Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Career: Seeking Insights from Seasoned Professionals

After years of dedicated service in the Accounting industry, my wife is embarking on an exciting new journey as a freelance bookkeeper. With nearly two decades of experience under her belt, she has held various pivotal roles, including staff accountant and Accounting supervisor for a large cable company where she managed payroll for over 800 employees. Additionally, her diverse background spans positions such as office manager for a real estate developer, and Bookkeeping roles in construction, painting, and automotive industries, equipping her with a well-rounded skill set.

As she prepares to step into the freelance world, my wife is honing her expertise in QuickBooks and has committed to obtaining all pertinent certifications. Her website is nearing completion, and with an engagement letter finalized and an updated resume in hand, she is on the cusp of marketing her services to potential clients.

It’s important to note that her focus will not include tax services, as she is neither a CPA nor an EA. Instead, her target clientele will consist of small to mid-sized businesses and entrepreneurs seeking an affordable Bookkeeping solution. Whether it’s cleaning up disorganized financial records, generating profit and loss statements, or providing insightful cost-cutting recommendations, she possesses the skills to handle these tasks with ease. Emphasizing automation in her services will also be a key component of her approach.

To kick off her client acquisition strategy, my wife plans to reach out to local CPA firms. We’re exploring the best methods to initiate this connection. Should she use email as a formal introduction, opt for a phone call for a more personal touch, or perhaps drop in unannounced for a face-to-face meeting? Additionally, any advice on making a strong first impression would be greatly appreciated.

We’ve also decided to adopt an hourly billing structure for her services and are eager to hear any other strategies or nuggets of wisdom that could aid in attracting clients as she establishes her practice.

Thank you for your insights and support as we navigate this exciting new chapter!