Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Journey: Seeking Advice from Experienced Professionals

Exciting changes are on the horizon as my wife prepares to transition from employment to entrepreneurship in the Bookkeeping field. With nearly two decades of experience in Accounting and Bookkeeping, she is poised to take on clients independently, and we are eager to gather insights from seasoned freelancers in the industry.

Her impressive background encompasses a variety of roles, including serving as a staff accountant and supervisor of Accounting for a large cable company, managing office bookkeeping for a real estate developer, and handling finances for businesses in construction, painting, and automotive services. This diverse experience has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and skills in financial management.

Currently, she is finalizing her certifications with QuickBooks and her professional website, while also having crafted an engagement letter and updated her resume. Soon, she will launch her marketing efforts to attract new clients.

It’s important to note that she will not be providing tax services, as she is not a CPA or EA. Instead, her target clientele consists of small to mid-sized businesses and newer operators looking for cost-effective bookkeeping solutions. Her expertise includes tidying up disorganized financial records, producing profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and offering actionable advice on cost reductions—all with automation as a key focus.

As part of her strategy, she intends to establish connections with local CPA firms. We are curious to hear from those who have navigated similar paths: what would be the best approach for reaching out to these firms? Would you recommend initiating contact via email, making a phone call, or visiting in person? Additionally, any tips for creating a lasting first impression would be greatly appreciated.

We are also exploring ways to effectively bill clients on an hourly basis and are open to any suggestions for acquiring clients or general best practices in the industry.

Thank you in advance for your valuable insights!