Virtual Bookkeeping

[JustJOurni]

I have a client that want me to start doing remote bookkeeping for them. I did bookkeeping when I was in corporate america, however I have no clue how to effectively do remote bookkeeping

[Rebecka Melson]

If they already have a bookkeeping system in place then the easiest way will be for them to enable remote access for you. As far as receiving documents, I do it several different ways, depending on what is easiest for the client. I have some who mail me their receipts, checkbook stubs and bank statements each month, and others who do most of the inputting themselves and then email me the bank statements so that I can reconcile their accounts and prepare their financials.

It all just depends on how much or how little the client wants to do themselves. For accounts receivables, I create the invoices based on the clients info, when they receive payment they deposit the funds and send me copies of the checks and deposit it so that I can record it. For accounts payable, they send me the bills and I input them and then let them know what they need to pay and when. If they print checks instead of hand write them, then I can even go in and select the bills to be paid and set the checks up to be printed so that all the client has to do is put the checks in the printer and print them out.

[tildavirtual]

I do virtual bookkeeping too and do pretty much the same thing. I have clients that scan and email me their documents, others that dump them in a box for weekly pickup and others that post their documents to me. I follow up outstanding accounts receivable for my clients via phone, mail and email. I also prepare monthly statements and other reports. I liase directly with their accountant too for any questions I may have. It also serves to butter up the accountant and make them feel special if I defer certain questions to them from the client.

[JustJOurni]

Does anyone know where I can find some information about setting up virtual bookkeeping for an existing client.

[Rebecka Melson]

Can you be more specific on what type of information you are looking for? The only difference in "virtual" bookkeeping and traditional bookkeeping is how you access the information. The overall setup will be the same.

I do virtual bookkeeping too and do pretty much the same thing. I have clients that scan and email me their documents, others that dump them in a box for weekly pickup and others that post their documents to me. I follow up outstanding accounts receivable for my clients via phone, mail and email. I also prepare monthly statements and other reports. I liase directly with their accountant too for any questions I may have. It also serves to butter up the accountant and make them feel special if I defer certain questions to them from the client.

I also use Remote Access for my client and I love it. I agree with Rebecka regarding communication with the CPA, very imperative. Mine is very accessible via email and cell phone and has helped me tremendously!