How To Start a Bookkeeping Business: 11 Actionable Steps

After interviewing dozens of successful bookkeepers and firm owners on our podcast, Growing Your Firm, we know what it takes to launch a new bookkeeping business. Drawing from their practical tips and suggestions, we created this helpful step-by-step checklist to get your bookkeeping venture up and running. You are an awesome human being, and use the reporting on financial transactions provided by the bookkeeping apps to help your clients improve their businesses. They may also assist with the preparation of tax returns and other regulatory filings. The specific tasks and responsibilities of a bookkeeper may vary depending on the company they work for and the nature of their role.

1. I recommend you to visit this blog post on 3-tiered pricing if you want to know why this approach is ideal.
2. So, see if you know anyone who is a Certified Public Accountant and contact them.
3. Karbon ain’t cheap, but it’s certainly slick and very popular with certified public accounting firms & bookkeeping teams.
4. As we hold onto this professional’s mentality, let’s now shift our focus to the exact tools, technology and certifications you need.
5. While it’s not required for bookkeepers to specialize in a niche, many choose to do so for marketing purposes.

When it comes to naming your business, the purpose should be to establish a brand identity. Starting a business often requires an initial investment or capital. Lessons learned on how top firms grow fast, build stronger teams, and increase profit while working less. Most businesses cost tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to launch.

A small business can likely do all its own bookkeeping using accounting software. Many of the operations are automated in the software, making it easy to get accurate debits and credits entered. As your business grows and you hire employees, you can consider whether to rent office space or keep working remotely. It’s important to have an efficient bookkeeping system in place if you want your firm or business to grow and succeed. You will need to decide on an accounting software, and I highly recommend Quickbooks Online Accountant. You will want to make sure you register with the accountant version.

Things You Should Include as Part of Your Bookkeeping Checklist

Always include a call to action (CTA) or a simple way for interested how to apply for grants leads to contact you for further information. If you’d prefer not to work from home, consider sharing an office with other professional service providers or coworking spaces. Check with local and state guidelines to see whether you must file for a business license. On top of forming your LLC, there’s some additional administrative paperwork to handle before opening your doors. This step can be tedious, but ensuring you’re operating as a legitimate business is vital. Limiting who you work with by niching down may sound counterintuitive when launching your business.

Online Bookkeeping Classes

Many bookkeeping firms prepare financial statements that their clients take to CPAs or other tax pros to prepare a return. You may find yourself working closely with their tax preparer, and together, you can provide outstanding service to your mutual clients. It’s free to join, and there’s no cost to use the FreshBooks software for accounting professionals. FreshBooks offers a 30% discount for accountants and bookkeepers on the first six months of their clients’ paid subscription to FreshBooks.

Standardizing these processes with custom templates can help you be more efficient. Consider other software options like an invoicing app to make client billing easier or a file-sharing app to collect and manage client documents and e-signatures. Over time, you also build credibility with that specific type of client and distinguish your bookkeeping business from others in your area. You discovered why starting a bookkeeping business could be one of the best decisions of your life.

Step 4: Set Up Business Operations for Your Bookkeeping Business

She has owned Check Yourself, a bookkeeping and payroll service that specializes in small business, for over twenty years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and has served on the Board of the National Association of Women Business Owners. She also regularly writes about business for various consumer publications. You can deduct repairs and maintenance dual aspect concept of accounting to the area used for business and a portion of utilities, real estate taxes, and insurance on your home.

Now that you’re up and running, spread the word about your online bookkeeping services and wait for your dream clients. If you want to know how to start bookkeeping for a how to calculate payroll tax liabilities small business, you need to think outside the box and start diversifying your approach. Think about hiring a marketing company that can help you brand your services and come up with advertising strategies. Coming up with a unique logo can also play an important role in developing your identity.

Start by creating a business plan, structuring your business, and incorporating it. You’ll gain more credibility with your clients if you get certified. Once you’re done with the administrative side, purchase cloud-based accounting software and start marketing your services online.