How To Start A Bookkeeping Business

Helen contacted us, saying:“I am looking to gain experience, ie working with an experienced bookkeeper. I’m not having much luck!”

Do you need experience in bookkeeping?

Is it possible to start your own bookkeeping business with no experience? Short answer is “YES” – the long answer is “NO”

Uummm .. that doesn’t make sense, does it? It makes little sense to start a bookkeeping business, or any business for that matter, if you have little or no experience in the field that you are embarking on.

That doesn’t mean that you need experience in business to get started. What it does mean is that you need experience in bookkeeping.

Think about this:
You decide to freelance your bookkeeping services to an unsuspectng business owner. You are on your own. The business owner in most cases does not know how to do the bookwork, so they can’t help you.

You’ve been hired because you’re a “Professional”. So who do you turn to if you get stuck? There’s nobody. It’s all you.

Having a driving licence doesn’t make you ready to enter the grand prix. And nor does having a bookkeeping certificate make you ready to be a freelance bookkeeper.

Where does Helen get her bookkeeping experience?

The obvious place would be to contact local bookkeepers.

It can be difficult finding a bookkeeper who’s willing to take you “under their wings”

Most bookkeepers are sole traders, and do not have time / inclination to train new bookkeepers such as yourself. After all, what benefit is it to them? They train you, and then you go out and compete against them!!

We would suggest that you contact local accounting firms that may be more set up to employ junior bookkeepers

The other option is to apply to larger companies that are employing junior bookkeepers.

Over the years we have received so many emails and phone calls from bookkeepers asking us about the steps to start their own bookkeeping business, working from home and seeking help to find bookkeeping clients.

Many bookeepers experience similar challenges in getting started

After helping so many bookkeepers “kick start” their bookkeeping business, we compiled our Ebook “How To Find Bookkeeping Clients” that answers many of the questions you have about getting started, finding clients etc.

There’s also answers to questions that you haven’t even thought of yet

By reading the book you’ll learn about getting your business started, as well as some innovative strategies to help your business move forward, and gain an understanding of what’s involved.

Jenny Newgate
BookkeepingTeam Pty Ltd