Self employed rates

[Liz]

I am planning to set up a self employed book-keeping practice. Can anyone give me an idea of an appropriate hourly rate for a newly qualified AAT working from home in London?

[SHEELAGH]

I think this will depend a lot on what you offer. I am a self employed bookkeeper with 20 years experience in the commercial sector, but I don't do tax, and I hand over to the client's accountant for preparation of final accounts. This is what I choose to do because it is a less pressured option which fits in with my lifestyle and family. I could probably charge/earn more if I offered more.<BR>Try looking at rates for jobs and temp bookings in your area, and add on a proprtion for your NI, PI cover and other overheads. I find many small owner managed businesses balk when they hear what my fees are because they can employ an offive administrator for much less. However, there are others who have used their (very expensive) accountants office for their bookkeeping and are pleased to hear that my bookkeeping fees are less.<BR>I wish you luck in your venture - let me know if you need any more info.

[kirstyd]

I was very interested by your message. I am looking to start doing book-keeping from home next year while I am on maternity leave. Can I just ask if I will need to become a member of the AAT (I was looking at the section on self-employed members). Do you know of a good website where I can find out about hourly rates etc (I have not got any idea of this!)<BR><BR>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thank you.<BR>