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How to Work From Home as a Bookkeeper

How to Work From Home as a BookkeeperDo you love working with numbers? Are you detail-oriented and enjoy figures and spreadsheets? Then bookkeeping may be your work-at-home calling!

Working as a bookkeeper is an excellent way to make good money and gain the flexibility and freedom you crave. Plus, getting started is easy. There’s not a lot of set-up or equipment required, aside from a computer, an internet connection, and bookkeeping software. While learning the ropes of bookkeeping can take some time, almost anyone with a head for numbers and a propensity for data entry can learn with practice.

If bookkeeping sounds like it would be a good fit for you — here’s what you need to know.

Bookkeeper vs. Accountant

When you hear the term “bookkeeping,” you may wonder what sort of responsibilities and experience are required. Unlike the more formal position of an accountant or CPA (which requires a bachelor’s degree and certification), bookkeepers fall under the umbrella of accounting. Still, they’re more focused on the day-to-day operations of tracking income and expenses and balancing the books. While experience is beneficial to working as a bookkeeper, you don’t need a college degree or CPA certification. Therefore, while the bookkeeping role requires close attention to detail and a high level of accuracy, there’s less responsibility than an accountant’s role.

On the other hand, accountants are typically in charge of setting up the overall budget and financial direction for a business; they oversee tax information and set up the chart of accounts according to standard accounting practices. Accountants analyze financial information, produce reports, and make strategic recommendations based on data and tax laws.

What Types of Work Do Bookkeepers Do?

Bookkeeping is a back-office position required in almost every industry, so there’s the built-in advantage of being able to work in any field. Once you’re trained in bookkeeping, you can work within many different industries and find work that interests you, whether working with small business owners, bloggers, or even non-profits — every industry needs bookkeepers.

Common tasks often include:

  • Entering and managing accounts payable
  • Entering and managing accounts receivable
  • Maintaining the general ledger
  • Managing inventory counts
  • Overseeing payroll
  • Filing accounting reports
  • Paying suppliers and following up on purchase orders
  • Monitoring petty cash

What Training Do You Need?

If you have a college degree in business, accounting, or mathematics, or if you’ve balanced the books for a family business or worked as a store manager — you probably have a good foundation to work from home as a bookkeeper.

However, if you don’t have bookkeeping experience, there are ways to get up to speed. For instance, try this FREE online bookkeeping discovery series: How to: Own a Successful, Run-from-Anywhere
Digital Bookkeeping Business.

Most online bookkeeping training courses take approximately three to six months to complete, including the one I recommend, Bookkeeper Launch. However, because Bookkeeper Launch is self-paced, you can complete it on your own schedule; in fact, many students complete the course and land their first client within the first three months.

Callie Sitek (owner of TheSmartKeep.com) took Bookkeeper Launch and has had massive success as a remote bookkeeper!

If you’re new to the field, taking a training course like Bookkeeper Launch can help you learn the ropes, including the popular bookkeeping software, QuickBooks.

How Much Do Bookkeepers Make?

According to Small Business Cost Helper, hourly rates for bookkeeping services can run between $20-$50 per hour, depending on the position’s challenges and nuances. Most experienced bookkeepers who work on a contract or consulting basis make around $30-$40/hour, but many make well over $60/hour. The number of hours varies by business.

Working for a company, a bookkeeper’s salary typically runs between $30,400-$39,898 for full-time positions. Of course, the advantage is that you don’t have to worry about the steadiness of the hours, and you may even receive benefits. But working for a company might mean you have to work a set schedule with lower pay.

How to Work From Home as a Bookkeeper

Where Can You Find Virtual Bookkeeping Jobs?

When it comes to working as a bookkeeper from home, there are a few options. If you have the experience, it might be worth it to reach out to your contacts from your previous job to see if they or any of their clients are looking for someone to help with their books. You can also check local listings for bookkeeping services, many of which are looking for remote bookkeepers on a consulting basis.

Remote Bookkeeping Jobs:

Freelance Marketplaces, Remote Job Boards, and Staffing Agencies: 

Want to Start Your Own Bookkeeping Business?

If you’ve decided running a bookkeeping business is the right path, the first thing you’ll need to do is educate yourself on the background and requirements for the position. Some bookkeepers who work as consultants may need business insurance or to be bonded, particularly because they’re often handling finances for their clients.

1. Gather Your Tools

To start, you’ll need a computer with an internet connection. You’ll also need to use some accounting software to manage your client’s finances. Popular options include Excel, Bill.com, Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage — QuickBooks tends to be the industry standard.

2. Build a Website

To advertise your business and spread the word to your clients, you’ll need to create a website, particularly if you plan to work with several different clients on a consulting basis. On your site, be sure to include your experience, list your services and areas of expertise, and always include client testimonials. Not sure how to set up a website? Check out this post for an easy and inexpensive solution.

3. Market Your Business

If you’re not sure how to market your business, there are plenty of ways to get the word out. Make up a few business cards to get started and reach out to your contacts on LinkedIn and in your social network.

Other ways to market your business:

  • Social media
  • Cold calling
  • In-person networking
  • Email marketing
  • Blogging
  • Lead generation
  • PR opportunities
  • Public speaking
  • Guest blogging
  • Print advertising
  • Forum participation
  • Email prospecting
  • Facebook groups

Once you’ve got your website up and running, you should set a goal to reach out to a certain number of prospective clients each day. The general rule of thumb is five to ten but set your own pace as you build up your client base.

4. Stay Up On Training and Trends

Professional development is a good idea, no matter what your industry. The good news is it’s widely available! Not only do conferences, events, and professional groups enable you to meet other people in your industry, they can help you connect with clients, stay on top of changes you need to know about, and keep yourself competitive. Watch for webinars, online courses, books, and training sessions relevant to the bookkeeping, finance, and accounting industries.

Conclusion

Bookkeeping is a great work-at-home career option with a lot of opportunities. Bookkeepers are needed in nearly every industry and company, and it’s something you can do from home without a large investment on the front end. If you think bookkeeping from home is for you, get started today!

Originally published March 1, 2017. Content updated November 4, 2020.

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About the Author

Holly Reisem Hanna

Holly Reisem Hanna

Holly Reisem Hanna is the publisher and founder of The Work at Home Woman, which has been helping individuals find remote careers and businesses that feed their souls since 2009. Through her unconventional career path of holding over 30 jobs and obtaining two college degrees, she's been able to figure out how to find a career path that you're truly passionate about. Holly's had the pleasure of sharing her expertise on sites like CNN, MSN Money, Huffington Post, Woman's Day Magazine, as well as being recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Your Career.” Holly resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and daughter and enjoys reading, traveling, and yoga.

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Reader Interactions

35 Comments

  2. Terri Marx

    Hi…I’m the controller for a very busy business in Long Island and have been doing bookkeeping for 30 years. I’ve had some unfortunate events happen recently and am in need of a second job to help supplement my current income. Since I’ve been in the bookkeeping field for many years I was interested in possibly exploring this option. What are the best ways to go about starting an at home bookkeeping business? Anything you can provide me with would be most helpful. Thank you.

  3. Sage Support

    Sage is a cloud-based accounting software that people use for their business accounting. If you are using this software and having any query related to Sage then contact to the Sage Support.

  5. Ursula

    love all the comments, interesting, i am taking leap of faith and setting up from home next year, book keeping, so yes, all the best to you all, believe in yourselves and yes, accuracy is key!

  6. Valerie

    Hi,
    Where would you recommend I learn quickbooks? Is there any particular online course you can recommend?

  7. Angela

    I’m an accountant with 12 years experience but I’m not licensed for the cpa just yet. I am wanting to start a virtual bookkeeping business part time but I have no clue on how or where to start. I would like to learn more about getting quick books licensed and obtaining the software since most clients from my past audit profession where using some version of quick books.

    Is there a program you recommend in guiding someone on what steps are necessary to start this business?

  8. Kaila

    Hello,

    I’ve worked in the Accounting Industry for 4 years and will be acheiving me certificate of bookkeeping. If it’s possible, can I work for your businessas as a stay at home freelance bookkeeper. I ve many experiences with various business clientele! It will help me to finish my BA degree in school. I can send over my resume and cover letter if you would like to consider me for a freelance bookkeeping position!

    Kaila W

  9. Kevin

    Just be warned – if you’re going to try to be a bookkeeper from home, you’d better be prepared for what you’re getting into. Lots and lots and lots of numbers, and no room for error because you’re dealing with a business’ finances. It’s really not something to take lightly!

  11. Rey

    Thank you so much for this article! I work part time outside the home as a bookkeeper and have been wondering if the skills I already have (or a little extra training) would help me to find a work from home job.

  12. Susan Adams

    hello, great post for people holding small business . you tips can help people in their day life. amazing blog. keep it up.

  13. hemant Khuttan

    It’s very helpful for starting small business or medium business. Thanks for sharing this article. Quickbooks users follow these steps for your business.

  14. Faith Stewart

    I love this because so many do not realize the distinction between bookkeeper and accountant, or that even if you have no financial background you can pretty easily get the training you need to become a bookkeeper. It is a much faster process than becoming an accountant for sure!

  15. Steve Simmons

    Thanks for sharing with us how to work from home as a Bookkeeper. Your Article is Wonderful! A lot of Great Tips and Very nicely written. I really love working with numbers? So you have given me the keys to the kingdom! It’s just a fantastic tips to getting started as a bookkeeper.

  16. Angela Boxwell

    Some great tips in the article for getting started as a bookkeeper. I work from home as a bookkeeper and it fits in perfectly with family life. One of the things that has worked well for me is to work with an accountant that needs someone to complete bookkeeping for their clients, this then frees their time.

  17. Oleg Solodov

    I am so happy that I found your blog. My wife now is searching for a job and I think she will like it. Thank you for sharing experience! :)

    Goo luck!

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