Hi All

I found this website after searching the web for forums for accountants as I'm hoping to get some advice in starting out in practice for the first time.

I've have 12+ years experience for an educational institution but I've never worked in practice so it's all going to be quite new to me and I'm not quite sure the best way to get started.

I have a lot of questions from how to find clients, then how to manage them and recommendations for software, services like insurance so I think it's best to begin right at the start with what I am thinking to do first.

The first thing is whether or not to resign my current job and jump straight in, or if I should hold onto it and play it safe by getting things going slowly and carefully. Including leave still up my sleeve, I think I'd be fine for 2-3 months depending on start-up costs as I'm sure I would have missed some things.

Would you recommend making the leap or playing it safe?

What would you recommend as the first things to sort out before I even think of trying to win clients or worry about marketing? If making the leap would you sort some things out before resigning, such as a website, or is it better to jump straight in and concentrate fully on my business?

Thanks

A

Hi Al

Thank you very much for the words.

I do think I agree with holding on to the current job to play it safe and give me time to do it properly, without worry about relying on it for income.

I'm not confident in much of the other stuff, especially sales and marketing. I expect these are things I'll pick up over time, or with any luck be able to pay someone to take it off my hands.

A