Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Expert Advice

After years of dedication to traditional employment, my wife is set to embrace a new journey as a freelance bookkeeper. With 15-20 years of extensive experience in the Accounting field, she has cultivated a diverse skill set that positions her as a valuable asset for businesses seeking Bookkeeping services.

Her professional background includes roles such as a staff accountant and supervisor for a major cable company, where she managed payroll for over 800 employees. Additionally, she has worked as an office manager for a real estate developer, as well as in the construction and automotive sectors. With such a rich history, she is well-equipped to handle various Accounting challenges.

Currently, she is finalizing her expertise in QuickBooks by completing several certifications and putting the finishing touches on her website. Her engagement letter is ready, and her resume has been updated to reflect her skills and experience. With all these elements in place, she is on the brink of actively seeking clients.

Importantly, she will focus on providing Bookkeeping services rather than tax-related tasks, as she is not a CPA or an EA. Her target market includes small to mid-sized businesses and startups that require cost-effective bookkeeping solutions. Her proficiency allows her to efficiently handle tasks such as organizing messy financial records, generating profit and loss statements, creating balance sheets, and offering insights on cost-saving measures—all with a strong emphasis on automation.

Our initial plan involves reaching out to local CPA firms to establish connections and potentially gain referrals. In this context, I’m looking for advice on the best approach to introduce her services. Should we opt for email outreach, phone calls, or perhaps a face-to-face visit? Additionally, any tips on making a positive and lasting first impression would be greatly appreciated.

We are considering an hourly billing structure and are open to any other strategies for attracting clients and building a successful freelance bookkeeping practice.

Thank you for your insights!