[Anonymous]

I currently work full-time in corporate accounting, but I’d like to supplement my income with +/- 10 hours a week of bookkeeping on the side. I really have no preference as to the industry, but I’d prefer to work with small/local companies that could use my (reduced price) services.

I have been looking at just about every job site, newspaper, etc. and have literally found no postings for people needing part-time bookkeepers/bookkeeping help on the side. My ultimate question is, how have all of you gone about finding part time work/supplemental work? Have you posted anything in the newspaper/Craigslist/job sites expressing your availability?

Thanks in advance,

Doc

[Anonymous]

I do some bookkeeping work on the side for a client that actually is through a small CPA firm. I bill the CPA firm for the work, they bill the client. I think looking on Craigslist for small businesses that THINK they need a full-time bookkeeper might be the key. When someone doesn't have a lot of experience in the field, they might estimate that tasks take much longer than in actuality. You might be able to meet with them and judge the level and convince them that really they need a part-time off site bookkeeper. Help them remember that contract work also saves them in payroll taxes, benefits, etc. You might also want to quote a monthly fee instead of and hourly rate ( $600/month sounds cheaper than $30/hour) Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply. That sounds like a pretty good idea; I've been scouring Craigslist and other sites, I will just have to hope something comes up.

Doc

[Anonymous]

Another question: how would I go about emailing some firms asking if they have any clients that need bookkeeping services? Would that even be in the cards?

I've not gotten any responses (other than spam) and I'm thinking I'm going to need to be more assertive in looking. I thought about emailing local firms to see if they had any part time openings or any particular needs for some hours. Thoughts?

Doc

[PASSED]

How about opening your own bookeeping service? Start by knocking on the doors of small businesses that have less than 20 employees.

[Anonymous]

@Passed: I'd love to; but I'll be honest, I'm not terribly experienced, and I'm not sure what all I'd need in terms of hardware, software, etc., amongst other things.

Has anyone “jump started” their own bookkeeping service here?

Doc

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