Bookkeeping and office admin for small firms

Small local businesses such as trades companies, restaurants, salons and independent professionals that need tidy records but not an in-house office manager.

Fixed monthly retainer based on the number of transactions and admin hours, with extra charges for catch-up cleanup projects or year-end prep for their accountant.

• Comfortable with numbers and accounting software
• Careful and accurate
• Good at keeping to monthly deadlines
• Clear communication with non-financial people

• Bookkeeping is generally not regulated like CPA work, but check your state's rules on what services you can call or offer, especially tax advice and payroll
• Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Keep client financial data secure with strong passwords and two-step login
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license
• Late or messy client records can eat up unpaid time, so set clear terms in your contract

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your accounting software, equipment and any insurance. Most of the work is done remotely, so you usually do not need an office.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many retainer clients you have and your hours. Many people start at about 10 hours a week and build up.

Check your state's rules on what services you can call or offer, especially tax advice and payroll. Also consider professional liability insurance, keep client data secure, and check whether your city or county requires a business license.