Starting my own practice (AAT)

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I have just finished AAT level 4, and am currently working with an accountancy firm on a voluntary basis. I have sent my CV out about 6 times out and had zero response. I am considereing starting my own practice focused on self employed, plumbers, contractors etc. I would love some feedback regarding where to start, how to guides or useful events. I am 46 years old and have been a recruitment consultant and mortgage broker. I am comfortable speaking with people at all levels, but want to make sure I am technically prepared as possible before speaking to that first potential client

Replies (9)

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By Accountant A
11th Oct 2019 20:54

Have a look here:

https://www.aat.org.uk/membership/becoming-a-licensed-member

Unless you have a reasonable depth and breadth of practical experience you will struggle to do clients justice.

If you use the search function on here, you will find recommendations for accounting/tax software and marketing your business.

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Replying to Accountant A:
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By Clarkie73
12th Oct 2019 09:52

Thanks for the response. I’m going to apply for my license at end of the year. The plan is to start with “ one man bands”, sole traders. While studying Acca or ATT.

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Replying to Clarkie73:
By mrme89
12th Oct 2019 12:09

You cannot do that as an ACCA student.

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Replying to mrme89:
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By Clarkie73
12th Oct 2019 15:51

Not sure if we have got crossed wires. I have completed AAT level 4, I have been working on a part time voluntary basis with an accountant for coming up to 12 months. I intend to apply for the AAT license to practice, but will continue studying either ACCA or ATT

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Replying to mrme89:
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By Clarkie73
12th Oct 2019 17:34

Not sure if we have got crossed wires. I have completed AAT level 4, I have been working on a part time voluntary basis with an accountant for coming up to 12 months. I intend to apply for the AAT license to practice, but will continue studying either ACCA or ATT

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Replying to Clarkie73:
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By Accountant A
12th Oct 2019 12:19

Clarkie73 wrote:

The plan is to start with “ one man bands”, sole traders. While studying Acca or ATT.

Was going to say check if you can do that but mrme89 has answered that point.

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By GR
11th Oct 2019 21:56

As has already been mentioned, apply for a practising licence with the AAT and take it from there.

ATT is a good tax qualification should you wish to get technically competent on tax.

Delia Hudson has recently written a short guide on starting your own accountancy firm which can probably be bought online for a tenner.

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Replying to GR:
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By Clarkie73
12th Oct 2019 09:53

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I’ll look up the Delia Hudson guide.

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By penelope pitstop
13th Oct 2019 00:55

Whatever you do, be careful about taking on clients who are self employed, plumbers and contractors etc.

Personally, I would not touch plumbers or contractors.

But that's just me!

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