Part V
Running Your Own Bookkeeping Business
Five Tips for Running a Successful Bookkeeping Practice
Register as a BAS Agent. In Australia, registering as a BAS Agent is essential if you wish to run a professional bookkeeping service.
Don’t spread yourself too thin. Choose a maximum of two accounting software products to specialise in and build your skills accordingly.
Be organised. Business owners look to bookkeepers for a sense of order and reassurance. Plan carefully so you can always meet your clients’ quarterly or annual deadlines.
Set up checklists for each client. Make up a checklist for the activities you’ll do each time you visit a client (this checklist will vary from client to client). Tick off this list as you complete these activities, and provide a copy to your client so they know what work you’ve done each time.
Keep up to date. Join a bookkeeping association and attend conference events at least once a year.
Check out www.dummies.com/extras/bookkeepingau for a free online article about running your own bookkeeping business.
In this part…
Work out whether you’re ready to take the plunge and start out on your own.
Run through some of the basics before launching your business, such as creating a business plan, deciding what to charge, and finding clients.
Set goals to help you build a successful business.
Stay on the right side of the law — know our obligations, get accredited and know the limits of your advice.