Stay-at-home accountants how to get started

Stay-at-home accountants how to get started by Amber Rolfe Being an accountant: on your own terms. Accountancy is not only an extremely lucrative career with excellent prospects, it’s also a career that could come with great flexibility â€" allowing you the opportunity to work from the comfort of your own home. But how can you break into a freelance accountancy role, and make the most out of your skills?We spoke to  Kaplan Financial, one of the UK’s leading providers of accountancy qualifications, to find out the best ways to get started as a stay-at-home accountant:Get AAT qualified The first step to becoming a qualified stay-at-home accountant is to start studying.Providing expert knowledge and enabling you to gain practical accountancy skills first-hand, AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)  are the industry leader for accountants, and their great range of qualifications will allow you to start looking for roles as soon as you’ve finished studying.With over 120,000 members in over 90 countries all over the world, AAT is the UK’s leading professional membership body for accounting staff.Not only are they globally recognised, they’re also sponsored by professional (and leading) accounting bodies such as CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA, and ICAS â€" making them the minimum requirement for any accountant in the UK.And, with courses to suit all experience levels (from Foundation level straight through to fully Chartered) and the option to study full-time, part-time, or entirely online, there’s an AAT qualification out there to suit everyone. What is an AAT Foundation course?What job can I get with AAT?  Gain some accountancy experience Whilst you don’t necessarily need to have worked in accountancy to become a stay-at-home accountant, gaining some experience in the field will certainly help boost your employability.A portfolio of experience will not only build your practical skills and knowledge, it’ll also help you stand out to clients â€" as well as grow your professional network.Howeve r, this doesn’t mean you need to secure a full-time job.There are a variety of part-time roles, accountancy apprenticeships, and internships that’ll help you learn and apply valuable accountancy knowledge in a practical way â€" without getting tied down.Carrying out volunteer work in a finance department, or even doing accounting work for your friends and family, is also a great way to break into the industry.Don’t overlook the legalities As you’ll be classed as self-employed, it’s important to ensure you’ve got the legal side covered before you begin.The steps you’ll have to take to make sure your business adheres to legal standards will differ depending on whether you want to operate as a limited company, a freelancer, a sole trader, or another type of business.For example, if you decide to register as a limited company, you’ll have your own legal rights and obligations; including tax registration, obtaining the necessary permits, licences, and certificates, openin g a business bank account, and more.It’s also important to make sure your business is insured, and you have access to the relevant accountancy software â€" with scope to purchase more advanced software, e.g. cloud accounting, as your business grows.Freelance work: What you need to know  Build a client base OK, so you’ve got the skills; now it’s time to market them.Firstly, it’s vital to ensure you have a website set up, which not only demonstrates what you can do, but also shows prospective clients how you’re different. In other words, find your USP, and talk about it.A number of freelance sites will also allow you to advertise your services, without having your own domain.Secondly, never underestimate the importance of an online presence. As a stay-at-home accountant, the internet is your best friend.Whether its accountancy forums, social media groups, or industry events, ongoing communication with other professionals and potential clients in your field is key; not to men tion constantly learning about the newest developments and updates within the industry.And, once you start to build your client base, it’s always a good idea to encourage feedback that’ll help expand your network. In addition to asking anyone you’ve worked with for testimonials to feature on your website, you could also consider offering a referral fee for clients who recommend you to their friends.Personal branding: What you need to know  Benefits of being a stay-at-home accountant There are many benefits of being a stay-at-home accountant. Here are a few of the best reasons to get started:You’ll be able to be your own bossYou’ll have a better work-life balanceYou can choose your projectsYou won’t have to commuteYou’ll create your own successYou’ll be able to work flexibly  Why study with Kaplan Financial?Whatever study method or course you’re interested in, Kaplan have something for you.Not only are they one of the UKs most respected course providers, offering in dustry leading training in accounting and business expertise, they also provide a wide range of different types of learning â€" including classroom, distance and online learning.Other benefits of studying with Kaplan Financial include:Exceptional pass rates across all of their coursesInterest free payment plans70+ years training accountantsPrices inclusive of exams and study materialsIndustry leading support â€" whether online, or in classWorld recognised qualifications, and endorsements from some of the UKs biggest businesses (including all of the top 10 accounting firms)Find out moreReady to start studying?  Start an AAT course with Kaplan today.Kaplan Financial  are the UK leader in financial, accountancy and business training. Their mission is to help individuals achieve their goals and realise their potential.