The VA Program: Our Why and How – All Your Questions Answered

The Virtual Assistant industry is incredibly diverse, with VAs supporting businesses in countless ways. From admin to social media, VAs are the backbone of many small businesses. After learning just how varied the VA industry is, I realised the need for a tailored approach to collaboration.

This is why I’m exploring different approaches for our affiliate program, with customised packages to fit the unique needs of VAs and their business models. My goal is to create partnerships that benefit both Virtual Assistants and the small businesses they serve.

Here’s what inspired me to launch this program:

1. Time to Grow

With my team now managing day-to-day operations and continuing to deliver exceptional service, I finally have the bandwidth to focus on scaling BarrettStacey Accounting. Part of that growth is about creating meaningful partnerships that empower others to succeed alongside us.

2. Proven Collaboration

This program is built on experience. I’ve worked with an incredible VA for years, and our collaboration has been a win-win. As her business grew, so did mine. Her team expanded to nearly 20 members, and she added bookkeeping and accountancy services to her portfolio.

Here’s the best part: while we handled all the work behind the scenes, she was able to create passive income and confidently offer services she wouldn’t have been able to manage on her own. Her clients received expert care from qualified accountants, strengthening her reputation and helping her business thrive.

3. Supporting VAs and Small Businesses

The VA industry is vast, and small business owners often rely on their VAs to handle tasks like bookkeeping in addition to admin and operational support. However, bookkeeping and accountancy aren’t tasks to take lightly—they require qualified professionals to ensure compliance and accuracy.

My mission is simple:

• Help VAs confidently expand their service offerings while earning additional income.
• Ensure small businesses receive the expertise they need to stay compliant and grow sustainably.

The VA Program is designed to bridge this gap, giving VAs the tools and support they need to expand their services without the stress or risk of taking on work outside their expertise.

How the Program Works

We’ve created three distinct packages to suit different needs and preferences from what we’ve learned so far after talking to so many lovely Vas.

1. Effortless Partner Package

Earn 5% commission by simply referring clients to us. We manage everything, including invoicing and client services, so you can earn passive income with no extra effort.

No Access to Online VA Dashboard.

2. Your Brand, Our Expertise Package

Offer accountancy and bookkeeping services under your own brand. You invoice your clients directly, maintain full control, and earn 20% commission. This package includes access to premium tools and templates to help you impress your clients.

Free Access to Online VA Dashboard if purchased during BETA mode.

3. Hands-Free Partner Package

Expand your service offerings without adding to your workload. With this package, you earn 10% commission while we manage invoicing, client queries, and admin tasks. It’s the perfect middle ground for VAs who want to grow without the hassle.

Free Access to Online VA Dashboard if purchased during BETA mode.

Please Note

The percentages above are for the Instagram Exclusive Offer which ends on 30th November 2024. If you have discovered this blog post through another route, please let us know when you have signed up.  We have other offers running while we are in BETA mode.

Why Join Now?

The program is currently in BETA mode, which means it’s completely free to join until 30th November 2024. This is your chance to explore the program, provide feedback, and start earning without any upfront costs.

After the BETA phase, commissions and dashboard access may adjust, so now is the best time to secure the most generous terms.

FAQs

Is this program only for UK-based VAs?

Yes, at the moment, this program is exclusively for UK-based Virtual Assistants.

What is in the online VA Dashboard?

30 Day Social Media Content Plan – Graphic template on Canva and Captions

Email marketing flows

Freebies to give to your clients.

What happens after the BETA period ends?

After 30th November 2024, we may adjust commission rates and dashboard access pricing. Joining during BETA ensures you receive the most generous terms.

So if I sign up before the 30th of November, will I get charged after?

No, you will lock in the offer you got when you signed up. So if you choose a package with our online dashboard access, you will continue to receive the free access. There will be things you can do later on, but that will be your choice if you choose to buy something.

Is there a long-term commitment?

No, there’s no long-term commitment. You’re free to test the program and see if it works for you without feeling tied down.

How much commission do I earn?

• Effortless Partner Package: 5% of the client’s monthly fee for their lifetime.
• Your Brand, Our Expertise Package: 20% of the client’s monthly fee for their lifetime.
• Hands-Free Partner Package: 10% of the client’s monthly fee for their lifetime.

I’m already a qualified bookkeeper. I don’t think I need this.

That’s great—you’re already ahead of the game! While you may be qualified to provide bookkeeping services, you might not be qualified to offer Accountancy Services. This program allows you to expand your offering by collaborating with us to deliver high-quality accountancy and compliance work to your clients, ensuring they receive expert care while you focus on your strengths.

I already offer bookkeeping services—it’s easy. Why would I need this?

That’s fantastic! Bookkeeping can seem straightforward, especially when using tools like QuickBooks or Xero. However, it’s also incredibly easy to get things wrong. Small errors can snowball into big problems, costing a lot of time and money to fix later.

That’s one of the reasons I created this program: to ensure your clients receive expert support from qualified professionals, reducing the risk of mistakes and ensuring everything is done right the first time.

This isn’t a service I need.

We’re not offering accountancy or bookkeeping services for your own business. Instead, we’re offering a partnership that allows you to expand your service offering to your clients. With our support, you can provide high-quality accountancy and bookkeeping services, creating new opportunities for income and growth.

How much does each package cost?

They don’t cost a thing—not at the moment! As long as you sign up by 30th November 2024, you can join for free. Simply head to our shop, select the package you’re interested in, and get started for FREE during the BETA phase.

I currently do something similar with another accountancy firm. What is it exactly?

That’s great! If they’re providing you with a 30-day social media content plan, email marketing flows, and freebies to give to your clients, then that’s amazing. However, I haven’t come across another accountancy firm offering this level of support to Virtual Assistants. Our program goes beyond the traditional partnership by equipping you with tools to market your services and grow your business.

I love this, but my focus is on offering my skills in admin and social media.

That’s great, and you should absolutely focus on the work you enjoy and do best! That’s what makes these packages so valuable—you can offer our services as an add-on, creating a passive income stream while still focusing on your core skills.

By expanding your service offering, you’ll attract more clients and provide them with a one-stop solution. Plus, in our email flow templates, you can highlight your admin and social media expertise, showcasing your skills to your clients while keeping them engaged with weekly emails.

I already have an accountant who does everything for me.

That’s great to hear! We’re not looking to take over your accountant’s services. Instead, we’re offering a way for you to expand your services by providing our accountancy and bookkeeping expertise to your clients.

It’s a fun and collaborative way to grow your business, attract more clients, and create an additional income stream—all while maintaining your existing accountant for your own needs.

Do I need to be registered for AML (Anti-Money Laundering)?

AML registration may be required for the Your Brand, Our Expertise Package, as you will invoice clients directly. For the other packages, BarrettStacey Accounting manages compliance.

What % of turnover do VAs need to become AML registered? 

In the UK, Virtual Assistants (VAs) offering services such as bookkeeping, accountancy, KPI management, and cash flow management are subject to the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017). These regulations require businesses to register with a supervisory authority for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes.

Registration Requirements:

• Thresholds for Registration: If your annual business turnover is less than £30,000, and no more than 5% of this turnover is derived from accountancy services, you may not need to register. Additionally, if your accountancy services support your main business and are not offered to the public, registration might not be necessary. 

  GOV.UK

• Exemptions: If your accountancy services are a minor part of your main business, and you meet the above criteria, you may be exempt from registration. However, if you offer these services to the public or exceed the turnover thresholds, registration is required. 

  GOV.UK

Action Steps:

1. Assess Your Services: Determine if your accountancy services are a minor part of your main business and if they are offered to the public.

2. Calculate Turnover: Ensure that no more than 5% of your total annual turnover is from accountancy services.

3. Register if Necessary: If you do not meet the exemption criteria, you must register with an appropriate supervisory authority, such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). 

   GOV.UK

For detailed guidance, refer to HMRC’s official resources on money laundering supervision for accountancy service providers. 

Where does someone stand if they’re not doing the services themselves, but a third party is? The onus seems to be on the person billing, but if someone else is doing the work, it feels a bit tricky. Is it definitely legit to do that?

Great question! 😊 You’re right to think carefully about this. In the UK, if you’re offering regulated services (like accountancy or bookkeeping), the responsibility for compliance with regulations, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering), typically falls on the business or the person billing for the service.

If you’re outsourcing the work to a third party, the key is ensuring that the third party is properly registered and complies with all relevant regulations. You must make sure that the third-party service provider has appropriate systems in place for client due diligence and AML checks, if necessary.

If you’re not directly involved in the delivery of the services, but you’re billing the client, you still need to ensure that your business complies with relevant laws, including AML. This may involve confirming that your third-party provider is also registered and follows AML requirements, especially when dealing with clients who are subject to these regulations.

Ultimately, your role as the business owner or service provider is to ensure compliance and to have due diligence measures in place, even if you’re outsourcing the actual work.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a legal expert or regulatory body if you’re unsure, to ensure everything is above board.

Can I offer these services under my own brand?

Yes, the Your Brand, Our Expertise Package allows you to white-label services under your own brand while we handle the work behind the scenes.

What if my client has questions?

• Effortless Partner Package & Hands-Free Partner Package: Our team handles all client queries and admin tasks.
• Your Brand, Our Expertise Package: You can direct queries to us, but you maintain the primary relationship with the client.

How do I get started?

It’s simple! Click the link here to it’s FREE.

Get Started Today

This is your opportunity to expand your business, create passive income, and provide even more value to your clients.

Sign up for FREE during the BETA phase by heading to our shop and selecting the package that fits your goals best: Click the link here it’s free up to the 30th November 2024

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you!