Bill.com just takes care of all of that and I make sure everything is accounted for properly. I think you get this one by now, but I use QuickBooks Online exclusively with my clients by providing on-the-go bookkeeping services. I am in their QuickBooks Online account at least once a week. There are a ton of Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, Slack groups, and more places for you to connect with other virtual bookkeepers like you. My goal was to create a private community for bookkeepers to support each other and be free to create a QBO Bookkeeping Business that fits your personality and goals.

Assuming you already have a good laptop, you won’t need to buy much – you can do the work straight from your computer. 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. All businesses need to keep bookkeeping records by law, and someone has to do that work for them. And, don’t forget that some of your income will be given over to taxes, so you’ll want to check in with your own state and the tax laws to know what you need to set aside for tax time. This bookkeeper has eight clients that are a variety of sizes.

Technology Needed to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business

Once you’ve https://intuit-payroll.org/tled on a business name, secure the matching domain, business email address, and social media handles for any channel you intend to use. As you search for the right business name, check that the name is available as a domain for your website. The last thing you want is to come up with the perfect name only to find that it’s already taken. They’re likely to be forgotten as soon as they’re heard or read. If you’re having trouble with your business name, try a business name generator to jumpstart your imagination. Your UVP should be informed by both your competitor research, your target client’s main needs, and your unique set of hard and soft skills. This is a necessary document if you think you might seek financing from a bank or other investors.

For each process, create a step-by-step account for what needs to take place from the beginning of the process until the very end. Since all those starting a cpa firm are different, I won’t be able to provide you with detailed SOP’s here. The best way to help ensure you have a high-quality deliverable is to ensure that you have a strong process around the work you’re delivering if you want to start your own business. It goes without saying that if you’re going to be working online, that you’ll need a solid internet connection. Upgrade your internet plan to something with decent download speeds (100mb/second+).

Step 3 – Present Your Options

After you do some work for one or two local businesses or charities, add testimonials or case studies to your website. This step-by-step guide will map out the process to get started on your own bookkeeping business. We’ll cover building a bookkeeping plan, creating a strong accounting system, marketing and gaining clients and other helpful tips to get your business set up. Rental costs will vary depending on the size of the office and its location. Another option is to operate as a virtual bookkeeping business, requiring no physical office space for clients to visit. This can be a great option if you live in a rural area with a limited number of businesses to assist.

• It’s important to separate your business finances from your personal finances.
• As the number of jobs and businesses in existence increases, the demand for bookkeeping services also grows.
• Select a Business Name –As you think about what you’ll call your business, make sure you check to make sure no other companies have claimed it in your state.
• Canva is a great free option for creating your logo and other projects.
• Very quickly on, I figured out that QuickBooks was the market leader and I wanted to develop a virtual bookkeeping business on that platform.
• It is my #1 recommendation for bookkeepers ready to invest time and money into their career.
• 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.

​Use our Five Star Service model to thrill your clients, which will lead to consistent, qualified referrals. Several times last year, she declared to her spouse, “This isn’t worth it. It’s just too hard.” But then the appeal of setting her own schedule and working for herself would keep her from pulling the plug entirely. All sessions are recorded so you can watch them later at any time. Yes, I know MacBooks cost a lot more than a regular Windows-based computer.

Want To Automate Your Firm? Grab Your Essential 5 App Toolbox.

Starting Your Own Bookkeeping Business important to understand what the differences are in clientele based on the size of their company and the number of accounts you are reconciling. With her biggest client, she works one day a week and charges $1,500 a month. She has a couple of clients who are charged $500 a month, a couple at $400, and a few at $250. You want to set expectations of you and your client upfront so there are no surprises. Make sure you’re taking steps to protect yourself and your business. I recommend putting in an initial owner’s investment of around $400, and then as you incur small expenses of setting up your business, you can pay for them directly from your business account.

• Where are you going to save all those files once you get them?
• It’s important to complete each step to protect your business and ensure you can break into the industry.
• If you’ve always wanted to start a trucking business, now could be the perfect time to put your plan into action.
• Once you decide to go full-time, make sure you have funds to cover your expenses for at least three months.

You’ll set up a long-term vision of what you want your own business to achieve and work backward to arrive at immediate priorities to focus on. Your costs will increase considerably if you intend to hire an employee right away, but otherwise, you can expect to be up and running for around $1,500 to $2,000. Work on your target market at the same time as your niche and UVP. Business cards are a bit old school, but they still work well when trying to land a new client. Cards are great for in-person meetings if you have a local client. If you plan on operating under a fictitious business name or several different names, you may need to file a “Doing Business As” statement.

You can easily start a bookkeeping business from home with your little savings. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits – Although no bookkeeper license is required, bookkeepers may have to obtain other licenses or permits to operate a business from their location. CorpNet can also help you identify which licenses and permits you will need. Because bookkeepers handle confidential information and financial data, clients will want to be sure they choose a professional who is knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy. Usually, bookkeepers in the United States do not have to be licensed or certified.

• All these considerations will also help you show up in searches for bookkeeping services in your area.
• The last thing you want is to come up with the perfect name only to find that it’s already taken.
• This step-by-step guide will help you through the planning and launch process.
• Sole proprietorships do not require formation filings, though they often require business licenses.
• Fill guests in on your experience in the industry and they want to work with your company.
• Check out their websites to see which services they offer and what they charge.

It shows that you know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how you will continue to grow in a positive direction over time. Get excited about your first client, then get back out there and find more. Keep your long-term goals in mind, and keep working towards them. Having a five- or ten-year plan allows you to track your progress and make adjustments along the way. Consider a workflow management system like Jetpack Workflow. The right workflow management system can save you hours and allow you to monitor your team without micromanaging it. Business insurance will protect you from claims against your business, but you need the correct types of insurance policies.

Best International Payroll Services Compared

The next decision is whether to focus on a particular small business niche or offer services to all small businesses. It’s much easier to become an expert in accounting for a particular business niche than for all businesses in general. Writing a business plan is something that everyone should do before starting a business.

In addition, owning an accounting business typically requires a bachelors degree in accounting or finances—whereas owning a bookkeeping business does not require certification or a degree. Find out what you need to do to operate a bookkeeping business legally.