Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Insights from Industry Experts

As the journey toward entrepreneurship unfolds, my wife is on the verge of starting her own freelance Bookkeeping practice. After dedicating 15-20 years to the Accounting and Bookkeeping fields, she is eager to leverage her extensive experience to assist small and mid-sized businesses.

Having served in various capacities—ranging from a staff accountant and payroll supervisor for a large cable company, to an office manager/bookkeeper for a real estate developer, construction firm, and auto repair shop—she boasts a deep understanding of financial management. Her proficiency with QuickBooks is reinforced by her ongoing pursuit of relevant certifications, and her professional website is nearing completion. An engagement letter has been finalized, and her resume has been updated to reflect her impressive career.

While she will not be providing tax services, having not attained CPA or EA qualifications, she aims to cater to smaller operations seeking affordable and efficient bookkeeping solutions. Her expertise includes cleaning up disorganized financial records, preparing profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and frequently identifying opportunities for cost savings. Additionally, she is keen on implementing automation methods to streamline bookkeeping processes.

As part of her marketing strategy, we plan to initially connect with local CPA firms. I would appreciate any guidance on the most effective way to approach these firms. Should she initiate contact through emails, phone calls, or in-person visits? Furthermore, any tips for making a memorable first impression would be greatly beneficial.

We are considering billing clients on an hourly basis and are also open to other creative ideas for attracting clients or general recommendations for successfully launching her practice.

Thank you for your insights and support!