Bookkeeping Methods

[VAbyNellie]

I am interested in adding bookkeeping services to my virtual assistant business. I wanted to get feedback from others who have done the same thing. What method do you use to get clients documents, receipts, etc? What methods has worked for you, if you don't mind sharing. Also I am trying to target a specific industry that may have a higher need than another industry. In your business, can you say that a certain type of industry has given you more clients than another industry?

Thanks for your help!

[pjerb]

Do you have any experience in bookkeeping? Or education? People seem to think bookkeeping is easy and anyone can do it. I have been a bookkeeper for close to 30 years and I still have times where I don't know how to handle a complicated transaction and must look to an outside source for help, either online or from my CPA friend. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, I just want you to understand what you are getting into. Bookkeeping is not as easy as it seems. Software program can make it look simple to use and it is, but you need to understand GAAP (General Accepted Accounting Principals) to set the system up correctly to start.
I guess I have ranted enough. If you do have experience, then you know what you are doing and I say go for it! If you don't, I would encourage you to look into it more before you make a decision. Good Luck with whatever you do!

[VAbyNellie]

@ Pamela. I definately understand what you are talking about and don't think you are trying to rain on my parade. But yes I do have the education: I have a bachelors degree in Finance and Accounting, a Masters in Accountancy with a emphasis on Taxation and I have been working as a tax accountant for the last 6 years. So I am very much qualified in the field of accounting and taxation.
Thanks for all your great advice!

[JennK]

My clients are all local. So, for some I pickup their stuff. Some deliver to me. Some clients and I belong to the same network group and we arrange to swap paperwork there.

The gathering of paperwork is done in batches of several months. Some are quarterly or annual because their HST filing (Canadian tax) is filed on that basis.

Jenn
Bookkeeping Solutions That Make Cents

[pjerb]

I am glad you didn't take offense to my statements. You most certainly have the education and experience to do bookkeeping. I so I say - GO FOR IT! Good luck

[VAbyNellie]

@ Jenn thanks for your response. Your method seems to be the way most virtual bookkeeper use.

[snewsome]

Hi,

I just wanted to add my little 2 cents in. I am just getting started and I am offering A/P services, not the full sha-bam of bookkeeping. But I would think that they could scan the documents and then send it snail mail if you need to have the originals on file. Also, finding a reasonable courier services might work well too. Oh, well, I just thought about the price of gas now! Scratch that thought! lol

Just a thought.

Thanks,

Sharetha

[BrightBooks]

I am researching bill.com to use with my bookkeeping clients. The general idea is that each client receives a fax number and email address that they can have their vendors send in their bills directly. The client can click on which ones to pay for the week. The best part is it is all suppose to easily export to QuickBooks. I have heard from other bookkeepers that it works very well and you no longer need to make extra trips to pick up paperwork.

[VAbyNellie]

@ Bright Books thanks for the tip. Will definately look into that.