Embarking on a Freelance Bookkeeping Journey: Seeking Advice from Seasoned Professionals

As my wife prepares to take the exciting step into freelancing, we’re reaching out to anyone with valuable insights from their own experiences in the Bookkeeping field. After dedicating nearly two decades to Accounting roles, she is now ready to build her own client base, and we are eager to ensure she starts off on the right foot.

With an impressive background that includes positions as a staff accountant and supervisor for payroll processing for over 800 employees at a notable cable company, as well as roles in property development, construction, and auto mechanics, she has honed her skills across diverse industries. Her extensive know-how, particularly with QuickBooks, is complemented by her commitment to completing all relevant certifications. We are also finalizing her website and getting the necessary documents, like her engagement letter and updated resume, ready to go.

While she will not provide tax services and does not hold CPA or EA credentials, her target clientele includes smaller, mid-sized, and emerging businesses that are in need of affordable Bookkeeping solutions. With her knack for organizing messy financial records, generating profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and identifying cost reduction opportunities, she is well-equipped to support businesses in achieving their financial goals. One of her top priorities is to incorporate automation, streamlining processes wherever possible.

Our initial approach will involve reaching out to local CPA firms to establish connections. However, we’re curious about the best methods to initiate contact—would an email be effective, or would a phone call or personal visit leave a better impression? Additionally, any tips for making a strong first impression would be greatly appreciated.

We are also looking to establish an hourly billing structure, and we welcome any other strategies you might have for attracting clients or general advice for a budding freelance bookkeeper.

Thank you for your support and guidance as we navigate this new venture!