How To Start a Bookkeeping Business: 11 Actionable Steps

how to start a bookkeeping business

It’s useful for business owners looking to save time and avoid common accounting errors. Some bookkeepers choose to obtain certifications for their business. Bookkeepers can be certified in various financial platforms or via training programmes.

how to start a bookkeeping business

Showcase services, client testimonials and make it easy for potential clients to contact you. Establish a dedicated workspace and equip it with essential office equipment such as a computer, printer, scanner and accounting software. Choose reliable accounting software that suits your needs and allows for efficient how to start a bookkeeping business bookkeeping tasks. If crunching numbers, paying attention to detail and making a positive financial impact on businesses is your cup of tea, then starting a bookkeeping business might just be the perfect path for you. Not only can it be a fulfilling endeavor, but it also holds great potential for profitability.

How much should you charge for your services as a bookkeeper?

For more information on how Sage uses and looks after your personal data and the data protection rights you have, please read our Privacy Policy. Ready to take the first steps to start your own bookkeeping business? Digital software can help you monitor the workings of a business in real time. You can then report analysis from those numbers and enable your clients to make better informed decisions based on their finances.

how to start a bookkeeping business

Likewise, Xero offers a Xero Advisor certification, which teaches you how to use Xero and find clients. There are a few different levels you can go through, depending on how many clients you have, so there’s something there for everyone to learn. Bookkeepers.com is offering 3 courses for free on how to own a virtual bookkeeping business. Learn how to work from home, earn good money and be your own boss with the #1 most profitable little business. But there’s more to bookkeeping than this – most business owners don’t just want to know the numbers, they want to understand them, too. If you’ve got a knack for numbers and a good head for organization, starting a bookkeeping business might just be the right choice for you.

What’s required to start a bookkeeping business?

You can use these platforms to nurture relationships with your clients. LinkedIn is a social platform that allows professionals to connect with potential clients and showcase their skills and experience. You can join industry-related groups, participate in discussions and share relevant content to establish yourself as an expert in your field. It also allows you to reach out directly to businesses in any industry you want to serve. With a well-written profile and a few simple messages, I’ve found that you can get great results from LinkedIn. Bookkeeping software was designed to make it simple for small business owners to do their own bookkeeping.

Once your bookkeeping business is underway, you will have to trust that your system will draw clients to you. Time management, experience, and consistent energy will all be factors in your business success. Once you’ve settled on a business name, you’ll need to register your business in the state in which you will do business. You may also look to become a limited liability company and potentially even office space at the time you hire on employees, so bear those regulations and costs in mind as well. Proper small business insurance is an important part of starting a bookkeeping business, but it’s also a pain for many.

Step 2: Define Your “Why” Statement

However, the type of business model you choose and your location will affect the business registration process. Your bookkeeping business will be up, running, and raking in the big bucks. Each of them ensures that you are protected from various issues that may arise during your time in business. Base your services on the intersection of your clients’ needs and your skillset.

  • The simplest firms—especially in the digital age—can begin from a single computer.
  • You may even negotiate a retainer fee with some (or all) of your clients.
  • Generally speaking, bookkeepers help collect and organize data and may have certain certifications to do so for your business.
  • Knowing how to handle these two items will ensure that your business runs smoothly.

As such, it’s highly recommended to set up your Google My Business account properly to leverage your website for local SEO search results. Besides yourself, who else will need to be involved in your business? Lenders, additional bookkeepers, contractors, and key relationships will all need to be considered. Having a clean, modern website will empower you to showcase your services. There are many great website builders available to help you design a website as unique as your business. All insurance products are governed by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions in the applicable insurance policy.

Bec Geyer