Home Based Business Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping services are in demand and the demand keeps growing. Bookkeepers handle the financial transactions and recordkeeping of small businesses. They record all transactions, post credits and debits, produce financial statements and prepare reports. Other duties include preparing bank deposits, handling payrolls, making purchases, preparing invoices and tracking overdue accounts. You can provide these services as a profitable home based business.

Using computers and specialized software, a bookkeeper can handle accounts for a number of businesses. Files can be transferred from the bookkeeper to the business owner via e-mail or other communication sources available for computers and via the Internet.

Bookkeepers do not need a professional license. However, your clients may appreciate it if you are certified.

You have to decide what services you will offer. If you are detail-oriented and good with numbers, this may be the home based business opportunity for you.

What does it take for this business?

In this home based business, experience in a related job is helpful. Basic computer skills, such as knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software is needed. You need to know basic bookkeeping principles, and have some knowledge of tax laws. The work itself requires you to be detail-oriented and that you stay-up-to-date on tax laws as they relate to payroll and record keeping.

What does it take to operate this business?

You need to set up a separate space for your home based business office. Start-up costs can be low if you already own a computer with Internet access and the software needed.

Basic Equipment and Supplies:

• Computer
• Printer
• Business phone line
• Fax
• Word processing software
• Spreadsheet software

Review the resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

• Record transactions
• Post debits and credits
• Produce financial statements
• Prepare reports
• Prepare bank deposits
• Verify and balance receipts
• Handle payroll
• Prepare invoices
• Keep track of overdue accounts
• Prepare tax returns
• Reconcile bank statements

What are my potential earnings?

$25,000 to $50,000 annually

How much do I charge for my services?

Hourly rates range from $25 to $60 per hour. You may want to charge a flat rate for your initial consultation. Another alternative is to charge per task.

How do I bill for my services?

You will want a written contract stating what tasks you will perform. You should indicate any additional services you offer and at what costs. You and your client should determine your invoice date and that should be clearly defined in your contract: monthly or weekly.

You submit an itemized invoice to your client detailing tasks performed and hours.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• Network with professional and business organizations in your community.
• List your home based business services in the Yellow Pages.
• Contact CPA firms and other bookkeeping businesses in your community to obtain referrals.
• Contact small businesses in your community that have five employees or less.
• List your services in professional journals that have referral services.
• Purchase ads in trade publications.
• Purchase ads in your local and community newspapers.

Online

• Create an information Web site listing your home based business services and offering bookkeeping tips.
• List your Web site in online directories.
• Issue an online press release.
• Link your Web site to related businesses.
• Link your Web site to local Web sites in your community.
• List your Web site in professional and trade directories.
• Publish client testimonials on your Web site.

This home based business opportunity is good for someone who is detail oriented. You can review resources for this home based business here.