How did you start out self-employed?

[Demarera]

How did you self-employed members start out?<BR>Did anyone start by taking AAT whilst in employment then setting up on your own, without taking further qualifications (even if you took more later)? <BR>I am just sending off my application form (amid postal strikes!) for MAAT status, having passed all my exams, and wondered if I am entitled to set up as a self-employed bookeeper/accountant (whether part- or full-time)? <BR><BR>

[Demarera]

How do I get started? Can anyone help?

[smcgiff]

Howdy Demarera,<BR><BR>If you live in the UK you'll need to apply to the AAT to become a self-employed AAT. If you are based outside the UK, you can be self-employed on becoming an AAT member.<BR><BR>

[Demarera]

Thanks for responding, smcgiff. What am I entitled to do for clients with my MAAT status? Can anyone list the things I am allowed to take on to make it clearer, or maybe list the things I am not allowed to do in people's accounts if that's any more straight forward! <BR>Much appreciated, self-employed members :-)

[Rydell]

It would probably be best if you contacted the AAT and spoke to an advisor. The number is 02078 378 600.<BR>They will tell you exactly what you can and cant do, thye could also advise you on what to advertise yourself as (as you are not legally and accountant).<BR>Let me know how it goes!

[smcgiff]

There is no legal definition of accountant. ASAIK, there is no law to stop anyone, including AAT's, from using the term accountant to describe themselves. An AAT or non-practice certificate holding accountants cannot perform the Audit of companies. Companies under the exemption threshold do not need to be audited and AATâ??s can prepare their accounts. Apart from this exception I think the AAT are happy to support their members to hold themselves out to perform all other work, as long as they have the ability/facilities to perform this work. Proof of having carried out this work under supervision before etc needs to be provided to the AAT on application for Self Employed status. AATâ??s in the UK also have the support network of CPE. As Rydell said, it may be best to contact the AAT officially.