I've heard both sides of the argument over the years - expensive car = overcharging; expensive car = successful businessman. The comparisons are irrelevant now - the majority of cars bought are on HP - so no one knows whether its fully paid for.
If the price of your car is the reason for a client leaving then you probably haven't got the real reason. If they are into cars enough to notice it, they probably appreciate it - if they aren't into cars, it wont register.
Little point in overthinking it, get a car that you want, some of my clients have been 4+ hour drives in the past - I wouldn't want to do that commute in a car designed to pop to Tesco just in case a thrifty FD might take issue.
I don't know if this will help you, but I decided an office was worthwhile when 1) I couldn't bare to look at the same walls anymore; and 2) I felt it was time to get a staff member.
in respect of first staff member - mine was a bookkeeper who could prepare to TB. she's was more than happy to share the load of answering the phones - I struggled to justify someone who is not fee earning- but don't feel overwhelmed with admin.
Just my experience, and depends what you are used to - but I certainly feel better for both choices (especially now the partner is WFH...loudly).
I had a client who decided to do this recently. If you aren't doing these regularly, refer it to someone that does for a living- its a lot of setup, authorisations, valuations and admin with ongoing annual requirements, and if you get it wrong then any tax relief is gone, along with the client.
My client, naturally thought this was a 5 minute job, with no risk - I left it up to someone else, rather than doing it myself - better they take the risk.
Starting costs of £3k upward, for someone who knows what they are doing. A big think for one staff member IMO.
Unsure whether your clients would give much notice if the shoe were on the other foot.
The professional in me says as much notice as possible - the credit controller in me says sure up the debt and WIP ledger before any other action.
I would be prepared with an answer to the outgoing clients who ask why, and expect to receive appointment new accountants inside of the first couple of weeks after notice - I don't think I would do a final set of accounts and expect to get paid...
Sorry to be a neighsayer, but probably not. I think the AAT membership requirements mention that you will need a number of years relevant experience to be accepted as a member - usually the time you spend studying and working in unison.
It's unlikely that you will get an increased starting salary by having the study alone under your belt (some smaller firms will expect you to fund your study anyway), and run the risk of not meeting your future employer's knowledge expectations, as academic study is very different to practical skills learnt on the job.
If I were you, I would put the energy into relevant job hunting rather than spending your wages on study.
My answers
I also had a call just now asking too, so pleased to see they are on it!
Yes I noticed this too!
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I've heard both sides of the argument over the years - expensive car = overcharging; expensive car = successful businessman. The comparisons are irrelevant now - the majority of cars bought are on HP - so no one knows whether its fully paid for.
If the price of your car is the reason for a client leaving then you probably haven't got the real reason. If they are into cars enough to notice it, they probably appreciate it - if they aren't into cars, it wont register.
Little point in overthinking it, get a car that you want, some of my clients have been 4+ hour drives in the past - I wouldn't want to do that commute in a car designed to pop to Tesco just in case a thrifty FD might take issue.
I don't know if this will help you, but I decided an office was worthwhile when 1) I couldn't bare to look at the same walls anymore; and 2) I felt it was time to get a staff member.
in respect of first staff member - mine was a bookkeeper who could prepare to TB. she's was more than happy to share the load of answering the phones - I struggled to justify someone who is not fee earning- but don't feel overwhelmed with admin.
Just my experience, and depends what you are used to - but I certainly feel better for both choices (especially now the partner is WFH...loudly).
Sage will update them to the current version for you - call their support.
I had a client who decided to do this recently. If you aren't doing these regularly, refer it to someone that does for a living- its a lot of setup, authorisations, valuations and admin with ongoing annual requirements, and if you get it wrong then any tax relief is gone, along with the client.
My client, naturally thought this was a 5 minute job, with no risk - I left it up to someone else, rather than doing it myself - better they take the risk.
Starting costs of £3k upward, for someone who knows what they are doing. A big think for one staff member IMO.
Unsure whether your clients would give much notice if the shoe were on the other foot.
The professional in me says as much notice as possible - the credit controller in me says sure up the debt and WIP ledger before any other action.
I would be prepared with an answer to the outgoing clients who ask why, and expect to receive appointment new accountants inside of the first couple of weeks after notice - I don't think I would do a final set of accounts and expect to get paid...
Sorry to be a neighsayer, but probably not. I think the AAT membership requirements mention that you will need a number of years relevant experience to be accepted as a member - usually the time you spend studying and working in unison.
It's unlikely that you will get an increased starting salary by having the study alone under your belt (some smaller firms will expect you to fund your study anyway), and run the risk of not meeting your future employer's knowledge expectations, as academic study is very different to practical skills learnt on the job.
If I were you, I would put the energy into relevant job hunting rather than spending your wages on study.
Best of luck!
another vote for senta here.
is ok for me at the moment!