Embarking on a Freelance Bookkeeping Journey: Seeking Insights from Experienced Professionals

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, my wife has made the bold decision to transition from employment to entrepreneurship. With an impressive background spanning 15 to 20 years in Accounting and Bookkeeping, she is preparing to launch her freelance Bookkeeping practice, and we are eager to tap into the collective wisdom of experienced freelancers in this field.

Throughout her career, she has held various significant positions, including staff accountant and Accounting supervisor where she oversaw payroll for over 800 employees at a prominent cable company. Her experience also extends to roles as an office manager and bookkeeper in sectors such as real estate development, construction, and auto mechanics. This diverse expertise equips her well for the challenges of freelance bookkeeping.

Currently, she is finalizing her professional website and obtaining additional QuickBooks certifications to enhance her service offerings. With her engagement letter in place and her resume freshly updated, she is on the brink of launching a marketing campaign to attract potential clients.

It’s important to note that she will not be providing tax services, as she is neither a CPA nor an EA. Instead, her target clientele consists of small to mid-sized businesses, particularly newer ventures, where she can serve as a cost-effective solution. Her skills include streamlining disorganized books, generating profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and providing insightful recommendations for cost reduction—all while prioritizing automation to improve efficiency.

To initiate her outreach, we have identified local CPA firms as a valuable entry point. This raises the question: What is the best strategy for approaching these firms? Should she opt for an email introduction, a phone call, or even an in-person visit? Additionally, any tips for making a strong first impression would be greatly appreciated.

We also remain open to any other strategies for attracting clients or general insights on succeeding in the freelance bookkeeping arena. Your guidance could make a significant difference in her journey toward establishing a successful practice.

Thank you for your valuable input!