Any bookkeepers on here?

[bookendedbylife1]

Hi there, I'm thinking of training to be a book keeper over the next couple of years. I'm early 50s and know that I'd like to reduce my ft working hours in about 4 years time, and am thinking of becoming a self employed book keeper for small local businesses. Does this sound feasible? My current job is unrelated. I'm numerate but I don't have any finance experience. However, I'm good at sales and marketing, so the finding clients side wouldn't faze me.

I wouldn't be looking to earn £££. I'm thinking more of it as a way to earn a small income as I get old(er). I'm happy to invest in training courses.

Thanks for any advice.

Look into doing the AAT. I used to do my parents bookkeeping when I was 15. Everything then went to an accountant to sort out the tax etc. if you can qualify with the AAT, you’ll be qualified to do the full accounts for small and medium sized businesses. I can’t imagine many companies wanting to pay you to do basic bookkeeping to then pay a proper accountant as well (although I might be wrong), but if you can offer the full service cheaper because you aren’t a chartered accountant, that would put you above other bookkeepers!

Thanks Tillow4ever. Yes, that’s my thinking, that I could be a relatively inexpensive resource for small firms but obviously it will take a while to build up. I suppose my main concern is if there’s enough work out there as I don’t want to invest in training if I can’t then use it!

There isnt as much call for bookkeepers as there was. There is a a lot of software that makes it relatively easy for even small businesses to keep their own books.

indeed. It may be only small sole traders etc that may still need bookkeeping help, but be warned they won’t want to pay much and some can be a bit challenging at times. Be warned.