Setting Sail into Freelancing: Tips for New Bookkeeping Ventures

Launching a freelance Bookkeeping business is an exciting venture, especially for someone with extensive experience like my wife. After dedicating 15 to 20 years to various roles in Accounting and Bookkeeping, she’s decided it’s time to break free from traditional employment and establish her own client base.

Her professional journey has equipped her with a diverse skill set; she has served as a staff accountant and overseen payroll for over 800 employees at a cable company. Her experience spans roles such as office manager/bookkeeper for a real estate developer, construction firm, painting company, and auto repair shop, ensuring she has a well-rounded grasp of the industry.

Currently, she is enhancing her qualifications by completing certifications in QuickBooks and finalizing her website. Her engagement letter is ready, and her resume has been polished, positioning her for a successful launch into freelance work.

It’s important to note that she will not be providing tax services, as she is not a CPA or EA. Instead, her focus will be on assisting small to mid-sized and newly established businesses as a budget-friendly bookkeeping solution. She excels at organizing chaotic financial records, managing profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and offering cost-cutting advice. Moreover, incorporating automation into bookkeeping processes is a priority for her.

Our strategy begins by reaching out to local CPA firms, and I seek advice on the best approach for making initial contact. Should we email them, call, or perhaps visit in person? Additionally, I’d appreciate any insights on how to leave a lasting positive impression during the first point of contact.

While we are aiming to charge hourly rates, I am also open to other strategies for securing clients and any general guidance that might be beneficial for her new enterprise.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and suggestions!