How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business

Additionally, QBO integrates with many other apps, which makes it customizable for many different business types. As I mentioned, my virtual bookkeeping practice is supported by QuickBooks Online. Yes, you can support several different programs, but I decided to be an expert in one instead of a generalist in others. This has allowed me to set up systems in my bookkeeping business to streamline operations and become extremely efficient in supporting my clients. Your marketing plan will include creating a brand , setting your prices, deciding where you’re going to work and then advertising and promoting your services.

How much should I pay a bookkeeper?

The average hourly wage for a bookkeeper in the U.S. is $22 per hour. CPAs typically charge $200 – $250 per hour. Top bookkeepers in major cities may charge $500 per hour (or more).

Also, consider a filing cabinet, desk, and great chair for your dedicated workspace. As long as you have a space to work and a way to keep things organized, you’re good to go. Sign up to receive more well-researched small business articles and topics in your inbox, personalized for you. You should be a member of at least one professional bookkeeper association.

Understanding Your Financial Reports

You most likely need a local business license and general liability insurance. Call your auto or homeowner’s insurance agent and ask about types of small-business insurance products. Find out if bookkeepers need any special permits or licenses in your state.

How much can you make as an independent bookkeeper?

The average hourly rate for freelance bookkeepers ranges from $29.21 to $43.40 per hour. Depending on your geographic location, this amount will be more or less than the average national rate of $37 per hour.

After passing your exams, buying insurance and observing all the rules and regulations, you’re now ready to start up your own bookkeeping business. Additionally, bookkeepers must follow document retention standards. An audit can happen to any client, so in order to help auditors and the IRS, well-kept records and records kept for the allotted time period are critical during an inspection. Bookkeepers could be met with financial fines or lose their ability to provide services if they don’t follow retention standards.

Collaborate virtually with Live Bookkeepers

A google search for pricing plus bookkeeping probably will give you a ton of information. And I have hired a marketing company to get my name out there. Other benefits of G Suite and that low monthly fee are 30GB Cloud Storage, Shared Calendars, and access to G Suite’s document, spreadsheet, and similar office systems.

  • In order to determine your target market, it’s important to first define what a target market is.
  • Become known as a reliable source of expert, up-to-date knowledge around accounting, compliance, best practice, and business hacks.
  • However, registering as a limited liability company gives you more liability protection.
  • “These can then be sent to the accountant to produce the year-end accounts.
  • Just write the messages as you normally would, then click the Send Later button to schedule it.
  • And, I feel like a MacBook lasts longer than any other Windows-based laptop out there.
  • Your business name is the first thing that lets customers, clients, competitors and others in the marketplace know about who you are and what you do.

Registering your business with the state is typically the first step to starting Finance Services. To get started, you’ll need to set up an LLC or corporation in your state.

Using the Right Tech to Build a Better Bookkeeping Business

Keep in mind, though, bookkeepers differ from accountants as they cannot file taxes or perform audits like certified public accountants. Bookkeepers also aren’t required to have an accounting degree. While they can receive certifications through training programs, they can also simply acquire on-the-job experience to establish their bookkeeping business.

  • This is very inspirational right now, thank you for the information.
  • This will govern how you pay taxes as a small-business owner, but also what kind of liability protection you have in case something goes wrong and how you’ll structure your business.
  • Practice management software is arguably the most important piece of bookkeeping software in your own accounting firm business.
  • I then joined a global construction company working directly with executives providing management reports and helping team members translate the numbers so they can better manage their projects.
  • Your bookkeeper will close out your books each month so you’ll know exactly where you stand at tax time.
  • My firm will be offering both bookkeeping and payroll to start with, and I plan for next year to also offer taxes.

New bookkeeping businesses will typically use a credit card to float working capital expenses, earn rewards, and manage employees. Check out our guide to the best credit cards for startups to find one that fits the bill.

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You’ll want to look up the exact rules for how to register your business with your secretary of state’s office. A bookkeeper’s work is applicable across many different types of industries — after all, every business needs to track and optimize its finances. However, to help market your business and set it apart amongst the competition, you bookkeeping may decide to specialize in a specific industry. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. We deliver everything you need to build deeper relationships with your most important audiences. From email to ecommerce, SMS to social, CRM to see what’s next, we deliver tools to help small businesses grow.

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