The role of a bookkeeper can be wide and varied, covering everything from payroll and invoicing to staff training and consultancy. But how do you decide which services to offer, and is it best to focus on specific aspects of the role or develop a more all-encompassing offering?
First, let’s take a look at some of the services commonly offered by bookkeepers.
Is it necessary to decide what you’ll offer early on, or should you just wait to see what your clients need from you? While it is, of course, important to be flexible and respond to changing needs, it’s also the case that you should be clear on what you offer so you don’t over-promise. If you simply won’t have the capacity to offer consultancy services, then don’t list it as an option. You don’t want to leave clients feeling like they haven’t received a comprehensive service from you. When it comes to being a generalist or a specialist, there is no right answer, so consider what works best for you. You could offer a wide range of services but to a specific sector, for example. This has the added benefit of being able to market yourself as a specialist and so potentially charge a higher rate.
Deciding on the best approach will involve thinking about the clients you’d like to work with and finding out what their most common needs will be. So, for example, sole traders are likely to need services such as tax returns and ledger support; growth businesses may well like the idea of a bookkeeper who can offer advice and insight while adapting to the changing needs of the business. Similarly, start-ups may have needs that change quickly, while more established businesses may have set tasks each month that are unlikely to change.
If there’s a type of business or a specific market sector that you want to work with, research that market in detail. This could involve talking to potential clients or specific businesses, something which can also help you when it comes to pricing your services and estimating what demand there will be for your offering.
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities. With experience and training, you could become a bookkeeping expert and take on more complex work. You could also become self-employed and set up your own business.
Cultivate your desire to learn new things because there’s always something new to discover and learn. The accounting industry is always evolving, and you must roll with the changes if you want to stay in business.
Reach out to Get Trained Get Hired to book a free 30-Minute career counseling meeting. At Get Trained Get Hired we provide you with the necessary training to learn practical skills to become an accountant. Our training is based on practical real-life cases. After the training, we work on your resume and try to place you in accounting firms through our network. You will also get access to like-minded individuals who are looking for jobs through our WhatsApp group. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Or call us at 647-275-7150.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended to provide general information. The information does not consider your situation and is not intended to be used without consultation from professionals. Salman Rundhawa and Gettrainedgethired.com will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.