[mla1169]

anybody here work for or start their own bookkeeping/tax service? We’ve discussed this here before. What I am trying to do (tell me if this is feasible?) is dip into it a bit in the evening or on weekends working for someone else (question one: do these types of business have off hours part time staff?). Then and only then I will start looking into getting my PTIN and maybe getting quickbooks pro certified. Either way I acknowledge that I am certainly not ready to try it on my own.

That said, I do have an opportunity to do some light part time bookkeeping for a website that sells locally made crafts. Its 4-6 hours a week from home. She cannot afford to pay a bookkeeper right now but it is an LLC and they are willing to make me a partner so when/if they are profitable I can be part of that. All of the crafts are made by disabled or homeless craftspeople so even for no $$ it is a worthy donation of my time (I don’t think it can be tax deductible and don’t remember that much of REG but will investigate)

I also reached out to a local CPA firm that provides bookkeping services and asked if they ever hire off hours part time staff, and they were actually impressed that I cold contacted them. Want to talk to me. Kind of flattering.

Anybody ever get started this way?

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[OnMyWayToCPA]

I worked for a small CPA firm for about a year. They also provided bookkepping services to their clients and the majority of my time was spent doing this type of work. I was a part time employee but only came in to work during normal business hours. I did not have the option of coming in on weekends or evenings.

I was also offered a temporary job at a small company whose books were a mess and they just needed someone to straighten them out. I was ready to accept this offer, but only if I could keep my full time job and work “off hours”. But again this was not an option.

So I think everything about your plan sounds feasible but you may have a hard time finding someone willing to let you work off hours? So I would definitely talk to that firm if they seemed interested.

Good Luck!

B - 79 PASSED (1/4 there!)
A - 77 PASSED (1/2 there!)
F - 79 PASSED (3/4 there!)
R - 83 PASSED (DONE!!!!!!)
Review Course: Lambers , Wiley and Ninja

[hilaryh_88]

I started my own. It wasn't hard because I am in a rural area where a lot of farmers have no desire to keep their own books. Believe it or not, I also found one of my biggest clients on Craigslist. I was on there looking around at area accounting positions and there were actually quite a few people posting ads needing bookkeepers. Maybe you will find some folks in your area to build up a little larger client base. Good luck!

AUD - 82 Becker
BEC - 75 Becker
REG - 71, 82 Becker
FAR - 66,61,71,74,70 and #6 80!!!! FINALLY DONE!!! 9/20/12
Yaeger and Yaeger CRAM for the final battle!

[mla1169]

Thanks Hilary. Since I'm not likely to leave my f/t job soon (have a family, need the insurance and beneftits, etc) is it possible to work one or 2 clients around a 9-5 schedule just to get a feel for it?

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[hilaryh_88]

I would say it is completely feasible. A lot of people want a bookkeeper after the fact, meaning they have a bunch of invoices, canceled checks, etc. and they just want them organized and/or entered in Quickbooks so they have something that makes sense to give to their accountant at year-end.

AUD - 82 Becker
BEC - 75 Becker
REG - 71, 82 Becker
FAR - 66,61,71,74,70 and #6 80!!!! FINALLY DONE!!! 9/20/12
Yaeger and Yaeger CRAM for the final battle!

[robinny]

Yes it is feasible.

You can look at these online sites that have bookkeepers that can easily be hired.

https://www.elance.com

https://www.odesk.com

https://www.staff.com/skill/Bookkeeping (for full time only)

This system of hiring virtual bookkeepers have worked for a lot of employers already.

[Author]

Replies