27 Business Ideas For Bookkeepers [2024]

Updated: September 23rd, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a bookkeeper in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a bookkeeper could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Bookkeepers?

We put together 27 of some of the best bookkeeper business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other bookkeeper businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a data analysis service ($42.6K/month)

As a bookkeeper, starting a data analysis service could be a seamless transition that builds on your existing skills in financial data management. By leveraging your analytical acumen, you could help businesses interpret their data to gain valuable insights into customer behavior and streamline marketing campaigns. This not only provides an additional revenue stream but also amplifies your value by transforming raw data into actionable business strategies.

You likely already possess a strong understanding of data organization and interpretation, which will be vital in communicating insights effectively to clients. Given the rise in demand for data-driven decision-making, this service can be particularly lucrative. With high-profit potential and the ability to significantly impact businesses' success, a data analysis service aligns well with your bookkeeping expertise, opening up new entrepreneurial avenues.

How much you can make: $20 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Built $1.54M/Year Tool That Finds The Best Investment Properties [From UK]

Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.

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2. Start a data protection tool business ($525K/month)

Starting a data protection tool business could be an excellent opportunity for bookkeepers looking to diversify their income streams. As someone already familiar with handling sensitive financial data, you understand the importance of protecting this information from breaches and unauthorized access. Leveraging this knowledge, you could develop software solutions aimed at safeguarding personal and organizational data, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing data security.

Given the rising number of cyber-attacks and the critical need for robust data protection across industries, this venture holds high potential for growth and profitability. A data protection tool business would allow you to create invaluable solutions such as encryption, secure storage, and advanced threat detection systems that modern enterprises increasingly need. This side business could complement your existing bookkeeping services, making you a vital part of your clients' overall security strategy and offering you additional revenue opportunities.

How much you can make: $100 — $6,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)

Pivoting From Social Media Aggregator To $6M/Month People Search Tool

Spokeo is a people information service helping over 15 million users a month search and connect with others through organizing over 14 billion records into easy-to-understand reports generating over $6M per month.

Read by 20,913 founders

3. Start an AI SaaS business ($39.3K/month)

As a bookkeeper, you could leverage your financial expertise to create an AI SaaS business that automates and streamlines accounting tasks for small to medium-sized enterprises. Imagine offering a cloud-based software solution that uses advanced AI to handle invoicing, budgeting, and financial forecasting, helping businesses reduce errors and save time. Companies would subscribe to use your cutting-edge technology, skirting the need to develop such complex systems in-house.

The landscape is ripe with possibilities, including natural language processing tools that could automate client communication or predictive analytics that forecast cash flow. While starting this business requires skills in AI and software development, your understanding of accounting processes could give you a unique edge. If you're tech-savvy and entrepreneurial-minded, launching an AI SaaS business could be a high-reward venture that supplements your income or even becomes your primary focus.

How much you can make: $150 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped My Notion Form Builder $180K ARR

NotionForms, a SaaS company offering a form builder integration to Notion, boasts an impressive total of 26k users, 850 paid subscribers, and an ARR of $182k, with steady growth since its launch and being used internally by many huge tech companies.

Read by 8,429 founders

4. Start an intercom installation business

As a bookkeeper, you could leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail to start an intercom installation business. Given your experience with financial management, you would be well-equipped to handle the costing, budgeting, and pricing aspects of this venture efficiently. This side business could serve as an excellent opportunity to diversify your income streams, especially if you have an interest in technology and home security systems.

The intercom installation market has been growing, driven by increasing demand for residential and commercial security solutions. You could target a variety of clients, from small businesses wanting to enhance internal communication to homeowners looking for added security features. With relatively low startup costs and the potential for high demand, entering the intercom installation industry could be a worthwhile investment of your time and skills.

5. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)

As a bookkeeper, you already possess a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of financial data. By starting a data mining and analytics tools business, you could leverage these strengths to develop software that extracts, processes, and analyzes vast amounts of data, uncovering patterns and insights that businesses crave. This opens up the possibility of turning raw data into actionable intelligence for key industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.

The growing demand for data-driven decision-making presents a lucrative market opportunity. You could create sophisticated tools that help businesses make better strategic decisions, driving their success and pioneering industry transformations. This venture combines your knack for numbers with a foray into programming, statistics, and machine learning, making it a challenging yet rewarding entrepreneurial path.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)

How We Developed A $40K/Month Email Parser Application

Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.

Read by 10,499 founders

6. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)

As a bookkeeper, your expertise in financial systems and data management provides a strong foundation for branching out as an IT consultant. By leveraging your knowledge of accounting software and financial processes, you could assist businesses in optimizing their IT infrastructure to better support financial operations. This could involve implementing new accounting systems, automating financial workflows, and ensuring data security and compliance.

Additionally, you could offer services to diagnose IT-related issues that hinder financial efficiency, helping companies design solutions to streamline their financial operations. This dual proficiency in finance and IT could set you apart, offering unique value to clients seeking to align their technology with their business goals. Transitioning into IT consulting could thus be a lucrative avenue to supplement your income while utilizing your existing skill set.

How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.

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7. Start a SEO business ($105K/month)

As a bookkeeper, you already possess a knack for detail-oriented tasks and analytical thinking—skills that are essential for SEO work. Starting an SEO business could allow you to supplement your income by helping businesses improve their online visibility. You could analyze, strategize, and optimize content to boost a website's ranking on search engines, ultimately driving more traffic to their sites.

The demand for SEO expertise is continuously growing, offering a steady stream of potential clients. Additionally, running an SEO business allows you to set your own hours and potentially build long-term relationships with different companies. If you enjoy research and have a strategic mindset, this entrepreneurial path could not only diversify your career but also provide a rewarding and flexible opportunity to grow your income.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Quitting My Full Time Agency Job To Build My Own Software Product

OneSEO.io is an SEO marketing business that helps digital agencies and business owners increase website relevancy, generating over $50,000 in revenue with an average MRR of $15,000 through Facebook ads and email marketing, with a focus on providing value to leads and building trust.

Read by 14,662 founders

8. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)

Starting a customer intelligence analytics business could be a smart move for a bookkeeper looking to supplement their income or launch a side venture. As a bookkeeper, you already possess a keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills, both of which are essential for analyzing customer data and generating actionable insights. This business would involve helping companies understand their customer interactions, leading to better marketing strategies and improved customer retention.

Your expertise in managing financial data translates well to interpreting customer behavior patterns and trends, a skillset in high demand across all business sizes. Whether assisting small businesses in refining their sales strategies or helping larger enterprises boost customer loyalty, your analytical prowess could be invaluable. With customer intelligence analytics growing in popularity, you could find ample opportunities to carve out a lucrative niche in this expanding field.

How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Developed A $30K/Month Open Source CRM

EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.

Read by 10,962 founders

9. Develop a financial report tool

As a bookkeeper, you could leverage your expertise in financial data and metrics to create a financial report tool, helping businesses to effortlessly demystify complex financial information. This software platform would generate accurate and comprehensive reports, allowing companies to streamline their financial reporting processes and make better business decisions with minimal manual effort.

Given the increasing demand for automated, reliable financial reporting solutions, developing such a tool could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. If you have a knack for both finance and tech, this opportunity could allow you to stand out in the market, fulfilling a critical need for businesses of all sizes.

10. Start a green software development business

As a bookkeeper, you could leverage your attention to detail and analytical skills to start a green software development business. This side venture involves creating environmentally friendly software solutions designed to reduce carbon footprints, save energy, and enhance sustainability practices in businesses. Your deep understanding of financial data and systems can aid in building software that optimizes resource allocation and tracks efficiency improvements.

Not only could this provide an additional income stream, but it would also align with the growing demand for sustainable business practices. By focusing on green software development, you could differentiate yourself in a niche market, offering value-added services to clients committed to environmental responsibility. This entrepreneurial endeavor would allow you to combine your financial expertise with innovative technology solutions to make a positive impact on the planet.

11. Start a children's party planning business ($174K/month)

As a bookkeeper, your meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills can be seamlessly applied to a children's party planning business. You could leverage your expertise in managing budgets and financial planning to ensure that every event is both delightful for the children and cost-effective for the parents. Your existing client base may also serve as an initial network for attracting customers who are looking for someone trustworthy and detail-oriented to handle their children's special events.

In the children’s party planning industry, your ability to manage schedules, log expenses, and maintain accurate records will be invaluable. Your knack for clear communication could also help you understand clients' needs and coordinate the logistics of each party, from decorations to entertainment. This venture presents a unique and enjoyable way to supplement your income while utilizing the skills you already excel at in your bookkeeping career.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 212 days (?)

How We Started A Business Designing Sleepovers And Slumber Under Parties

The Little Teepee Company founders created an extra special sleepover business in 2019, generating around $2000 per month, until the pandemic hit and resulted in cancelled bookings and refunds, but they adapted their business model and now attract customers through Google searches, email campaigns, Instagram and Facebook marketing and word-of-mouth referrals.

Read by 11,270 founders

12. Start an online studio business

As a Bookkeeper, venturing into an online studio business could offer a remarkable way to supplement your income while leveraging your organizational skills. You could curate and manage virtual classes in areas such as finance, personal budgeting, or even bookkeeping itself, helping people around the world enhance their financial literacy through accessible and flexible learning formats.

Your expertise in financial management would be invaluable in setting up the online infrastructure and ensuring the business operates smoothly and profitably. Moreover, this approach allows for scalability without the need for a physical space, making it an efficient and cost-effective venture. By focusing on high-quality content and collaborating with skilled instructors, you could build a global audience, creating a sustainable and lucrative side business or even a new primary career path.

How much does it cost to start: $60 (?)

13. Create a software management tool

As a bookkeeper, you could leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail to develop a software management tool designed to streamline software development projects. This tool could help development teams track progress, coordinate tasks effectively, and facilitate seamless communication, all from a consolidated platform.

By providing a central hub for documentation and project timelines, you could address common pain points faced by small and medium-sized enterprises striving to boost productivity without the clutter.

Embarking on such a venture would involve understanding the nuances of software development and incorporating user feedback to ensure the tool meets developers' needs efficiently. For entrepreneurial-minded bookkeepers, this business idea represents a way to diversify income and apply your skills in a tech-driven field, potentially leading to a rewarding side business or a complete career transition.

How much you can make: $830,000/month

How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)

This Solo Founder Built A $10M ARR Tool For Software Teams

Inflectra Corporation's Founder and CEO Adam Sandman shares how he went from being a stay-at-home dad to running a tech company with $10MM in ARR, offering insight on launching and marketing a tech product in the industry.

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14. Start a freelancer community ($149K/month)

Starting a freelancer community would make sense as a bookkeeper because you could leverage your financial expertise to create a niche platform tailored for freelance professionals needing fiscal guidance. You could offer specialized job listings, project collaboration tools, and professional development resources that make managing finances easier for freelancers from various fields, such as writers, designers, and developers.

This business idea also aligns with the entrepreneurial spirit, allowing you to create a supportive environment that helps freelancers succeed while generating supplemental income. By moderating the platform, curating valuable content, and engaging with users, you’ll not only nurture a connected community but also establish yourself as a trusted resource for financial advice in the freelance world.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.

Read by 10,783 founders

15. Start a home textile and curtain sewing business

Starting a home textile and curtain sewing business could be a lucrative avenue for bookkeepers looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. Leveraging your attention to detail and organizational skills, you could efficiently handle both the creative and accounting aspects of this venture. With the thriving growth in home decor and the textile industry, there’s a considerable market for custom and high-quality home textiles and curtains.

You could offer services such as creating brand-new, customized curtains or repairing existing ones, catering to the constant demand in typical homes. Your financial acumen would be invaluable in managing costs, setting competitive prices, and ensuring the profitability of the business. This combination of creativity and bookkeeping expertise could make your home textile and curtain sewing venture a highly rewarding and viable entrepreneurial pursuit.

16. Start a t-shirt retail shop

A t-shirt retail shop could be an excellent side business for a bookkeeper looking to supplement their income. Leveraging your financial acumen, you could efficiently manage the financial aspects of the business, from budgeting to inventory management, ensuring profitability.

Identifying a specific niche market and a strategic location would be crucial steps, enabling you to attract targeted customers. Plus, your knowledge of financial data can aid in pinpointing marketing tactics that provide the best return on investment.

17. Start a white label marketing automation tools business

As a Bookkeeper, you could leverage your financial expertise and client relationships to launch a white label marketing automation tools business. Many small and medium-sized businesses seek automated solutions to streamline their marketing efforts, and you could provide them with a branded tool that saves them time and improves their outreach efforts. By using white label products, you can offer these solutions under your own brand, creating a new revenue stream without the need to develop software from scratch.

You could market these tools to your existing clients, who already trust your financial advice, as an additional service that complements their bookkeeping needs. This venture would allow you to diversify your income while utilizing your existing business network, positioning yourself as a one-stop solution for both financial and marketing automation needs.

18. Become a decision strategist

As a bookkeeper, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to become a decision strategist. This role involves helping businesses make data-driven decisions by analyzing financial information, identifying trends, and providing strategic recommendations. Your deep understanding of financial health makes you an invaluable asset in guiding companies towards more profitable and efficient operations.

You could start offering decision strategy services as a side business, gradually building a client base alongside your regular bookkeeping work. This allows you to supplement your income while utilizing your existing skill set in a new and impactful way. If successful, this side venture could grow into a full-time business, offering you the flexibility and independence of entrepreneurial life.

19. Start a real estate tool

As a bookkeeper, you could develop a real estate tool to supplement your income and leverage your financial expertise in a new and exciting way. By creating a software platform that simplifies processes for real estate agents and buyers—with features like property management, client relationship management, and market analytics—you can tap into a lucrative market that values efficiency and accuracy.

Your detailed understanding of financial workflows gives you a unique edge in designing a tool that reduces errors and enhances decision-making for real estate professionals. The work involved—collaborating with developers and continuously updating the platform based on user feedback—is both challenging and rewarding. If you have an interest in tech and real estate, this venture allows you to revolutionize an industry while positioning yourself as a key innovator.

20. Start an instagram growth agency ($451K/month)

As a Bookkeeper, you already possess strong analytical skills and attention to detail, which are crucial for managing an Instagram growth agency. You could leverage these skills to help businesses effectively grow their Instagram presence by analyzing engagement metrics, optimizing performance, and strategizing content that aligns with their business goals.

Moreover, your experience with client management and financial records provides a solid foundation for understanding client needs and tracking the success of marketing efforts. By offering Instagram growth services, you could supplement your income and even transition into a full-fledged business, capitalizing on the increasing demand for effective social media strategies.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $1,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

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21. Start a period subscription box

As a Bookkeeper, you could leverage your organizational skills and financial acumen to start a period subscription box business. Your expertise in tracking expenses and managing cash flow would be invaluable in setting competitive pricing, optimizing budgets for bulk purchasing, and ensuring the profitability of your side venture. Additionally, your attention to detail could help streamline the inventory management and fulfillment processes, ensuring timely deliveries and satisfied customers.

With an entrepreneurial mindset, you could also analyze market trends to identify niche opportunities within the period subscription box industry. This could involve offering specialized boxes with organic or cruelty-free products, catering to a growing demographic conscious of sustainable and ethical choices. By employing your analytical skills, you could assess customer feedback and adjust your offerings to create a more personalized and desirable product, ultimately driving customer loyalty and enhancing your supplemental income.

22. Start a website consulting business ($102K/month)

If you're a bookkeeper with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a website consulting business could be a lucrative side venture. You could help businesses enhance their online presence by advising on website design, user experience, SEO, and digital strategy. This field is experiencing growing demand, as companies increasingly recognize the importance of a strong online presence.

Your consulting could turn a struggling site into a high-performing asset, significantly boosting their performance, accessibility, and conversion rates. Whether working with small startups or established corporations, the expertise you develop can offer tangible benefits to your clients. While it requires a solid understanding of web technologies and trends, the rewards and impact you'll make could be substantial, contributing to the overall success of your clients' businesses.

How much you can make: $1,300 — $541,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How This Self-Taught Developer Started A $125K/Month Software Agency

How a self-taught engineer built a software development studio, Materialize, into a 18-person team with a revenue of $125k per month, by leveraging his technical expertise and establishing well-defined processes to build products efficiently and cost-effectively.

Read by 9,007 founders

23. Start a virtual assistant coaching business

As a Bookkeeper, starting a virtual assistant coaching business could be a seamless side hustle or even a full-time venture, given your organizational expertise and financial acumen. You could leverage your skills to mentor virtual assistants on managing business finances, time tracking, and record-keeping—all critical areas for VA efficiency and client satisfaction.

This business idea could not only supplement your income but also diversify your professional portfolio. Given your experience, you could offer specialized coaching sessions or even create online courses that other virtual assistants across the globe could benefit from, allowing you to scale your reach and impact significantly.

24. Start a social media management business ($128K/month)

Starting a social media management business could be an excellent way for bookkeepers to supplement their income and diversify their skill set. With your expertise in managing data and analytics, you could easily transition into the role of a social media manager by offering marketing analysis and setting up performance metrics for client accounts. Your attention to detail and knack for organization could also be put to good use in developing marketing strategies and scheduling posts to optimize client engagement.

Furthermore, as you are already accustomed to managing clients' financials, adding social media accounts to your portfolio could create cross-selling opportunities, increasing your overall value to clients. The flexibility of this business means you could define your work schedule and choose niches that align with your existing interests and expertise. With various services like increasing social media following and setting up accounts, you could find this new venture both lucrative and rewarding.

How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

Read by 11,975 founders

25. Start a logistics business ($381K/month)

As a bookkeeper, you could leverage your financial acumen and organizational skills to start a logistics business, addressing critical components of the supply chain such as transportation and storage/warehousing. By connecting manufacturers with consumers through efficient and reliable delivery systems, you could ensure smooth transactions and satisfied customers, making good use of your detail-oriented nature and familiarity with financial processes.

With an understanding of cost management and accounting, you could efficiently oversee transportation and storage operations, identifying cost-effective solutions and optimizing budgeting practices. This entrepreneurial venture offers the excitement of navigating supply chains while potentially providing a lucrative supplement to your primary income or evolving into a full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $5,800 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $20K/Month Auto Shipping Broker Business

Nationwide Auto Transportation ships approximately 4,000 vehicles per month and has served more than 50,000 customers, offering custom services such as help for clients who cannot find suitable carriers for their vehicle.

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26. Start a sandwich chain

As a bookkeeper with a strong foundation in financial management and accounting, you could leverage your skills to start a profitable sandwich chain. Your expertise in budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial planning would provide a solid base to manage the operational costs effectively and ensure profitability. This hands-on experience could be invaluable in making data-driven decisions that can enhance the operational efficiency of your sandwich chain.

Additionally, you could use your knowledge of cash flow management to optimize inventory purchases and reduce waste, thereby increasing margins. As you grow, you could even consider offering franchise opportunities, which would allow you to scale the business while using your financial acumen to maintain oversight and profitability across multiple locations. This entrepreneurial venture could supplement your income, provide a new revenue stream, and diversify your professional portfolio.

27. Become a tattoo artist

As a bookkeeper, the precision and attention to detail required in your current profession translate well into the tattoo artistry field. You could supplement your income by leveraging your organizational skills to manage the business side of your tattoo artistry, including client appointments, inventory, and financial records, while also indulging in your creative passions. The growing demand for custom tattoos offers an opportunity to establish a unique niche market, where your ability to meticulously plan and execute designs would set you apart.

Venturing into tattoo artistry allows you to blend your analytical background with artistic flair, offering a unique selling point to potential clients who value precision in their body art. Mastering various tattoo styles and understanding different skin types will be crucial, and completing an apprenticeship can provide the practical experience needed to excel. With dedication and the right training, you could turn this side business into a thriving enterprise, combining your bookkeeping expertise with your love for art.

How much you can make: $1,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A Passive Income Business While Living Out Of A Van

Forgotten Mermaids creator Anslea shares how she started a passive income business while living out of a van, creating mermaid temporary tattoos and accessories, and has grown to average $1,000 per month in mostly passive income over the last six months.

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meet the author
Pat Walls