Remote bookkeeper for small businesses
Keep the books up to date for a handful of small business clients from your home office, paid a set fee each month.
- $300-2k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
47,699 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.7% in a year
NAICS 541219 “Other accounting services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Recording income and expenses, reconciling bank and card accounts, and sending monthly reports using cloud software such as QuickBooks Online or Xero.
Your first three steps
- Get trained or certified in QuickBooks Online or Xero and refresh your bookkeeping basics
- Set up an LLC or sole proprietorship, get an EIN from the IRS and open a business bank account
- Offer a discounted first month to 2 or 3 local owners and ask for referrals and reviews
Who pays
Small business owners such as contractors, salons, restaurants, online sellers and freelancers who don't have time or interest to do their own books.
How it makes money
A monthly fee per client based on transaction volume and scope, with extra charges for catch-up work or cleanup of messy past records.
Skills that help
- Comfortable with accounting basics and spreadsheets
- Accurate and detail-focused
- Reliable with monthly deadlines
- Clear communication with non-financial people
Watch out for
- Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, check what suits you
- Keeping client financial data secure: use strong passwords, two-factor login and a secure file sharing tool
- Check whether your state or city requires a business license, and stay clear of offering tax preparation or CPA-only services without the right credentials
- Agree scope in a written contract so cleanup work and late records are paid for
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a bookkeeping business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on your software, insurance and home office setup. Because the work is done remotely on cloud software, there is no need for premises.
How much can a remote bookkeeper earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the scope of work. Many people start with around 8 hours a week.
What should I check before offering bookkeeping services?
Check professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and whether your state or city requires a business license. Avoid tax preparation or CPA-only services without the right credentials, and agree scope in a written contract.
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