Is Freelancing a Good Option?

[Mads]

Hi,

I have been looking for a job in for the last 8 months. I am on Stamp 3 (Dependant Visa) but authorised to apply for the work permit on receiving the Employment Offer. However, at the final stage of interviews, I am disqualified as I do not have a Work Permit. (Employers do not seem to understand that I can apply for the work permit only upon receiving the employment offer despite my convincing them). Disgusted, I now turn to freelancing. Iam from an Accounts background and have completed relevent courses in Accounting here in Ireland. Could you please tell me about the opportunities of working as freelance accountant. Are there really opportunities? Are the small businesses willing to give out their works relating to VAT Returns and Tax related matters? Could you please advise?

Thanks in Advance..

You will need to contact Enterprise Ireland (enterprise-ireland.com) to see what your options are regarding working as a freelance accountant here. Probably you can make a better living working freelance too! The only possible disadvantage is lack of job security. However, in times of crisis businesses are always looking for competitive prices, and if you are working from home, you will have less overheads than an accounting firm. It could be a good option for you, especially as employers are reluctant to employ someone with a work permit.

Best of Luck!

[Vikingdub]

In the current economic climate employers will choose, quite rightly, from the large pool of candidates who do not require work permits. As for working freelance, you may not take up any form of paid employment while on a Stamp 3. Any employer who provides paid work either on the basis of a contract of service (prsi employee) or contract for service (freelance contractor) is liable to severe penalties unless you are legally allowed to work.

Dude, just set up a off shore company and invoice whoever you are working for. I've done this for many years and I've never held a Irish work visa. The beauty is you avoid paying high tax in Ireland! Hope it works out for you.

[alex22]

I am not sure if your question is regarding paperwork or actually finding clients. If finding clients is your concern, you need to join a business netwrok. Contact the enterprise board and get out there to business meetings. Also, start placing ads, you'd be surprised at the amount of people that need a handy affordable accountant. In fact most of the people are unhappy with their current accountant The beauty of working for yourself is that NO client will look for your stamp or whatever, simply your credentials and if you are good at what you do.


Alex

[Vikingdub]

Originally Posted by alex22

The beauty of working for yourself is that NO client will look for your stamp or whatever, simply your credentials and if you are good at what you do.


Alex

It remains illegal to work in Ireland without the correct authorisation whether free lance or as an employee. When checking credentials any company or individual employing the services of an accountant will ensure that the person employed is him/herself compliant with all relevant legislation. How would someone working illegally provide proof of the necessary skills and experience required to deal with revenue commissioners a vital part of the accountant's work? How could someone working illegally sign off on documents for the Revenue Commissioners?

[burke_john26]

thanks for the great information posted here -- very helpful, indeed