Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Venture: Seeking Advice from Industry Veterans

After years of dedicated service in various Accounting roles, my wife is preparing to embark on an exciting new journey—establishing her own freelance Bookkeeping business. With nearly two decades of experience under her belt, she has worked across different sectors, including cable, real estate development, construction, automotive, and more. Her extensive background has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge that positions her to offer valuable services.

Currently, my wife is finalizing her preparations, which include completing certifications in QuickBooks and launching her website. She has also crafted an engagement letter and updated her resume—all essential steps toward starting her practice. Her focus will be on small to mid-sized businesses, providing cost-effective Bookkeeping solutions without venturing into tax services, as she is neither a CPA nor an EA. She excels in cleaning up disorganized books, preparing profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and providing insights on cost-cutting strategies. Moreover, she is eager to incorporate automation into her services to enhance efficiency.

Our initial strategy involves reaching out to local CPA firms. Therefore, I am seeking guidance on the best way to make this approach. Would it be more effective to connect via email, a phone call, or perhaps a face-to-face visit? Additionally, I’d appreciate any tips on how to create a strong first impression that differentiates her from the competition.

We plan to operate on an hourly billing model, and I’m also open to any further advice on acquiring clients or recommendations for establishing a successful bookkeeping practice.

Thank you for your insights!