Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Guidance from Industry Experts

Embarking on a journey into freelance Bookkeeping can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially when transitioning from a stable corporate job. My wife is preparing to take this bold step, and as she navigates the intricacies of launching her own practice, we are reaching out for insights from seasoned professionals in the field.

With nearly two decades of experience in Accounting and Bookkeeping, she has honed her skills in various roles. Her impressive background includes serving as a staff accountant and supervisor of Accounting for a large cable company, managing payroll for over 800 employees, and holding positions as an office manager and bookkeeper in sectors like real estate development, construction, and automotive services. Her extensive experience with QuickBooks has positioned her well in this industry, and she is currently finalizing her certifications alongside her nearly completed website.

As she prepares to market her services, we plan to focus on smaller, mid-sized, and emerging businesses, offering an affordable bookkeeping solution without venturing into tax services—she is neither a CPA nor an EA. Her expertise allows her to efficiently handle everything from cleaning up disorganized books to generating profit and loss statements and balance sheets. With a strong emphasis on automation, she aims to streamline bookkeeping processes for her clients.

Our initial outreach strategy involves connecting with local CPA firms to establish mutually beneficial relationships. We are exploring the most effective ways to approach these firms, such as through email, phone calls, or personal visits. We are curious about which method tends to yield the best results, and we welcome any additional tips on creating a memorable first impression.

Furthermore, we are keen to hear any other suggestions for attracting clients or general advice for someone starting in the freelance bookkeeping space. We plan to adopt an hourly billing model, so insights on price structuring would also be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for sharing your wisdom and experiences—your guidance will be invaluable as she embarks on this exciting new chapter!