Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Venture: Seeking Insights from Experienced Professionals

Embarking on a new professional journey can be both exciting and daunting, especially when transitioning from traditional employment to freelancing. My wife is on the verge of doing just that, and we are reaching out for guidance from seasoned freelance bookkeepers who can provide valuable insights.

After spending nearly two decades in the Accounting and Bookkeeping sector, my wife is ready to take the leap into freelance work. Her diverse experience includes positions as a staff accountant and supervisor where she managed payroll for a large cable company, as well as roles in various industries such as real estate development, construction, and auto repair. With extensive expertise in QuickBooks and numerous certifications in progress, she’s well-equipped to serve clients effectively. Her professional website is nearing completion, and crucial documents like engagement letters and an updated resume are all set.

While she won’t be offering tax services and isn’t a CPA or EA, her focus will be on supporting small to mid-sized businesses, particularly those just starting their operations. She aims to be a cost-effective solution for these clients, capable of cleaning up disorganized financial records, generating profit and loss statements, crafting balance sheets, and recommending cost-cutting measures—all while prioritizing automation for efficiency.

As we prepare to initiate her client outreach, we are particularly interested in establishing connections with local CPA firms as a starting point. To that end, we would appreciate advice on the best approaches to initiate these conversations. Should we opt for an introductory email, a phone call, or perhaps an in-person visit? Additionally, any tips on how to make a strong first impression during these initial interactions would be invaluable.

We are also looking to bill clients on an hourly basis and would welcome any suggestions for attracting clients or general strategies for building a successful freelance Bookkeeping practice.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and insights—your experience could help shape this new chapter in her professional journey!