How to Moonlight as a Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper is someone who has basic accounting training and has a full understanding of accounts payable, receivable, payroll and general ledger accounting. With this skills set, you will be able to find employment as a bookkeeper. The work itself can be completed in between other tasks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get some experience to moonlight as a bookkeeper. One to two years as a "full charge" bookkeeper will be a basic requirement for a bookkeeper position. Think of this as the first step to establishing a business.
2. Collect references. Your target client is a small- to medium-sized business with no more than 5 employees. This size firm is at a middle stage of development. They are large enough to require a person dedicated to management of the finances, but are small enough that they don't want to hire a full-time bookkeeper.
3. Prepare a contact letter, where you introduce yourself and the services that you provide (accounts payable, receivable, payroll, reconciliation, monthly cash flow). Highlight your experience, professionalism and your flexibility to meet their needs. Focus on a virtual office, after-hours meetings when necessary and the cost savings.
4. Confirm that you will be hired as an employee when you moonlight as a bookkeeper. Although it is initially appealing to be a contractor, the vast majority of consultants are actually employees. Unless you have several clients, the classification will be reviewed and most likely denied by the IRS.
5. Focus on the level of skill that you bring to the position during the interview. Key skills are attention to detail, focus and efficient time management.
6. Send your letter with your service to local accounting firms. Not large, corporate firms, but small, firms that offer accounting services to sole proprietorships. If necessary, offer to volunteer a few hours for them to showcase your skills. Most businesses hire an accountant to do their taxes. They are in a great position to suggest that they hire a bookkeeper and would be happy to be able to recommend someone. The better job you do, the easier the year end process is for the accounting firm.
7. Be professional and prepared for each assignment. Remember that you are trading on your reputation. Be sure that you are someone who can be relied on.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not overbook yourself. Ensure that you are able to meet your obligations before taking on additional clients. Remember that it is not just your name you are affecting, but that of the accounting firm that recommends you.
• Maintain a separate home office. All that you need is a copy of the most commonly used accounting software; these include Quick Books and Simply Accounting.

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