[ParanoidAndroid]

I have decided to start my own bookkeeping/accounting gig. Is anyone currently doing this? I always have people (mechanics, doctors) come up to me asking me for help. I have been working with a couple businesses and the work is obviously pretty easy and I’m charging a reasonable fee (up to $300/month). I have talked to 10 small businesses so far and I think I can get at least another 10. I hate my current job and this would give me the opportunity to get out of regular accounting (sitting down like an ass all day).

Any tips/advice?

CPA for life...

[jeff]

My advice: Start it and do it on the side. Don't jump off the dock unless you have a boat to land on.

I was debt-free except for my mortgage and had 3 mo in cash reserves before I did A71 full time in 2010.

[jeff]

My advice: Start it and do it on the side. Don't jump off the dock unless you have a boat to land on.

I was debt-free except for my mortgage and had 3 mo in cash reserves before I did A71 full time in 2010.

[mla1169]

I toyed with the idea but decided against it as a replacement to my full time job because I need the bennies (I'm married with 2 kids) and health insurance alone is worth it to me. I am trying to do a bit on the side, but keep putting it off until “after cheer season” or “after the school year”.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I toyed with the idea but decided against it as a replacement to my full time job because I need the bennies (I'm married with 2 kids) and health insurance alone is worth it to me. I am trying to do a bit on the side, but keep putting it off until “after cheer season” or “after the school year”.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[samdiegoCPA]

No advice from me, but this is what I plan to do in the future once I gain mega experience and more knowledge.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[samdiegoCPA]

No advice from me, but this is what I plan to do in the future once I gain mega experience and more knowledge.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[JY]

It's always great to hear someone wants to start their own practice. Having said that, I agree with Jeff that it's probably the best to build up your client base first before quitting your current job. If you do decide to start your business, the best way to meet potential clients is to join your local chamber of commerce. My former boss was also an expert in a certain accounting field. He went to host accounting seminars once or twice a year. It was a great way to meet potential clients if you can be seen as an expert in a certain field. Lastly, this is something that will probably take a bit longer to build up, having solid reputation and good word of mouth can build your business later on. My previous employer never advertised, in fact, he never even had a website, but it's the word of mouth that brought in the new clients

REG: 86 8/3/13
BEC: 85 8/31/13
FAR: 87 10/27/13
AUD: 90 11/30/13

[JY]

It's always great to hear someone wants to start their own practice. Having said that, I agree with Jeff that it's probably the best to build up your client base first before quitting your current job. If you do decide to start your business, the best way to meet potential clients is to join your local chamber of commerce. My former boss was also an expert in a certain accounting field. He went to host accounting seminars once or twice a year. It was a great way to meet potential clients if you can be seen as an expert in a certain field. Lastly, this is something that will probably take a bit longer to build up, having solid reputation and good word of mouth can build your business later on. My previous employer never advertised, in fact, he never even had a website, but it's the word of mouth that brought in the new clients

REG: 86 8/3/13
BEC: 85 8/31/13
FAR: 87 10/27/13
AUD: 90 11/30/13

[jeff]

Check out the book “Quitter” by Jon Acuff

[jeff]

Check out the book “Quitter” by Jon Acuff

[tough_kitty]

Jeff, so you seriously make a living just off of this website??

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Jeff, so you seriously make a living just off of this website??

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[jeff]

Yes – I've been very blessed to be able to do it full time.

[jeff]

Yes – I've been very blessed to be able to do it full time.

[tough_kitty]

You and Roger both…which is awesome! I enjoy helping people too and tutoring especially. But it makes me wonder – what was the point of getting that license? 🙂 At the same time, I just passed REG so I do know exactly why I would NOT want to become a CFO or a manager in a CPA firm (LLP) 😉 So, my options are limited…

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Author]

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