Introduction and looking for advice for my new bookkeeping business!

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
January 4, 2020
2 replies
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Hello fellow QB'ers! I've just started a bookkeeping business in Portland, OR and thought I'd stop by and introduce myself :) I'm relatively new to QB although I've been in accounting and finance for about 25 years. I've worked for public, private, and international corporations with my most recent role as Finance Director for a software company. Unfortunately the unthinkable happened this past spring: the business was acquired and all finance functions were moved to the new headquarters on the east coast. Prior to the acquisition, I had always hoped to start a bookkeeping business at some point in my career so I would definitely say that this is a natural progression for me (albeit about 5-10 years ahead of the "game plan".. yikes!!). My expertise lies in revenue recognition, cash flow forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, multi state sales tax, payroll, and also other misc items such as benefits administration, international sales tax/VAT and just about anything else you can throw at me!

I'd love any advice you all can offer me as I am truly just starting out here. Currently I am going through the QB ProAdvisor training and hope to have my certification complete within the next 1-2 weeks, and will then tackle the NACPB (National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers) License Exam. Wish me luck!

Thanks All!

Angie Jones

AJ Bookkeeping LLC

D

David-212915

@AJBookkeeping

Hi there, Angie!

I wanted to congratulate you on starting your own bookkeeping business. To start this journey years earlier than expected is all the more impressive and exciting.

Out of curiosity, is there any particular type of guidance that you're needing? For example, are you looking more for insight on using QuickBooks, or growing your firm, or both? The Community has some fantastic resources, and I want to ensure you get the help you need!

Firm of the Future is a blog that posts on topics related to accountancy and growing firms. One example of a post that you may be interested in is: 5 Tips to Maximize Your New Find-a-ProAdvisor Profile.

I also highly recommend the ProAdvisor certification courses. They really helped me to prepare for the test and gain a better understanding of the software.

There are also webinars taught by ProAdvisors, which are free and offer CPE credits. For further information, including how to register for them, please see the following link: QuickBooks Accountant University.

Congratulations again on starting this path. Given your years of experience, passion, and specialties in these fields, I'm sure you'll have the ProAdvisor badge and NACPB certification in no time!

Should you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm looking forward to seeing your posts and insight!

A

AJBookkeepingAuthor

Thanks for the warm welcome and helpful links David! I have just finished the ProAdvisor certification course and am getting ready to take the exam. I will definitely check out the links to the other resources you provided as well. I am looking for any and all advice pertaining to starting a bookkeeping business and working with Quickbooks Online as I am new to both!

MorganB

Congrats on finishing the certification course, Angie. Sounds like you're off to a great start!

I'd like to chime in and invite @lynda11_2 and/or @ParkwayInc to join the conversation. These two are knowledgeable bookkeepers and QuickBooks experts. Their years of experience give them the ability to offer some great pointers for getting started, or help out if you have any specific questions.

We wish you the best on your upcoming ProAdvisor exam. Take care!

lynda11_2

First of all Congratulations Angie @AJBookkeeping Angie for taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Being your own boss is simply amazing!

Since my partner, @ParkwayInc already tackled this question so efficiently, I'll just add my two cents worth.

Certifications

Getting certified as a QB ProAdvisor is key. This may generate some leads. If you can keep going, take that Advanced cert as soon as you can. That helps list you above all the other Proadvisors that do not take the time necessary to pass the harder test. It is difficult but worth it.

Intuit Community

Showing off what you know and helping others here in this community can generate leads. It also will make some of your answers searchable with Google. I started out just answering questions to help people with QuickBooks many years ago. The added benefit is these questions are searchable through Google and you may find you will get some good leads from them.

Website

Hire a website person. Ask for referrals or check with fiverr. They have some pretty inexpensive resources. Your website is the first look someone has of your business -- you want to look professional.

Referrals

Meet with local small CPA firms and let them know you exist. They may just do tax work and you may be able to get referrals from them as a partnership of you do the bookkeeping, they do the tax work. It is a win-win for both of you!

All of this should get you started. And yes, join our Facebook group! We would love to have you! Both Matthew and I love to help bookkeepers and accountants get started. It is a bit of a passion of ours.

Lynda

Artesani Bookkeeping