Taking the Leap into Freelance Bookkeeping: Seeking Guidance from Experienced Pros

Embarking on a freelance journey is a thrilling yet daunting endeavor, and I’m reaching out to the community for insights as my wife prepares to take her Bookkeeping skills to the next level. After nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the Accounting sector, she’s ready to transition from traditional employment to independent freelancing.

Her impressive background includes roles as a staff accountant and supervisor overseeing payroll for a large cable company, managing Bookkeeping for a real estate developer, as well as working in the construction and auto repair industries. With such a diverse portfolio, she’s well-equipped to tackle a variety of bookkeeping challenges.

Currently, my wife is completing her QuickBooks certifications, and her website is almost ready to launch. She’s finalized her engagement letter and updated her resume, putting her in a prime position to start attracting clients. While her focus won’t be on tax services—she is not a CPA or EA—she aims to support small to mid-sized businesses, particularly those that are newer or looking for cost-effective solutions. From cleaning up disorganized books to preparing profit and loss statements and balance sheets, her expertise allows her to provide invaluable insights, particularly in identifying areas for cost reduction. Additionally, automation is a key priority in her approach to bookkeeping.

As part of her initial outreach strategy, we plan to connect with local CPA firms. I would appreciate any advice on the best approach for making that initial contact—should she reach out via email, phone calls, or in-person visits? Moreover, any tips on creating a strong first impression would also be incredibly helpful.

We’re also considering an hourly billing model and would love to hear any additional suggestions on securing clients or general advice for those starting in the freelance bookkeeping space.

Thank you for your insights! Your support is greatly appreciated as we take this significant step forward.