How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business in 5 Simple Steps

You may also consider a brochure or flyer to share both in person and online. It would be helpful to check with a trusted insurance agent to get recommendations, and also with the state to see if any type of insurance is required for your bookkeeping business. You can choose the tool that best fits your bookkeeping services needs. Think about various ways you can reach out to potential clients or get your business in front of them. Every contact with a business owner is an opportunity to land a new client.

Here’s a guide to help you understand when to opt for bookkeeping services and when it might be time to engage an accountant. Small businesses need to be clear on the difference between bookkeeping and accounting. Here are five differences between what bookkeepers and accountants do. Starting a virtual bookkeeping business may not be the easiest thing to do at the beginning. However, like most things, once you take the time to set it up and have all your systems in place, it becomes rewarding very quickly. QuickBooks Live connects bookkeepers with small businesses that need help doing their books.

How to start a bookkeeping business in 8 steps

One of the most critical steps to take in your virtual bookkeeping business is to invest in professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. This insurance will cover you against claims you made a mistake in preparing a client’s books. how to start a virtual bookkeeping business The ideal business entity type for your virtual bookkeeping services will depend on your long-term goals and revenue expectations. Each state also has different rules for business taxes, so you’ll need to consider how state taxes would apply to your business.

• If you’ve created a Facebook business page, which I recommend highly, targeted ads and promoted posts provide a cost-effective way to expand awareness of your bookkeeping services.
• This claim is backed up by Ben Robinson, the CEO of Bookkeepers.com, he says that most bookkeepers he trains possess little or no skills in accounting.
• Therefore, make sure you ask them which accounting app they use for their business and why.
• Another popular option is Xero, but there are plenty of bookkeeping apps to choose from.
• Secondly, you can start a virtual bookkeeping business with little investment.
• When you’re working from your home, you must reassure your clients that you’re actively and carefully securing their data.

Despite its closely related accounting cousin, bookkeeping positions are often considered entry-level. While being detail-oriented and having the ability to stay on task is key – you do not have to be a certified public accountant to be a bookkeeper. It isn’t hard to start a bookkeeping business if you’re good at handling finances and maintaining records. You need to maintain record books, manage company finances, and create a proper cash flow statement for your client. The next step is to choose a legal business entity type for your virtual bookkeeping business. Firstly, bookkeeping services are in high demand as everyone needs to keep records and manage finances – be it freelancers, solopreneurs, small business owners, or corporations.

Required Licenses for Virtual Bookkeepers

You must communicate effectively with your team and clients as a virtual bookkeeping business. Consider using video conferencing software, instant messaging apps, and project management tools to facilitate communication and collaboration. Create a clear communication protocol that outlines how you will communicate with your clients and team members.

• If you are starting the company with a partner, make sure a partnership agreement is part of your business plan.
• You may also pursue certification programs or use online courses to become a self-taught bookkeeper.
• Make sure that your website offers all of the information that your potential clients may need.
• Virtual bookkeeping is also referred to as online bookkeeping or remote bookkeeping.
• You might also want to look into freelance and for-hire contractor sites, such as UpWork or Fiverr, where people list their rates.
• In this article, we’ll outline the steps to build your business so you can get up and running and build a full client roster.

Easy Doc Filing, LLC does not verify EIN application submissions and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. As a new business owner, you may also look for a mentor or consultant to guide you through the process of starting a bookkeeping business. Over 6,000 accountants and bookkeepers use Jetpack Workflow to standardize client work, automate deadlines, and track firm progress. Starting up a virtual business doesn’t require ordering a bunch of office supplies. We no longer need ten keys or ledger paper, especially in a virtual bookkeeping firm.