bookkeeping business going virtual, any good tips?

[Office Goddess]

efax.com has a free incoming fax service but you are limited to the quantity of faxes you can receive. You may be better off just getting fax software for your computer (try googling for freeware fax software - there are a bunch out there that are either free or low cost).

[King Business Management]

I am a Quickbooks user and have a PC. My potential client has a Mac. Do you know of any issues with file conversion?

[Office Goddess]

I ended up buying a Mac just to work w/my one current mac client 'cuz we just couldn't get the pc and mac to 'play nice.' I bought a used mac desktop (g4 tower) for $125 at a computer recycle center in town...

[King Business Management]

You scored for that price. Even the recycled ones can get pricey. I might have to check around. Thanks!

[ShoeboxServices]

A great tip would be to use VPN & Remote Desktop to access their files and Accounting Software so this way your clients have control as well. One of my clients is using VPN to connect from my MACBook Pro to their MAC Server and it works great. We use Remote Desktop to access the PC to post in Simply Accounting. With a MAC you can colour the files, so for example my client will green the files when they have been approved for payment or red them when not approved which helps out a lot.

Lynne
www.shoeboxservices.ca

[VA Simple Services]

I just wanted to share one concern that I have reading posts for people who offer bookkeeping services. I understand that having access to clients bank accounts can simplify your task and doesn't require the client to get involved but...you shouldn't do it. As a banker myself, I have to remind my clients that passwords and bank codes cannot be shared. If anyone manages to take over their accounts (bank cards or online) they will not be covered for any kind of protection from banks. Unless they have a business account for which they make you administrators and you have your own passwords, they should not share their passwords. If you can't be named as administrator, they can always email you monthly statements.

[candacec1]

Some really good advice here...wow. A few things I didnt think of. I love this site.

[Office Goddess]

I just wanted to share one concern that I have reading posts for people who offer bookkeeping services. I understand that having access to clients bank accounts can simplify your task and doesn't require the client to get involved but...you shouldn't do it. As a banker myself, I have to remind my clients that passwords and bank codes cannot be shared. If anyone manages to take over their accounts (bank cards or online) they will not be covered for any kind of protection from banks. Unless they have a business account for which they make you administrators and you have your own passwords, they should not share their passwords. If you can't be named as administrator, they can always email you monthly statements.

Good advice! I purchased and maintain a 'surety bond' which in essence guarantees that if I (or an employee of mine) were to steal from a client's bank account the insurance will replace the funds. And, I DO request a separate login and password to my client's accounts which most banks will allow; its just a matter of paperwork. This is proof for the insurance company, as well, of who accessed the 'missing' funds were some to disappear. I don't like the personal liability of using my client's password as, if THEY were unscrupulous, I could be blamed and thus put out of business and/or sued for something I didn't do.

[AngelicaP33]

Hi Marge,
it looks like so far you are figuring out how to do your business virtually...that's great! I've been a member with VAF since July 2009 (not too long) but I have learned so much from just reading all the great information, tips, opinions, etc on here. It's a great forum!

I have my website up-something I did on my own using a templete but seeing all these other great websites...I would love to have someone who specializes in that do one for me! But right now it's not in my budget...but anyways I also have my business cards which I got from vistaprint. Vistaprint is great...use them for personal stuff too! Check it out http://www.vistaprint.com here!

Since becoming a VAF member I have learned so much and still continue to learn! Right now I am in the process of marketing my business anyway and anyhow I can so that I land my first client! It takes awhile to get going but I am hopeful that I will get enough clients soon so that I can quit my day job and go full-time with this one!

Good Luck and much success to you!