who would view that option as a viable retirement strategy.
You would probably find it difficult to make an arrangement with a local competitor but you may be able to make one with someone a little more remote geographically.