Starting a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Advice from Seasoned Professionals

As my wife transitions from being an employee to an independent freelancer, we are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. With nearly two decades of extensive experience in Accounting and Bookkeeping, she is well-prepared to embark on this new journey.

Her background spans various roles, including handling payroll for over 800 employees at a major cable company and managing Bookkeeping for a range of industries from real estate development to automotive repair. This breadth of experience has equipped her with a robust skill set, particularly in QuickBooks. Currently, she is completing her certifications in this software and is in the final stages of launching her professional website. She has also finalized her engagement letter and updated her resume—she’s almost ready to start reaching out to potential clients.

It’s important to note that her services will not include tax preparation, as she is neither a CPA nor an EA. Instead, she aims to assist smaller, mid-sized, and newer businesses as a cost-effective solution, particularly those who may struggle to maintain their books. From tidying up disorganized accounts to generating profit and loss statements, there’s little she can’t handle. Additionally, she is passionate about incorporating automation into her process to enhance efficiency.

Our initial plan is to connect with local CPA firms to build a network and potentially gain referrals. I’m curious about the best strategy for approaching these firms—should we send an email, make a phone call, or consider a walk-in visit? We want to make a positive first impression, and any tips you could provide on that front would be invaluable.

Furthermore, we are open to any suggestions for attracting clients beyond CPA referrals. If you have any insights or strategies that have worked for you in the past, we would greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you for your support as we take this exciting step into the world of freelance bookkeeping!