Every company is required by law to “keep the books” and record all of its transactions, which means an AAT bookkeeping qualification can teach you in demand skills and open up a wealth of potential roles in all kinds of different industries. But many bookkeepers prefer the flexibility of being self-employed, and choose to become freelance bookkeepers instead.
AAT requires all its members wishing to offer self-employed bookkeeping services attain a Bookkeeping license. You’ll have to fill in a form and pass a few ethics tests, plus provide evidence that you comply with all the various requirements such as having professional indemnity insurance. This permits you to provide up to four services:
- Bookkeeping
- Financial accounting and accounts preparation for sole traders and partnerships
- Computerised accountancy systems
- Value added tax
You will not automatically be approved to practice in all of these areas: you must specify on your application which services you want to provide and demonstrate competence in them. You’ll also have to pay a fee of £140 in order to receive your license.
Once you become an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper you receive anti-money laundering supervision for free, as well as additional AAT resources to help you in your new career. Your License will prove to any potential clients that, in addition to the skills gained through your qualification, you also possess the highest professional and ethical standards, and that you are someone that can be trusted with handling their financial affairs. Just one more way AAT can help give your career a boost!
