sub-contract work

[freewrite]

I would like to get some sub-contract work with local accountants, has anyone had any success in this and if so what is the best way to go about it and what rates do they offer

[interactivesue]

I started sub-contracting for a local accountants a couple of months ago. I get paid by the hour & invoice them at the end of each job. I'm only half way thru intermediate level & don't have much experience so my hourly rate is still fairly low. They are happy to teach me anything i don't know as i go along. This obviously keeps their costs down & gives me loads of experience which is invaluable.<BR><BR>I mainly prepare the accounts of sole traders & partnerships, so nothing too big at the moment. I also do some bookkeeping for a couple of their clients.<BR><BR>I don't know about other accountancy practices but they have got tons of work for me. <BR><BR>Good luck. Let me know if you decide to go for it.

[freewrite]

thanks for your info, it was very useful. I'll let you know how I get on

[amanda]

I recently wrote to 20 large accountancy firms in my local area giving them my personal details, qualifications, charges & a business card. I have got 4 firms who will recommend me to people needing a book-keeper. I think this is a very useful source of clients. I now have 3 regular clients & hope things will pick up when the SATR's start hitting the doormat!

[SAR]

I know its abit late but I was just reading a message posted by Interactive Sue from June.<BR><BR>Ive just finished the Intermediate level too and Im about to start looking for suncontract work. <BR><BR>You mentioned that your hourly rate is low because youre on Intermediate level. Ive been told to charge over £20 by some people and under £10 by others, which seems a large difference.<BR><BR>Id value your opinion on which you think is the most appropriate rate.<BR>Thanks<BR>SAJ

[interactivesue]

Hi Saj<BR><BR>I guess how much you charge your clients depends on your experience. I feel happier charging a lower amount because I had no practical experience and only knew what I had learnt from textbooks. The Accountancy Practice have been very supportive and I can phone them and ask anything I'm not sure about. I wouldn't feel comforable doing this if I was charging £20 an hour. As I take on new clients I would expect to charge a higher amount but wouldn't then expect them to act as mentors/advisers.<BR><BR>I don't know what the going rate is for sub-contractors as I am new to all this, but I've been told that good book-keepers in this area would expect to be paid £15-£20 an hour. If you know what you're doing and feel confident then i would have thought this would be a reasonable amount to charge.<BR><BR>It would be great to know how you get on.<BR>Sue<BR><BR>

[Football]

I have been working for a company and self-employed for over two years now. I complete the SATR'S and charge a fixed rate per Return. I think 15-20 per hour is about right. Just remember to keep some aside for your own tax at th end of the year.<BR>I want to get into Accountancy practices and possibly get a permenant part time job so I can leave my current full time employment.<BR><BR>Any suggestions??????????????

[ct]

I started working as self employed four years ago. I found it extremely difficult to find accountants who were willing to pass work over to me. The way that I did it was to work as a book keeper in industry, not in the accoutnancy profession. That way you will be in contact with these business's accountancy firms. When they get to know you, and your standrad of work, they will then either be wiling to use you themselves or pass your details over to other accountancy firms. This word of mouth advertising is the best way of getting into this profession.<BR><BR>Also, you must have a good all round expereience. The more you can do, the more useful you will be to an accountant. Again, working in industry will get you this experience. Especially, in smaller business's.<BR><BR>The hourly rate you charge will depend on which area you are working in, but my advise is to start your rate lower than other book keepers in your area initially. This will help you get work easier, as you are less costly. <BR><BR>Once you have built up a client base, and the expereience, you can then ask the going rate. Always remember, if you want a successful business, look after your clients, and they will want to stay with you.<BR>