Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Service: Seeking Guidance from Experienced Professionals

Starting a new venture can be both exciting and challenging, and my wife is at the cusp of such an endeavor. After dedicating nearly 15 to 20 years to the Accounting field in various capacities—including staff accountant, office manager, and supervisor—she has decided to transition from being an employee to launching her own freelance Bookkeeping business.

Throughout her career, she has acquired extensive experience in managing payroll for over 800 employees at a cable company, as well as handling finances for a real estate developer, a construction firm, a painting business, and an auto repair shop. Her diverse background has equipped her with a robust skill set, particularly in using QuickBooks, where she is actively completing all requisite certifications. Additionally, her website is nearing completion, along with a polished engagement letter and an updated resume. She is ready to begin reaching out to potential clients.

Importantly, her firm will not be providing tax services as she is neither a CPA nor an EA. Instead, she aims to serve small to mid-sized businesses, including startups, offering a cost-effective approach to financial management. Among her specialties are tidying up disorganized books, generating profit and loss statements, creating balance sheets, and identifying opportunities for financial optimization—all while focusing on automation as a vital aspect of her service.

As she prepares to enter the market, her initial strategy involves connecting with local CPA firms. We are considering various methods for her outreach, such as emails, phone calls, or in-person visits, and I’m eager to hear how other experienced professionals would recommend approaching these firms for the best first impression.

Beyond that, we are open to any strategies or insights on attracting clients and establishing a successful freelance Bookkeeping practice. If you have any advice or experiences to share, please feel free to contribute!

Thank you for your insights and support as she embarks on this new journey!