How to Transition from a Corporate Job to Starting Your Own Bookkeeping Business: Expert Advice

[@courtneyvonbargen1264]

Recently found your channel while starting my business and currently in the process of transitioning from my corporate job. Being a CPA & MBA, I thought getting the clients would be a little easier than I am finding - but coming back to your videos for encouragement and advice. Thank you!

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Thanks for watching! Keep working hard

[@lindseyroberts4923]

I just recently found your channel and I'm really glad I did. I'm at the "grow the business" part of my bookkeeping LLC, so I love listening to your advice on how to make this happen. I also appreciate your honesty. Instead of pushing your products so you can put more money on your bottom line, you are the first to tell us that we don't HAVE TO have it. Snaps to you.

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Thanks for your support!

[@jennyturner5849]

I work 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. Looking to get my QBO pro advisor. Not sure how I’m gonna be able to work my full-time job and be able to answer phone calls and emails in a timely manner. But I am certainly going to work hard to make it happen

[@thekingscardboard]

Let’s go Jenny!

[@jennyturner5849]

@@thekingscardboard I came to realize that if I didn’t do something, I would be on my feet for 12 hours a day five days a week for the next 10 years. This side hustle looks really possible to me so I am praying hard, I want to spend time with my family

[@thekingscardboard]

@@jennyturner5849 exactly! Your family and moments are so special. It’s worth fighting for and getting out of just surviving and into thriving .

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Never give up!

[@BookkeepingTutorials]

9k clean up is crazy! Also, I’m growing my bookkeeping business while still working full time, (I work remote 3 days a week) which helps, but it can be done!

[@BookkeepingExpert]

That is great! Keep working hard

[@Happiness379]

You read my mind again, Zach! I was already thinking of asking my current employer if I can become part-time in the meantime…when that time comes. Thank you!

[@BookkeepingExpert]

That’s a great idea!

[@Happiness379]

@@BookkeepingExpert before I can become a solopreneuer like yourself, in case I was not clear…ideally I would be working a part-time (20 hours/week) accounting entry level type job while working my current job part-time as well. So hopefully when that time comes, I can get approval for my current full-time job to cut hours in half.

[@digimongal4939]

Your local library is also a good place to look for classes. I'm currently taking a free accounting fundamentals class through my library

[@BookkeepingExpert]

That’s a great great idea!

[@helengalvez33]

Thank you for all your knowledge and for sharing it. Because of you, I'm not afraid to push forward with my bookkeeping business.

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@trevortracy5237]

This was an awesome explanation. Thank you, Zach. Maybe I missed it, but: At what stage in this process do you form your LLC and open a business bank account? After testing the waters or right out the gate?

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Right out of the gate

[@MakielGavriluv]

You ara my aspirations

[@BookkeepingExpert]

I’m happy to help!

[@andreanewell3844]

Zach, i love your videos! One of these days soon, I am going to take the leap. I was wondering about the order in which to start... business name, licensing, insurance, webpage, etc. what do i need to get started. i remember seeing a video on that but cant find it back now. Thanks again for all of your work.

[@BookkeepingExpert]

There can be a lot that goes into it. I hope you’re able to figure it out!

[@sonicam16]

Hi Zach, how did you juggle availability for new client onboarding/phone calls when you were working full time? That is one thing that has me nervous (may miss a potential sale or make a current client upset because of my full time obligation)

[@BookkeepingExpert]

I worked night shift, 5pm to 5am. So I would take calls at 3pm when I woke up before work

[@ElyaaASMR]

Hey Zach, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I am starting my bookkeeping business soon and wanted to know if a bookkeeper track the 1099s and record depreciation, or these are not a bookkeeper's tasks? Thank you, always

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Yes, I handled 1099‘s. No, I don’t do anything with depreciation.

[@PaulElmont-fd1xc]

May I ask what kind of math you use mostly in your bookkeeping practice? I'm good at math, but not great. Algebra is easy for me but calculus is a big challenge.

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Just simple math like addition and subtraction

[@PaulElmont-fd1xc]

@BookkeepingExpert I thank you, sir!

[@ksccloset118]

Also need to be prepared to be content with where your at after leaving a job. Reinancing or purchasing a home will more challenging.

[@BookkeepingExpert]

That’s a great point!

[@shawnmarshall5573]

How do you know how much to charge?

[@BookkeepingExpert]

Three dollars per transaction per month

[@xiaofei89]

I work as a bookkeeper in a company, but I want to have my own business. I have 5 years of experience. I’m still afraid of starting, because of all the fees that come with opening your business.

[@BookkeepingTutorials]

What fee’s if you have XP & QBO is free? All you need to do is reach out to potential clients. There should be no costs associated with landing your first client. Website can come later.

[@xiaofei89]

@@BookkeepingTutorials I mean opening an LLC, insurance, bank fees for business accounts, etc.

[@BookkeepingTutorials]

@@xiaofei89 all that can/should be paid for but shouldn’t stop you from starting. Getting clients is step 1 (imo). You got it, just gotta go full send! 🚀

[@Seidylasker]

Dont need insurance and there are banks that do $0 minimum balance @xiaofei89

[@BookkeepingExpert]

It's actually very cheap to get started!

[@mattquaile2868]

What do you do if your client doesn’t use Quickbooks online?

[@BookkeepingExpert]

I only work with clients who use QBO

[@lamewatcher1]

This is the Accountant dude who has guns in an RV and real Monet locked up somewhere ! Better looking than Ben Affleck too

[@BookkeepingExpert]

I love that movie ✅