Free Bookkeeping help...

[Leonlstubbs]

OK, hopefully the thread title has brought bookkeepers here aswell as people who want free bookkeeping services. To the latter, this thread probably isn't what you are looking for.

I'll stop talking in riddles now and get to the point.

I am very interested to become a bookkeeper but have no qualifications or practical experience in a similar area. I was considering an accounting degree but I am put off by the fee's and would idealy like to begin gaining experience in the area as soon as possible. I'm currently self studying from Kaplan's ICB Beginner/intermediate textbook and I am finding it very interesting and could certainly see myself doing this kind of work: I plan to move on to the Advanced text-book next month.

I have started this thread in the hope of finding a bookkeeper in my local area - Bury, Lancashire - who would be interested in letting me help them with their work for a period of time. My main aim at the moment is to begin to get some experience in this area and then, in the knowledge that I've got a shot at it, begin actually taking exams. I would work for/with them for free, for a number of months, in exchange for experience and a reference.

A little about me: I'm currently unemployed, 24 years of age, and previously worked in retail. I completed a level three qualification last year with top grades (good enough to get me an interview at Manchester University) and I am at grade A standard in GCSE Maths. I also have a great interest in economics, finance and business which I read and study in my spare time. I have good computer skills and I'm very eagre to learn whatever software is required for bookkeeping should I become confident that I will be able to use it to actually earn a living at some point.

I would be extreemely happy to hear back from anyone who finds this idea interesting and I would also appreciate any pointers that other posters could give.

Thanks,

Leon

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Leon first of all very best of luck to you

Have you tried/considered writing to some local accountants yet?

 

[Leonlstubbs]

Leon first of all very best of luck to you

Have you tried/considered writing to some local accountants yet?

Thanks for the well-wishes.

I have considered both writing to accountants and handing letters to local businesses for them to hand to their accountants/bookkeepers.

I'm not sure how the market for bookkeeping services is yet, thus my caution and not sending the letters out yet. I'm not sure how big businesses usually are when they switch from doing their books themselves to paying a bookountant to do it for them; I'm not sure if I would be best getting in touch with freelancers or companies; I'm not even sure if the deal I describe would be attractive to them.

Do you know if the market is swamped with volunteers?

Thanks

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Thanks for the well-wishes.

I have considered both writing to accountants and handing letters to local businesses for them to hand to their accountants/bookkeepers.

I'm not sure how the market for bookkeeping services is yet, thus my caution and not sending the letters out yet. I'm not sure how big businesses usually are when they switch from doing their books themselves to paying a bookountant to do it for them; I'm not sure if I would be best getting in touch with freelancers or companies; I'm not even sure if the deal I describe would be attractive to them.

Do you know if the market is swamped with volunteers?

Thanks

If it's something you really want to do and are committed to yes I'd definitely get some letters out.

My view if you are committed and good enough and show you are keen you will find something if you try hard enough but you may have to try very hard

To get some idea of how many people are considering bookkeeping doing some searches on here may help.

 

[Leonlstubbs]

If it's something you really want to do and are committed to yes I'd definitely get some letters out.

My view if you are committed and good enough and show you are keen you will find something if you try hard enough but you may have to try very hard

To get some idea of how many people are considering bookkeeping doing some searches on here may help.

I am, and I will do.

Another pretty important question I have is: are there any specific tasks that a bookountant would really love to have someone whiz through for them? A worry of mine is that I wont be given a chance because I wont know how to use their software, so I feel asif I need some skills / to have mastered a particular thing that would make me an instant asset.

 

[kevin.doran]

Sage experience is usually a bonus. There's probably online tuition somewhere or your local college should run a short course.

 

[SSP Bookkeeper]

I started out in a very similar way. I emailed every accountant and bookkeeper asking for work experience. I had the mind set of " If I don't ask, I'm not going to get" and I was lucky enough to get a reply for an offer of work experience on a "as and when needed" basis. This soon turned into a part time job for me before finally taking the plunge and going self employed myself. The experience I gained was invaluable at the time and definitely something I would recommend you doing. Not every accountant/bookkeeper will have the time or resources to help you, but like I said " If you don't ask, you may never get"

Best of Luck.