Starting a Bookkeeping Business

This article briefly discusses the bookkeeping business. Find out some of the things you need to know in order to start your own bookkeeping business.

The professional guidance and service of qualified and skilled bookkeepers has become a necessity seeing as nowadays most small business owners and managers have minimal or no accounting background at all.

In case they do have knowledge of financial record keeping, many entrepreneurs are disinclined to do their own accounting simply because they don’t have the time to sit down and deal with this tedious process. This is good news for the independent bookkeeper.

On top of this, because of the advent of the trend of small business start-ups, the demand for their service has more than doubled through the years. This makes opening your own bookkeeping business a solid and good idea. You are guaranteed a market because most entrepreneurs are wise enough to know that if they are not careful and plan their finances, they might end up losing their business in the long run. They need the assistance of a professional bookkeeper to free them from the tedious task of financial record keeping and allow them to focus on making their business grow.

Bookkeeping is defined as the systematic recording of business financial transactions. Businesses are required to accomplish their bookkeeping on a regular basis. No one is exempted since this is a law-mandated duty. They are required to account in detail their income and expenditures as well as their payroll. Bookkeeping enables the government to ascertain how much a business should pay for their taxes, licenses, and other miscellaneous fees.

The successful bookkeeper

To become a successful bookkeeper you must be thorough and have a keen eye for detail. You must also be reliable and ensure that your reports are accurate. You must adept in using a spreadsheet or accounting software. This skill will work for your advantage because it will enable you to work much faster leaving you with time left for your next client.

Ideally, someone with a degree in accounting is the best person for this job. Although ideal, a college degree is not a requisite. If you have actual work experience on financial record keeping then you can take on clients as is without the need for additional training. If however you are unfortunate enough to lack such background but do enjoy working with numbers, you can get the needed bookkeeping skills from a number of sources.

The time factor

Owning an accounting or bookkeeping business makes you your own boss. This allows you the freedom to set your hours and give you time to spend on matters that are of value to you. If you can’t quit your day job just yet, you can work on your bookkeeping practice on a part-time basis. On average, you need to spend approximately eight to ten hours for a client with a small business. You can easily find a way to spread the time required in your workweek without making your full time job suffer.

What about the start up cost?

You might be surprised to learn that the start-up capital for this business is rather small, provided you already posses the skills needed for the trade. All you need to spend on is advertising. You might not even have to if you are crafty enough. There are several ways you can promote your business for free. For starters, you can try handing out flyers during your free time or you can try posting your services on community or church bulletin boards.

10 Comments

  • Mechelle said on June 30, 2009
    Interested in starting a bookkeeping business, please provide detail steps.
  • Haile, B said on October 28, 2010
    I would like to start my bookkeeping business. Proposed location: N.W., Washington, DC 20011
  • Laxman said on January 24, 2011
    i am from hyderabad, Yousufguda and i am looking forward to procure bookkeeping business. if any body like any consultant can help me for remuneration please email to me. Mobile No.9441906788.
  • NORMA GONZALEZ said on March 7, 2012
    Hi, I would like to start my bookkeeping business I live in Los Angeles, I’m Bilingual and Notary Public. please comment. Thank you.
  • NARESH A said on June 26, 2012
    I am well versed in payroll & Statutory. Please give opportunity to work from Home. Thanks & Regards, Naresh
  • sunil kumar jain said on July 5, 2012
    hi, i would like to start bookkeeping business. proposed location BHILWATA (INDIA) 311001. THANKS
  • Claryene Redding said on August 12, 2012
    Hello, I would like to start my bookkeeping business I live in Lake Wales, FL. I have earned my AA degree in accounting, and also I am a full time Accounts Payable coordinator. I would like a position that will allow me to use my experience and, strengths in strategic in production development, and communication to help the company expand its clientele base and increase.
  • M.MAHABOOB BASHA said on September 19, 2012
    Hi, We are about to start Payroll business in Hyderabad. if any organization is interested to get our services Pls contact.No-98488-79976. Mail id- mominhr@gmail.com
  • Gouri Gumaste said on July 25, 2013
    Sir/Madam, I am a Housewife and wanted to work from home I am living in India I lived in Pune Maharashtra my mobile no 9822615538. Regards Gouri.
  • JOYDEV KARAN said on January 11, 2014
    i am from Kolkata, and i am looking forward to procure bookkeeping business and Sale tax, Income tax return submit. if any body like any consultant can help me for remuneration please email to jaidevkaran@dscl.com, Mobile No.8756332842.

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