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Home
Based Business Idea
A
C C O U N T A N T / B O O K K E E P E R:
 This
is one profession where you can take the business home. A
professional accountant can choose from which location and during what
hours they decide to work. Client appointments often occur at
times that are most convenient to the client. As a home-based
accountant/bookkeeper you will be able to set your schedule and provide
excellent service while accommodating both yours and your clients needs.
What
Does an Accountant/Bookkeeper Do?
If you have attained the designation CPA - Certified Public Accountant
then you will be able to provide tax assistance including planning and
all the final preparation of forms. You can assist small
businesses with financial data, reporting, provide billing and payroll
services. It is not uncommon today for a CPA to diversify and
offer financial services and financial planning and consulting services
as well.
A
professional bookkeeper on the other hand will prepare the books,
accounting records, product inventory records, and other strategic
business information for small and medium sized businesses.
Your
Unique Skills
As an accountant/bookkeeper you will be very comfortable with juggling
numbers. It is your job to be extremely organized, methodical, and
precise. You must be honest, discreet and trustworthy if you are
to be allowed to view the internal information of a company. Your
clients will depend on you as one of their closest advisors. They will
only hire you if they believe you will be a worthwhile member of their
team. You must keep up to date on the latest rules and regulations
and be confident to institute these changes. As a CPA you must be
well-versed in accounting practices and principles, know the laws.
You may want to specialize in a group or industry that you have intimate
knowledge about. The increase in women-owned businesses is a
wonderful area for a woman CPA to target - just helping women with their
small business needs.
Tools
for the Home Based Accountant/Bookkeeper
You will need to be comfortable with the latest application software on
the market and specifically a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel or
specialized accounting software such as Peachtree Accounting or products
from PeopleSoft. You will need a computer, fine printer, fax and fast
Internet connection. Work from home requires you to replicate a
similar workstation that you would find in an accountant's office.
If you do not have the space to greet clients at home that is alright
but make your environment comfortable and organized with the technology
available to get the job done.
If
you are serious about your success in this biz then get a professional
marketing brochure and logo created. Your brochure should match
you and express who you are. If you are an earthy individual who
wants to target only environmentally friendly companies then use
recycled paper and earthen colors to express who you are. Work
with a designer you trust to get what you want the first time.
This can be one of the best investments in your company you will
make.
Getting
Your Foot in the Door
Ah this is the million dollar question and one of the biggest roadblocks
for many small business owners. You must begin by beginning.
That sounds foolish but it is the truth. Just as pants go on one
leg at a time so does a business evolve. You can either start by
jumping in feet first by investing money up front and opening doors by
advertising in a local paper or trade publication or you can wade in
slowly with offering your services to an acquaintance or friend and then
taking on one client at a time through either networking or word of
mouth. It is up to you. Envision where you want your company
to go. Do you see yourself expanding or are you working from home
to have flexible hours and less-stressful work environment. Be
realistic - don't bite off more than you can chew.
Establish
a reciprocal referral network with local professionals including
lawyers, real estate agents, financial planners etc.
Promote
your service online through a website and specialized
directories.
Creative
Marketing Techniques
Attracting will require time and expense every week. Make the most
of your advertising dollars by evaluating ways to get to your target
market directly. There are many ways to get your name into the
community. What do you enjoy and have a passion for? Do you
have a charity or event you might like to sponsor? Place an
advertisement in their flyer. You will be doing a service as well
as attracting people that have a similar interest as you. Join a
networking group that you would enjoy. When people get to know and
trust you they will be glad to do business with you.
Show
Me the Money
The rates for a professional bookkeeper can range anywhere from $20 -
$35/hour. Remember these are billable hours! You will be
spending hours a week on non-billable time. Decide on the number
of hours you want to work and add 10 for marketing, etc. An
accountant can bill their time at $45 - $100/hour. As an
accountant you can also charge as a consultant to help a small business
develop.
For
More Information:
Online
Resources
American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants
http://www.aicpa.org
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