Working from home provides many opportunities to earn money online. Finance and accounting, in particular, offer plenty of convenient and profitable online jobs you can do with a computer and some basic office supplies.
Bookkeeping might not be the first side hustle that comes to mind, but it can provide both income and flexibility. Businesses and individuals are always looking for tax experts, accountants, and bookkeepers to help them track and manage their finances. These jobs are often entirely online, allowing you to work from anywhere.
Wondering if bookkeeping is a good side hustle? Here’s what makes it a flexible, in-demand way to earn extra income.
Key points
- Bookkeeping is a flexible side hustle you can often do from anywhere, making it ideal for beginners who want extra income without giving up their day jobs.
- No degree is required, but learning core skills like transaction recording, reconciliations, payroll, and reporting is essential to delivering accurate, reliable work.
- Certification is optional but valuable, helping new bookkeepers gain credibility and attract higher-paying clients.
- Finding your first clients can start with your personal network, online marketplaces, or local business outreach. Consistency and professionalism typically matter most.
- Specializing in a niche can make your work more efficient, simplify marketing, and help you command higher rates.
Why bookkeeping makes a great side hustle
Tax prep and bookkeeping offer benefits that make it especially appealing as a side hustle:
- Time flexibility: You can typically set your own schedule or work only when you’re available, which promotes a better work-life balance. It gives you more control and lets you have the time to take on personal projects and household tasks.
- Remote flexibility: You aren’t tied down to an office location, so you can travel and work from anywhere the company allows. Remote work also enables you to apply to jobs outside your local area, opening up more opportunities for career growth.
- Income and savings potential: Not only do bookkeeping side hustles let you earn good money, they can also help you save money on things like gas and car maintenance, eating out for lunch, or wardrobe requirements.
- Comfortable working space: Set up your home office or other workspace exactly how you want it. Decorate and use equipment that suits your personality and working style.
- Diverse community: You may end up working with people from various backgrounds, which could lead to unexpected knowledge and experiences. It also might be more inclusive for people with disabilities or parents caring for children.
Steps to start your bookkeeping side hustle
Starting a bookkeeping side hustle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Break it into simple, manageable steps, and you’ll be ready to take on your first client sooner than you might think. From learning the basics to finding your niche, each step brings you closer to credibility and confidence.
1. Learn the basics of bookkeeping
Every business needs accurate, organized financial records, no matter its size. As a bookkeeper, your job is to track money coming in and going out, keep accounts balanced, and help business owners handle their finances.
Core skills to learn bookkeeping include:
- Recording daily transactions: Logging income and expenses in a ledger or spreadsheet.
- Reconciling bank statements: Matching bank statements to the books so every dollar is accounted for.
- Managing accounts payable and receivable: Tracking what’s owed to the business and what needs to be paid out to vendors and other third parties.
- Processing payroll: Knowing how to handle wages, withholdings, and tax obligations.
- Generating basic financial reports: Generating reports like a profit-and-loss (P&L) statement or revenue forecasts.
You don’t necessarily need a degree to start, but you do need a solid grasp of these fundamentals. Free or low-cost resources like online courses, community workshops, or Intuit Academy’s beginner-friendly bookkeeping training (more on that later) can help you build a strong foundation before you take on paying clients.
2. Get certified
While certification isn’t required to start a bookkeeping side hustle, it can give you a competitive edge when you’re new and building trust with clients. Earning credentials shows you’ve met a recognized standard of knowledge and can confidently handle essential bookkeeping tasks.
Two popular options include:
You don’t have to start with full certification. Even a skills badge from a free online course can help demonstrate credibility. Over time, formal certification can help you stand out and expand your opportunities.
3. Choose your tools
The right software can make your bookkeeper side hustle more efficient and accurate. Most small businesses rely on digital tools to manage their books. Being comfortable with these digital tools will make you more valuable to clients using these platforms.
Industry-leading options include:
- QuickBooks Online: Widely used by small businesses for its comprehensive features.
- Xero: Cloud-based with strong collaboration tools.
- FreshBooks: Known for its simple invoicing and expense tracking.
In addition to bookkeeping software, basic spreadsheet skills in Excel or Google Sheets are essential for organizing data and creating custom reports. If you’re new to these tools, look for free tutorials or online workshops to get hands-on practice before you start working with clients.
4. Set up your business
Even if you’re starting small, treating your bookkeeping side hustle like a real business helps you look professional and stay organized.
A few simple steps can get you started:
- Choose a business structure: Many side hustlers begin as sole proprietors, while others register as limited liability companies (LLCs) for added legal protection. An online or in-person attorney or accountant can help you register your business and set up the structure.
- Open a separate business bank account: This separates personal and business finances, saving headaches at tax time.
- Keep clear records: Use bookkeeping software or spreadsheets to track income, expenses, and receipts from day one.
These steps signal to potential clients that you take your work seriously. Plus, they set you up for smoother growth if your side hustle expands.
5. Price your services
Setting rates can be tricky at first. Charge too little, and you’ll undervalue your work. Charge too much, and you may struggle to land your first clients.
Start by researching what other bookkeepers charge in your area or your target industry. Browse freelance marketplaces, scan job boards for part-time bookkeeping roles, or connect with small business networks to see what’s typical. From there, decide how you’ll bill:
- Hourly rates are common for short-term or one-time projects.
- Monthly retainers work well for ongoing bookkeeping services.
As your skills grow and you gain experience, revisit your pricing. Raising rates gradually can help you match the value you provide while keeping loyal clients on board.
6. Find your first clients
Landing that first client is often the hardest step in a bookkeeping side hustle. But once you do, referrals and repeat work can follow quickly.
Start with your network. Friends, family, and former coworkers may run businesses themselves or know someone who does. Let them know you’re offering bookkeeping services and the type of work you can handle.
Other ways to find clients include:
- Online marketplaces: Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with small projects to build your portfolio.
- Social media: Join local business groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, answer questions, and share tips to show your expertise.
- Local outreach: Attend small business meetups or chamber of commerce events to build in-person connections.
- Starter website or portfolio: Even a simple one-page site with your services, experience, and contact info can make you easier to hire. If you have niche expertise, highlight it here.
The key is to be consistent. Reach out regularly, follow up, and keep conversations professional but approachable. At this stage, you’re building trust as much as you’re selling a service.
7. Choose your niche
As you gain experience, choosing a niche can help your bookkeeper side hustle stand out in a crowded market. A niche helps you focus on the unique needs of a specific industry, which can help streamline your processes and potentially command higher rates.
Some common niches include:
- E-commerce: Managing online sales, inventory, and multiple payment platforms.
- Real estate: Tracking rental income, property expenses, and commissions.
- Independent contracting: Handling irregular income and varied expenses.
You don’t have to pick a niche right away. Many bookkeepers start as generalists to build experience, then narrow their focus once they discover an industry they enjoy working with.
Over time, niching down can help you better target your marketing and build stronger relationships with clients.
Tips for success in your bookkeeping side hustle
We know launching your bookkeeper side hustle from scratch can seem daunting, but a few smart moves will help you build confidence and momentum:
- Take courses to help you prepare. Taking online courses like the ones we mentioned earlier is a convenient way to get the education you need to launch a bookkeeping side hustle.
- You can stand out by earning a badge or certification. Even a simple skills badge can boost your credibility. After completing Intuit Academy courses, for example, you earn badges you can put on your resume, CV, and LinkedIn to help you stand out.
- Find a mentor in the field: A mentor can accelerate your learning. Reach out to local professionals or join online groups where bookkeepers share advice and resources.
- Set up your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Include skills alongside your individual experiences so companies can see how the experience helped your career and education. You may also list skills horizontally, with the most relevant technical skills listed first.
- LinkedIn is a valuable resource for networking and showcasing your knowledge. Optimizing your profile by creating a catchy headline and engaging “About” section makes it easier for customers to find you. In addition, posting content and sharing other helpful content can help you establish authority and keep you top of mind with your network.
You can also explore structured opportunities to gain experience. Many companies hire remote bookkeepers or seasonal tax prep staff, often through virtual interviews. These roles let you earn while learning and can be a steppingstone to running your own client base.
No experience, but want to get into accounting or finance?
Establishing a bookkeeping side hustle with little experience doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re interested in learning more to stand out from the competition, Intuit offers free, beginner-friendly courses that can help you build practical skills and stand out in the job market.
Intuit Academy courses include:
- Bookkeeping: Learn about the accounting cycle, tracking complex business finances, liability and equity, and how to interpret financial statements and records.
- Tax Level 1: Get the scoop on forms W-2 and 1099, how to enter taxpayer information, determining deductions and credits, and calculating refunds.
- Tax Level 2: Tackle more complicated income situations, business income, Schedule C, and fewer standard deductions and credits.
- Tax Preparation: Practice filing returns with various forms and scenarios.
Your path to starting a bookkeeping side hustle
A bookkeeping side hustle offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, the chance to earn extra income, and the potential to grow into a full-time career. With steady demand from businesses of all sizes, it’s a skill set that pays off for years to come.
Intuit offers multiple side hustle-compatible jobs for finance and accounting professionals looking for more clients, freedom, and opportunities for career growth. If you’re just getting started with your finance and accounting career, Intuit’s educational opportunities can help open the door to an entry-level job. Freelancing side gigs as a bookkeeper, accountant, or tax preparer are great for beginners to gain experience.
Ready to start your journey? Intuit offers remote bookkeeping jobs that are perfect for side hustlers like you. Explore Intuit Expert jobs and apply now to turn your interest in numbers into a flexible and rewarding career.
FAQs about doing bookkeeping as a side hustle
Is a bookkeeping certification required to start your side gig?
You don’t need a certification to start a bookkeeping side hustle. Many bookkeepers start with self-taught skills or short courses and build experience over time. That said, certifications from organizations like the NACPB or AIPB can help you stand out and attract higher-paying clients.
How many hours should I expect to commit to my bookkeeping side hustle?
It depends on your goals and client load. Many side hustlers work 5 to 10 hours a week to start, often in the evenings or on weekends. As you take on more clients, your commitment can grow to 15 to 20 hours or more, though the flexibility of bookkeeping lets you adjust your schedule around other priorities.
What is the best way to determine your hourly rate for bookkeeper side work?
Research what bookkeepers in your area or niche are charging, then set a competitive rate based on your experience and skills. Beginners might start at a lower hourly rate to build a client base, then raise prices as their expertise grows. Remember to account for business expenses and the value you bring, not just the hours worked.