Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Insights from Experienced Professionals

As my wife embarks on her exciting journey to establish her own Bookkeeping practice, we find ourselves in need of guidance from seasoned freelancers in the industry. After dedicating 15 to 20 years to various Accounting roles, she is ready to take the leap into self-employment, and we want to ensure a smooth transition.

Throughout her career, my wife has accumulated a wealth of experience in diverse sectors. Her roles have ranged from staff accountant and supervisor for a large cable company, managing payroll for over 800 employees, to office manager and bookkeeper for a real estate developer, construction firm, painting company, and auto repair shop. Her extensive background equips her with the skills to offer a comprehensive range of Bookkeeping services.

She is well-versed in using QuickBooks and is currently finalizing her certifications. Additionally, her website is nearing completion, and she has prepared an engagement letter and updated her resume, putting her on the brink of launching her business and reaching out for clients.

It’s important to note that her services will not include tax preparation; she does not hold CPA or EA qualifications. Instead, she aims to assist smaller, mid-sized, and newer businesses, providing them with a cost-effective bookkeeping solution. My wife excels at organizing messy financial records, generating profit and loss statements, constructing balance sheets, and identifying cost-cutting opportunities effortlessly. Automation and efficiency will be central to her approach.

Our first target demographic will be local CPA firms, and I’m seeking advice on the best way to initiate contact. Should we reach out via email, phone calls, or perhaps drop in for a face-to-face introduction? Additionally, any tips on how to make a positive first impression would be greatly appreciated.

We are also interested in billing clients by the hour, and we welcome any suggestions for attracting clients or general business advice that could aid in her venture.

Thank you for sharing your expertise!