Hi all,

I have got myself an interview with an accountants with the prospect of getting some work outsourced to me.

I was after some advice with regards to any paperwork I should take with me? What sort of questions am I likely to be asked.

As I am new to starting up, I feel this could be a big step and if I was able to seal some work could really kick start my business. Therefore, wish to make the most of this opportunity.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Michael
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Michael,

I can't really give specific help, but I would just treat it as you would any job interview.

I expect they will be particularly interested in your past experience, and your qualifications, also how long you've been outsourcing, how disciplined you are at home, can you work to deadlines, etc.

Presentation will be vital (as always), so get your best suit on! And polish your shoes! Get a hair cut if you need to.

Not particularly outstanding advice, I was more drawn to your post because I've been trying for AGES to get work from local accountants, with no luck. I've got a fairly good introductory letter, but have got very little response, and none positive.

I wish you extremely good luck. And I'm so envious!

MoK
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Your meeting will effectively be an interview and so any questions which might be asked that you can anticipate and prepare a typed sheet in advance will give the interviewer confidence.
For example, prepare a single sheet of your personal details and qualifications.
Prepare another sheet of your past experience.
If possible you might also be able to present an example of previosu work.

By being able to present a document when questions like,
bookkeeping qualifications? previous bookkeeping experience? etc., come up, as they will, the papers passed across the table shows you to be professional which will help impress the accountant.
But also by presenting the paper(s) to the accountant tends to invite questions on that paper so the interview would go better as you are answering questions on stuff you know rather than questions you might not.
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It may be worth taking your proposed letter of engagement, showing a professional approach, and that you mean business.

Good luck

Chris
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Taxattack,

I'd never even thought about a letter of engagement. What would that include, and what format would it take?

MoK
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Taxattack,

I'd never even thought about a letter of engagement. What would that include, and what format would it take?

MoK

There was a thread "Contracts for new client", last post June 10th, which gives some info. Try the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, www.book-keepers.org (http://www.book-keepers.org)

Chris
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HI

I would say have a copy of your CV (if they have not already seen this) and also have asked some of your current clients (if you have any) for a reference or if not ask previous employers for references in case they ask at meeting for references.

Alison
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From a "sales" perspective, I'd also think about being able to tell them why they should outsource to you - both in "why outsource" and "why to you". They'll be thinking that, even if they don't ask the question. You need to be able to tell them what benefits you can offer, that others can't.
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