[Jade CPA-to-be]

I am working for a CPA firm doing bookkeeping, payroll and tax return preparation. Recently I have several clients asking me if I want to do side bookkeeping services for their relatives or friends business. They don’t ask my CPA firm for the service since they complain about my CPA is charging too much. I am still waiting for my license from the state board and it should be issued in a month. I know I can provide bookkeeping services without CPA license, but I am concerned if I pick up these clients and work at home for their books, do I violate anything against my current CPA firm? I have no employment contract with my firm, so I think I don’t violate “non-compete” rule or anything. But I kind of feel bad since I know these clients through the firm, they think I am nice and capable and keep refer me for the services. For the long run, I do want to have my own business. So it will nice if I can pick up some clients once a while.

Any suggestion is appreciated. Thanks!

CPA Licensed in California- Class of 2013

[littlenumberrobot]

You should ask your firm. It all depends on the firm. I am at a small firm and there is a CPA here who had her own bookkeeping thing on the side before she started working there. And once a client asked if she can do their books to avoid high fees, she asked my boss, and my boss said yes. A lot of firms actually believe bookkeeping is a way for the firm to lose money honestly. So check with your firm.

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[Author]

Replies