Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[4800a8f6]

I'll be moving to Phoenix in April 2006 and have been considering possible businesses I could start. I took an accounting course in high school and one at the communtiy college, where I was starting on an Associate's degree. Unfortunately my mom got sick and I couldn't continue with the degree program, hold down a full-time job, and take care of my mom all at once. So I discontinued my studies.

I've been sniffing around this site for a couple days and have a few questions. First, I noticed that one of the UAC folks provided some specific figures on new business startups and potential for a gentleman in some Oregon town. I was wondering if you had access to those figures for the Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale area.

Second, I would most likely be interested in starting a tax preparation business along with my bookkeeping. Any hurdles to look out for in Arizona?

Third, I noticed some comments to the effect that starting a successful bookkeeping service is much more difficult than it used to be because businesses have access to programs like Quickbooks. Does UAC's Quickbooks training give you the skills to be able to walk in to a client's office and know what to look for in terms of finding screw-ups in their data entry? Also, how much of a freelance bookkeeper's business is now coming from fixing Quickbooks screw-ups vs. providing regular bookkeeping services ?

And fourth, is there anyone from Arizona, especially in the Phoenix area, that frequents these boards, and who can chime in on how their bookkeeping service is doing and what is most successful for them?

That's all the questions I can think of for now. Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Kyle Nelson

[Roger]

Kyle

Were pleased to here that you're enjoying your time on this forum.

You're first request for the specific data on Phoenix is not something I have now and may be able to get for you later.

As for your interests in offering tax services in Arizona, I would suggest that you sign up for the tax newsletter for those starting or growing a tax practice,
http://www.hometaxbusiness.com/tax-resources/newsletter-sign-up/index.php?link_location=utax-right_banner

In reference to QuickBooks, many accountants that I speak with refer to QuickBooks as a God send because of the businesses who get it thinking that it will answer their needs in accounting only to find in a few months that they are looking for you. A common comment is that QuickBooks becomes QuitBooks, leading to us.

For more information on QuickBooks training I would suggest that you go to http://www.get-quickbooks-training.com/

While you wait for others to reply to your post here is an interview that we recently had with one of our graduates out of Arizona that I am sure you'll like. http://www.universalaccounting.com/teleconference/bios/rebecca-the/

Best Wishes

Roger
:D