Remote bookkeeper for small businesses

Sole proprietors, contractors, small shops, restaurants and other owner-run businesses that don't want to do their own books.

A fixed monthly fee per client based on transaction volume, plus extra for catch-up work, payroll or GST/HST filing support.

• Comfortable with numbers and detail
• Cloud accounting software such as QuickBooks Online or Xero
• Reliable with monthly deadlines
• Clear communication with non-accountants

• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and check whether you need general liability too
• Protecting client data: use secure file sharing, strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and check your province's privacy rules
• Bookkeepers are not accountants: check what you can call yourself and refer tax advice and corporate filings to a professional accountant
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and when you must register for GST/HST
• Payroll and GST/HST work carry CRA deadlines and penalties, so be sure of your skills before offering them

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on accounting software subscriptions, a computer, insurance and any training you need. Working remotely from home means you don't need premises.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and your monthly fees. You would likely need at least about 8 hours a week, with reliable monthly deadlines.

Bookkeepers are not accountants, so check what you can call yourself and refer tax advice to a professional accountant. Also check errors and omissions insurance, provincial privacy rules, any home-based business licence, GST/HST registration, and CRA deadlines for payroll work.