I am going to set up as a (very) small practitioner in 2017, initially on a small scale whilst my children are little. I want to do some cpd training, get a feel for current issues and get an understanding of good pricing structure, marketing and best accounting and practice software.
What conferences/ accounting training have you found most beneficial? So you have an idea of where I am currently, I am chartered with an audit background and have had a couple of years off. Thanks in advance for your help!
Replies (15)
Please login or register to join the discussion.
In terms of keeping up to date, with tax news anyway, I would recommend taxtv.
Its £199 + VAT a year and I think there are 11 episodes a year.
It is great and Giles and Tim make it very watchable.
If you want background info rather than solely CPD you could register on this site for the free Practice Excellence Live Broadcasts.
There are I think three more to run this week, the one at 2.00 p.m. today is on The Tax Legislation Pipeline then two tomorrow discussing Tech.
What I find difficult with them is finding the registration links on this site, having watched half of this morning's on tax , that I registered for last week( I was interrupted by a call from Pensions Regulator re a scheme that needs to confirm adherence so missed half of it) I eventually registered for this afternoon's and the two tomorrow, but did find it really difficult to find the registration page without e mail link from my original registration.
A Web-you need to make things easier to find on here.
For marketing and general practice advice, suggestions, I'd have a look at 2020.
Most of what they propose or promote you probably won't go with, but it'll help you get your thinking cap on about the type of practice you want to create.
Good luck, by the way.
If you have been out of action for a bit where do you feel your knowledge is lacking.
I had spent 12 years in industry so my knowledge had become very industry specific. I did the ATT course in the 12 month prior to setting up which brought my tax knowledge up to speed before starting out.
For CPD I use on line webinars
When are you starting up? If its the new year its worth going to Accountex as all main suppliers are there covering, software, training and a lot of marketing providers.
For software advice look on here as its probably the most asked question. Prepare a short list then book some demos of them. The software market will change a lot over next 2 years so keep an open mind.
Marketing is something that is not natural to accountants so is the hardest bit to learn there is loads of advice on what works and what does not
there is a few start up guides on here which you will find useful.
Good Luck
I also like online webinars. It's very convenient and if the content or presenter isn't good I can just switch it off. Agree too about Accountex. There is every kind of speaker and workshop there. You can pick and choose what to attend. And it's free. It would be a good starting point.
Another vote for 2020
They will give you your CPD training plus plenty of other useful stuff for running a practice.
Also go to Accountex which is at London Excel on 10 and 11 May next year. I go every year and always pick up some useful information.
I have the same certificates as you.
I went to the local technical college and sat for a term going through the ACCA level 2 tax study pack....brought it all back
The accounts are like falling off a log - its the tax you have to worry about
Hello
Getting started in the right way from the get-go is crucial. I consult and advise accounting firms of all shapes and sizes and all would have made greater progress faster if they'd been smarter in the beginning about pricing, marketing and managing client expectations.
I'd suggest you check out the ICAEW conference later this month and get some of the valuable knowledge you seek - details here - https://events.icaew.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=detailview&imp=f&iid=3097....
The biggest win will be talking to as many practce owners as you can about their early experiences (mistakes) so that you get going brilliantly from the start. Wishing every success. Paul
Tolley CPD course can be an option. They are very comprehensive. LexisNexis provides the materials. You can ask a reduced price if you are a sole practitioner.
I am MAAT and have been for a number of years
The best update/CPD I undertook when I started my own practice was ACCA F7 Taxation module,
I booked into the local college/university and paid the £500 for a years course. I couldn't sit the exam because I'm not a registered ACCA student- nor could I be, as a working practitioner, but the training was superb and being in a class of highly motivated trainee professionals brought up a whole range of current issues well beyond the taxation scope. This really focused the mind and brought my skills up to date.
I am MAAT and have been for a number of years
The best update/CPD I undertook when I started my own practice was ACCA F7 Taxation module,
I booked into the local college/university and paid the £500 for a years course. I couldn't sit the exam because I'm not a registered ACCA student- nor could I be, as a working practitioner, but the training was superb and being in a class of highly motivated trainee professionals brought up a whole range of current issues well beyond the taxation scope. This really focused the mind and brought my skills up to date.
I would confirm the 2020 GRoup http://www.the2020group.com. For a modest annual fee you get a wide range of help briefs. In addition 2020 runs regional conferences covering tax etc which are included in the price.
For upto date tax knowledge I would recommend the ATT -AAT master course series. A whole day on uptodate tax and accounting with practical suggestions on how it affects the day to day practioner. http://www.att.org.uk/aat-att2016
ICAEW do some local courses on setting up in practice. I suggest you get in touch with your local group for a list of forthcoming events. Some branches have a local annual sole practitioner conference covering technical aspects and also giving you the chance to speak to other sole practitioners. Where are you based as I might be able to provide further information?