Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Guidance

Embarking on a new venture can be both exciting and daunting. My wife is on the threshold of launching her freelance Bookkeeping career after dedicating nearly two decades to the Accounting field. With experience as a staff accountant supervising payroll for over 800 employees at a cable company, managing finances for a real estate developer, and supporting various industries—including construction and automotive—she possesses a well-rounded skill set.

Her proficiency in QuickBooks is complemented by her current pursuit of additional certifications, and her website is nearly ready to go live. With her engagement letter finalized and her resume updated, she is now preparing to market her services. Importantly, she will not be providing tax-related services, as she is neither a CPA nor an EA. Instead, her focus will be on assisting small to mid-sized businesses and startups, offering them a budget-friendly solution for their Bookkeeping needs. She excels in organizing messy financial records, analyzing profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and identifying cost-cutting opportunities—all while prioritizing the implementation of streamlined, automated processes.

Her initial strategy will revolve around connecting with local CPA firms. This brings me to an important question: what is the best way to approach these firms? Should she initiate contact via email, phone calls, or perhaps even walk in for a face-to-face meeting? Additionally, any tips for making a strong first impression would be invaluable.

We are also considering an hourly billing model and would welcome further advice on how to effectively attract clients and establish a successful freelance bookkeeping business.

Thank you for your insights and experiences!