Business owners are incorporating virtual workers, like a virtual bookkeeper, into their business models. From solo entrepreneurs to mid-sized companies, the prospect of releasing administrative burdens and other tasks to qualified people means they will be free to focus on growing their businesses. This provides greater opportunities for many business support fields.  Bookkeepers who wish to create work/life balance and still practice their craft are creating virtual bookkeeping services.

One function ALL businesses need is bookkeeping. It is a vital element to the health and survival of any organization regardless of size.  When a business finds a skilled and knowledgeable bookkeeper it’s like finding gold.

So, what does it mean for you if you’d like to become a virtual bookkeeper? It means the market is there, you just need to position yourself to benefit.  A strong tool to aid you in your virtual business is QuickBooks Online.  This product enables you to effectively work with companies anywhere in the world and still perform the tasks you would in their office. The additional benefit of QB Online is that your client is able to access the company file without the cumbersome task of sending the file and restoring it on his/her copy of QB.  It is always up to date.  You can sign up for QB Online for as little as $19.95 with additional discounts as you add other companies.  A skilled bookkeeper able to perform general ledger duties, accounts payable and receivable as well as payroll taxes is the ideal hire. If you can also identify cost cutting and money saving actions you’ll be invaluable.  You’ve justified your fee. 

Speaking of fees, virtual bookkeeper rates are from $25 per hour upward.  You may wish to provide one flat monthly fee based on clients’ recurring needs.  After assessing their needs you’ll know how long tasks will take and what level of service the client requires. The business owner is able to budget for your services when he has a clear statement of costs.

To establish yourself as a virtual bookkeeper you should have strong bookkeeping skills along with degrees or certifications. Update your skills with online classes. Find more information on bookkeeper training here. The majority of your clients will want someone who knows more than they do.  They want to be confident that their books are in excellent hands.  Find a CPA with whom you may consult to help with making the right decisions for your clients.  Equally important is finding a secure way to transfer files over the internet.  A server configured as a SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) can address this security concern by providing data transfer over a fully encrypted channel.  Security will be vital to your business. Above all, your work should reflect strong ethical practices.

To wrap up: QuickBooks Online enables the virtual bookkeeper to work with clients from a distance.  Bookkeeper training and maintaining contacts in the accounting field makes it possible for a virtual bookkeeper to provide top quality services.  Bookkeeper rates should reflect the level of work being done for a client.

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