How to become a self employed bookkeeper?

[DaisyB]

I hope somebody can take the time to advise.
I am taking a computerised accounts night class with a view to starting self-employed bookkeeping. My qualification and experience are as a Quantity Surveyor but I am familiar with the bookkeeping in the small company where I work.
My job may not be secure which is why I am looking for alternatives.
Could anyone advise how I could get started? Should I approach accounting firms? Should I consider other courses seeing as my qualification is not an accountancy field?
I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Thank you

 

[J.Ryan]

I think you should take two approaches

1) do an accounting technician course, at a minimium, it will be very hard to get accountants to recommend you without relevant qualifications.

2) As a QS you are experienced in the construction trade, get it known that you are looking for book-keeping jobs, granted there arn't too many floating around at the moment, but you have a better chance if it is for people who already know you.