The Business
Virtual bookkeeping serves small businesses that can't afford a full-time bookkeeper. Monthly retainers of $200-800/client for a few hours of work per month create stable recurring revenue. With 20 clients at $400/month, that's $8,000/month working 30-40 hours. QuickBooks ProAdvisor and Xero certifications command higher rates.
How to Start
Get QuickBooks Online Certified Bookkeeper certification (free through Intuit). Create a profile on Upwork and Thumbtack. Offer a free first month to the first 3 clients. Target industries you have experience in — restaurant bookkeeping is different from retail, which is different from construction. Specialize to command $75-100/hour.
Equipment Needed
- ▸Computer
- ▸QuickBooks Online subscription
- ▸Zoom
- ▸Cloud storage
- ▸Invoicing software
Licensing
None (certifications help)
Monthly Search Volume
Form your LLC and protect your assets. Start operating legally in days.
FORM YOUR LLC — ZENBUSINESSFIND CLIENTS — UPWORKAffiliate links · We may earn a commission
Revenue Calculator
“Bookkeeping is recurring revenue on a calendar you control. Every client is monthly or quarterly work. The best bookkeepers I know have 12–15 clients and work 25 hours a week from home.”
Want to buy a Virtual Bookkeeping instead of starting one?
Skip the startup grind. Existing businesses come with customers, cash flow, and proven systems. Use our valuation calculator to see what you'd pay.
Tools we'd use if we were starting this business today. Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.
Form your professional services LLC. Registered agent, EIN, and annual compliance included.
START YOUR LLC →Invoice clients, track time, and run your professional service business without an accountant.
START FREE TRIAL →Business banking built for startups and service businesses. No fees, powerful integrations, and FDIC insured.
OPEN MERCURY ACCOUNT →Business banking with automatic profit-first budgeting. Separate accounts for taxes, expenses, and profit.
TRY RELAY FREE →