How to Start a Home Bookkeeping Service
Bookkeepers are skilled in maintaining and analyzing financial reports for their clients. Clients supply their statements and receipts for bookkeepers to record in their accounting software. A bookkeeping service is ideal for operating from your home. Some bookkeepers work only once or twice a month for their clients and can do so remotely via email and telephone. To start a home bookkeeping service you must have the experience; large corporations and law firms may require you to be certified. If you enjoy working with numbers you may be able to start a successful home bookkeeping business.
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Instructions
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Obtain the education and experience needed to become a bookkeeper. You don't need a college degree to work as a bookkeeper, but certification is beneficial as it gives your business credibility. Take classes at a local college, a university or online. Classes covering payroll, journal entries, budget reporting, accounts receivable and payable, and demonstrating proficiency in various accounting software systems are helpful. List your certification on your resume and with your marketing materials.
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Become certified after a couple years of hands-on experience working in an office. To become a certified bookkeeper, you need at least two years of work experience and pass a national exam. To keep your certification, you must complete continuing education requirements every three years.
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Determine your specialization as a bookkeeper. For example, you may choose to handle only fiscal year bookkeeping. Decide whether you would like to work with large corporations, small businesses or both. If your home-based bookkeeping business specializes in a niche, clients may be willing to pay more for your specialized services.
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Establish your price guidelines. Ask other self-employed bookkeepers what they charge for their services to give you an idea of what can be expected in your area. Generally, bookkeepers charge $20 to $50 an hour for most services and charge more for specialized services including assembling tax papers, according to Insider Report. In addition, some bookkeepers charge a monthly fee rather than an hourly flat rate.
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Market your home bookkeeping service to potential clients. Distribute business cards and your resume to corporations, small business owners and to lawyers. Place ads on career and networking websites. Join your local Chamber of Commerce for business resources and for networking with other bookkeepers in your community.
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Tips & Warnings
Research your community's zoning laws. If you operate your business out of your home, there may be laws prohibiting you from having clients park on your street.
Keep all your client's financial information well organized and confidential. You will be subject to legal action if you manage an unethical bookkeeping service.
