Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Insights from Experienced Professionals

As my wife prepares to embark on her journey as a freelance bookkeeper, we find ourselves eager to gather insights from those who have treaded this path before. After a flourishing career in Accounting and Bookkeeping spanning nearly two decades, she is ready to step away from traditional employment and serve clients on her own terms.

Her extensive experience includes diverse roles such as a staff accountant overseeing payroll for over 800 employees at a major cable company, as well as serving as an office manager and bookkeeper for various industries, including real estate development, construction, and automotive services. With a rich background in QuickBooks and ongoing certifications to enhance her skills, she is on the cusp of launching her own Bookkeeping practice.

In preparation for this transition, several key elements are almost finalized: her website is in the final stages of development, the engagement letter is polished, and her resume has been updated. She aims to cater to small to mid-sized businesses and newer companies, providing them with cost-effective bookkeeping solutions. While she will not be offering tax services (she is neither a CPA nor an EA), her expertise lies in cleaning up disorganized financial records, running profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and identifying cost-cutting opportunities—all of which she can manage with ease. Additionally, automation is a primary focus to streamline processes for her clients.

Our initial strategy involves reaching out to local CPA firms, and I would greatly appreciate advice on the best approach to make a strong first impression. Should we opt for email, phone calls, or perhaps even a direct walk-in? Any recommendations on effective communication strategies would be invaluable.

Furthermore, we are also open to suggestions on how to attract clients and insights into best practices for establishing a reputable freelance bookkeeping service.

Thank you in advance for your guidance as we embark on this exciting new chapter!