How is business...?

[BlueRhapsody]

I wonder how AAT members in practice compare with CCAB members in practice in terms of the amount of work and financial rewards they generate? Is it worth going on to try to be an ACCA practising accountant, for example, with all the time, energy and commitment that involves, bearing in mind the three years practising certificate after you have passed their exams,...or not?<BR><BR>I am not looking for people to disclose their income, rather just to get general opinion and personal experience.<BR><BR>Thanks.

[BirchCooper]

Hello<BR><BR>I became a MIP just over 4 years ago, starting from scratch, with no client base. With a little hard work and a lot of networking, I now have a thriving practice with just under 80 clients, who keep me very busy! I work from a converted garage at home, so I have few overheads and can offer a cost effective service. I specialise in small businesses, sole traders, small Ltd Companies etc. and find that there seems to be a niche in the market in my locality at least, for this sort of client. I am only??? an FMAAT and can see no reason to change this as my practising licence covers me for all of my needs and the support from AAT is superb!<BR><BR>I have to say that this is the best thing that I have ever done, the work is always rewarding, sometimes hard, but I could never go back to working for an employer again! Without revealing my income, all I can say is that I am certainly living quite comfortably now, althought that took a couple of years to happen. <BR><BR>If you want any further details or support, please do not hesitate to contact me at aat@birchcooper.com I will be pleased to try to help.<BR><BR>Good luck and best wishes

[mary]

Hi BirchCooper
I'm very interested in the fact that you deal with small limited companies. I've been trading for about 15 years, dealing with sole traders and partnerships. I've always avoided small limited companies and have in the past had to tell them to go elsewhere if they've decided to go Ltd. I'm put off by the different rules andtax treatment and worried about getting it wrong. Can you recommend any way of me getting into this field as I would very much like to keep these clients and indeed get more!
Regards

[ANNALR22]

Hi birchcooper and mary,

mary I have felt the same way as you for awhile when it comes to limited companies. if you want we could keep in touch by email and share experiences and help eachother through the first steps? birchcooper, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

annalhughes@gmail.com