If you’ve ever wondered how to start a bookkeeping business, you’re not alone. With the explosion of remote work, cloud software, and small business entrepreneurship, 2025 is the perfect year to turn your number skills into a profitable business.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, an accounting student, or someone looking to break free from the 9-to-5 grind, starting your own bookkeeping service is more achievable than ever.
This guide breaks down how to start a bookkeeping business in 13 realistic, actionable steps — even if you have no prior experience.
Table of Contents
- 1 Why Bookkeeping Is a Top Business Idea in 2025
- 2 1. Understand What Bookkeepers Really Do
- 3 2. Learn the Skills (Without a Degree)
- 4 3. Choose Your Bookkeeping Niche
- 5 4. Set Up Your Business Legally
- 6 5. Invest in Bookkeeping Software
- 7 6. Set Your Pricing Model
- 8 7. Create a Professional Website
- 9 8. Get Your First Clients (Even Without Experience)
- 10 9. Automate and Streamline Your Workflow
- 11 10. Market Yourself Consistently
- 12 11. Join Professional Communities
- 13 12. Stay Compliant with Laws and Regulations
- 14 13. Scale Your Business Over Time
- 15 Final Thoughts: Now Is the Time to Start
- 16 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Bookkeeping Is a Top Business Idea in 2025
According to Forbes, bookkeeping ranks among the most in-demand and low-overhead services to start from home. With over 30 million small businesses in the U.S. alone, there’s a constant need for reliable bookkeepers.
Benefits include:
- Low startup costs
- Flexible hours
- Remote work
- Scalable income
1. Understand What Bookkeepers Really Do
Before launching, understand the services you’ll be offering:
- Recording financial transactions
- Reconciling bank statements
- Invoicing clients
- Preparing basic financial reports
- Assisting with tax preparation (optional)
You don’t need to be a CPA. Bookkeeping focuses more on daily record-keeping than financial advising.
Helpful resource: Investopedia on Bookkeeping Basics
2. Learn the Skills (Without a Degree)
You don’t need a college degree, but you should understand:
- Debits and credits
- Journal entries
- Payroll basics
- Using software like QuickBooks or Xero
Free or affordable online training:
3. Choose Your Bookkeeping Niche
Narrowing your focus makes it easier to market and master industry-specific workflows.
Popular niches:
- E-commerce
- Freelancers
- Medical professionals
- Real estate investors
Example: Bench.co specializes in online bookkeeping for small U.S. businesses.
4. Set Up Your Business Legally
Treat this like a real business from the beginning.
Steps:
- Choose a business name
- Register an LLC via LegalZoom
- Get an EIN from the IRS
- Open a separate business bank account
Bonus: Consider business liability insurance from providers like NEXT Insurance.
5. Invest in Bookkeeping Software
You’ll need reliable software to manage multiple clients efficiently.
Top platforms:
Look for partner or certification programs to boost credibility.
6. Set Your Pricing Model
Bookkeepers usually charge either hourly or flat-rate monthly packages.
Example rates:
- Beginner: $25–$50/hour
- Intermediate: $300–$800/month per client
Use Bonsai’s Pricing Calculator for competitive benchmarks.
7. Create a Professional Website
Your website will be your digital storefront.
Essentials:
- Clear service offerings
- Contact form or scheduler
- Testimonials or portfolio
- Blog for SEO
Use website builders like Wix or Squarespace, or hire a freelancer from Upwork.
8. Get Your First Clients (Even Without Experience)
Start with warm leads:
- Ask friends, family, or your network
- Offer one free month to get testimonials
- Join Facebook business groups or Reddit forums like r/smallbusiness
Also list your service on:
9. Automate and Streamline Your Workflow
Use tools to automate client onboarding, invoicing, and time tracking.
Recommended tools:
10. Market Yourself Consistently
Don’t rely only on referrals.
Smart strategies:
- Start a blog optimized for keywords like “bookkeeping for dentists”
- Run Facebook or Google ads
- Partner with local accountants for referrals
Follow SEO tips from Moz to rank your site.
11. Join Professional Communities
Being part of an industry group boosts credibility and keeps you updated.
Top groups:
- National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
- AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers)
12. Stay Compliant with Laws and Regulations
Important considerations:
- Understand tax deadlines for clients
- Keep client data secure (consider using 1Password)
- Follow GDPR or CCPA rules if handling personal data
13. Scale Your Business Over Time
As you grow:
- Hire subcontractors or virtual assistants
- Create standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Use CRM software like HubSpot
Eventually, your business can run without you doing all the work.
Final Thoughts: Now Is the Time to Start
Now that you know how to start a bookkeeping business, the next step is simple: take action.
You don’t need a finance degree or years of experience—just dedication, the right tools, and a smart plan.
With remote work and entrepreneurship booming, the demand for accurate, affordable bookkeeping has never been higher.
Want more guidance? Check out:
Start small, stay consistent, and your bookkeeping business can grow into a rewarding and sustainable career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a certification to start a bookkeeping business?
No, certification is not required, but becoming certified through organizations like AIPB or NACPB can improve your credibility and help attract clients.
Q2: Can I start a bookkeeping business with no experience?
Yes. Many successful bookkeepers start with online courses and hands-on practice using tools like QuickBooks and Xero.
Q3: How much does it cost to start a bookkeeping business?
Initial startup costs can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on your software, legal registration, and marketing strategy.
Q4: What kind of clients should I target first?
Target small businesses, solopreneurs, and freelancers in industries where you have some familiarity or interest.
Q5: Is bookkeeping still in demand in 2025?
Yes. With the rise of remote work and small businesses, demand for virtual bookkeepers is stronger than ever.
Q6: Can I run this business part-time?
Absolutely. Bookkeeping is a flexible service that can scale based on your availability.
Q7: What’s the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?
Bookkeeping involves daily financial record keeping, while accounting includes analysis, tax strategy, and audits—typically handled by CPAs.
