Navigating the Freelance Bookkeeping Landscape: Seeking Advice for a New Venture

As my wife prepares to embark on her journey as a freelance bookkeeper, we are reaching out for insights from seasoned professionals in the industry. After dedicating 15 to 20 years in various roles—such as a staff accountant managing payroll for over 800 employees at a cable company, an office manager/bookkeeper for real estate developers, and a Bookkeeping specialist in construction and automotive sectors—she has accumulated a wealth of experience.

With her proficiency in QuickBooks and a strong commitment to wrapping up all related certifications, she is on the brink of launching her freelance practice. Her professional website is nearing completion, and she has crafted an engagement letter while updating her resume to reflect her extensive background. Excitement is building as she prepares to start marketing her services.

In terms of her offerings, it’s important to note that she will not be providing tax services, and she is not a CPA or an EA. Her focus will be on supporting small to medium-sized businesses, particularly newer ventures, by offering an affordable Bookkeeping solution. Dirty books? No problem. Preparing profit and loss statements and balance sheets is second nature to her, and her emphasis on automation will streamline processes for her clients.

Our initial strategy involves establishing connections with local CPA firms. We are keen to know the most effective way to introduce her services—should we opt for emails, phone calls, or perhaps even in-person visits? Additionally, we welcome any tips on crafting a memorable first impression in this competitive landscape.

We will be operating on an hourly billing model, and we are also eager to gather any other suggestions that can assist in attracting clients or general advice for starting out in this field.

Thank you for your insights!