To OP, might be worth having a wee read of a small matter called IR35 and trying to understand it.
Hint: HMRC are no closer to this in 22 years.
Good luck if you decide to make the jump.
qh
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Reply to: Advice for a noob
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Previously on "Advice for a noob"
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Originally posted by sirus21 View Post
Thanks James; I guess for UX and user research - the academic side would be a selling point.
I myself have had the chance to work with a few User Researchers with an academic background and I honestly have nothing positive to say about them, their working practices or approach flexibility. Nothing at all. Nada.
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Originally posted by sirus21 View Post
I don't find the job stressful in the slightest. However, many people in it will say otherwise; typically, they are career academics who have never had a job outside of academia.
I quite enjoy the challenge of both scenarios.
But I gave up working when I finally tired of dealing with the same old mistakes by the same old incompetent "professional" middle management that infests UK businesses and public sector institutions. Resolving a difficult situation once is satisfying, but after 20-odd repetitions - then it gets stressful...
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Originally posted by ConsultingTechArchitect View Post
Two things that aren't true:
1. Being an academic in the UK is the MOST STRESSFUL job
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Originally posted by mogga71 View Post
...or doubles your chance of employing a supposed 'dodgy MSCP' accountant? I wonder who most of the Churchill and Boox guys are currently switching to or if they are simply going to do the basic book-keeping themselves?
I've always have and so have the other contractors I know. Part of the reason I was told to do it was due to the number of small business owners I've met who have said they have been ripped off by their accountant.
With software like Freeagent and online banking it is now a piece of piss.
I've also always done my own VAT. I did initially get help from my accountant and the HMRC helpline. I went on a day long VAT course with an ex VAT inspector (which they no longer do). People on the course asked every single tax question they could think off regardless of whether it was to do with VAT or not. There are many people on this forum and on other small business/accountancy forums who helpfully give relevant links to tax rules and VAT rates.
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Originally posted by ConsultingTechArchitect
Does he work in any other industry? I don't think he can tell us that his job is the most stressful job you can get right now.
It's actually my job that's the most stressful job ever and you can't say otherwise because you don't do my job.
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Originally posted by hugebrain View Post
You just hire an accountant to do the paperwork. Don’t stress about it or use an umbrella voluntarily.
Glance through a book or online tutorial before the interview. If you get the contract then consider reading the book properly.
It doesn’t matter much if you are any good or not since you will often only be in a place for six months or a year.
Good luck!
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Originally posted by Lance View Post
if you've changed accountant at some point I would think that also reinforces your position as not being part of an MSC. Just a thought..
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Originally posted by mogga71 View Post
I hear you eek .... but the thought of me doing my own accountancy work when I first started out would have worried me immensely. Surely the vast percentage of outside ir35 contractors (90% ish) must use monthly accountancy services ... or am I just way out of date?
So if you had asked this question in February my advice would have been to pick an accountant and use one - now because of Churchill Knight & Boox clients being investigated as Managed Service Companies - Contractor UK Bulletin Board I can't say that...
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Originally posted by eek View Post
Whilst true it doesn't help. So here is some slightly easier advice for when you've got your first contract
1) Set up your limited company - straight forward
2) Open a Natwest / Mettle bank account for that company
3) because you bank with Natwest / Mettle Freeagent is free
4) find an accountant that will for a fixed fee (definitely not monthly) provide the advice you need and check VAT submissions and do your end of year returns.
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Originally posted by eek View Post
Whilst true it doesn't help. So here is some slightly easier advice for when you've got your first contract
1) Set up your limited company - straight forward
2) Open a Natwest / Mettle bank account for that company
3) because you bank with Natwest / Mettle Freeagent is free
4) find an accountant that will for a fixed fee (definitely not monthly) provide the advice you need and check VAT submissions and do your end of year returns.
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Originally posted by mogga71 View Post
Good luck with that one mate. Be careful who you choose. I am not joking when I say that you could sign with an online accountant and blissfully just use its core services paying a monthly fee .... only for the accountant to change its services .... maybe not even related to what you are using .... and in 4 years time you be handed a massive tax bill because you made the unfortunate decision to use that accountant. This is happening right now.
1) Set up your limited company - straight forward
2) Open a Natwest / Mettle bank account for that company
3) because you bank with Natwest / Mettle Freeagent is free
4) find an accountant that will for a fixed fee (definitely not monthly) provide the advice you need and check VAT submissions and do your end of year returns.
Leave a comment:
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Originally posted by hugebrain View Post
You just hire an accountant to do the paperwork. Don’t stress about it or use an umbrella voluntarily.
Glance through a book or online tutorial before the interview. If you get the contract then consider reading the book properly.
It doesn’t matter much if you are any good or not since you will often only be in a place for six months or a year.
Good luck!
Leave a comment:
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Originally posted by ConsultingTechArchitect View Post
Two things that aren't true:
1. Being an academic in the UK is the MOST STRESSFUL job
2. Me going on a package holiday
4. That you have any relevant experience of being an academic in the UK
But feel free to offer the OP some actual advice on the basis of experience you do have, this being a professional forum 'n all.
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