In today’s fast-paced economy, side hustles have become more than just a trend—they’re a necessity for many. According to recent statistics, 39% of working Americans have a side hustle, with the average monthly earnings reaching $891 in 2024, up from $810 the previous year. For those with a knack for numbers, bookkeeping and accounting stand out as one of the most reliable and profitable options. Whether you’re a full-time professional looking to supplement your income or someone transitioning from a corporate job, or better yet, someone who has just retired like myself, a side hustle offers flexibility, steady demand, and the potential to scale into a full-time business.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why bookkeeping and accounting make an excellent side hustle, the key benefits backed by industry insights, how to get started even if you have no experience, and proven strategies to find clients. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to launch your bookkeeping side hustle successfully in 2025. Let’s dive in.
Related Article: 5 Proven Side Hustles That Helped Me Pay Off $25,000 in Debt Fast
Understanding Bookkeeping and Accounting: The Basics
Before jumping into why this is a great side hustle, it’s essential to clarify what bookkeeping and accounting entail. While often used interchangeably, they have distinct roles.
Bookkeeping is the day-to-day process of recording financial transactions, such as tracking income, expenses, invoices, and payments. It’s the foundation of financial management, ensuring all data is accurate and organized. Accounting, on the other hand, involves analyzing that data to create reports, prepare taxes, and provide strategic advice on financial health.
A helpful way to visualize the difference is through this infographic:
As a side hustler, you might start with basic bookkeeping tasks and expand into accounting as you gain expertise. No advanced degree is required to begin—many successful bookkeepers start with online courses or certifications. The beauty of this field is its accessibility; with tools like QuickBooks or Xero, anyone with attention to detail can learn the ropes.
Why Bookkeeping And Accounting Is the #1 Side Hustle
The side hustle landscape is competitive, but bookkeeping and accounting rise to the top for several compelling reasons. Industry reports highlight a growing demand for virtual financial services, especially post-pandemic, as small businesses seek affordable, remote help. Here are seven key reasons why this side hustle is worth pursuing:
- High Demand and Job Security: Despite projections of a 5% decline in traditional bookkeeping jobs due to automation, the need for freelance and virtual bookkeepers is booming. Small businesses, which make up 99.9% of all U.S. firms, often can’t afford full-time accountants but need help with compliance and cash flow. In 2025, 72% of accounting practices reported increased revenue, signaling opportunities for side hustlers.
- Flexible Schedule: One of the biggest perks is the ability to work on your terms. Many bookkeepers handle clients remotely, fitting tasks around a 9-5 job or family commitments. You can start with just a few hours a week and scale up.
- Lucrative Earnings Potential: Bookkeepers can charge $20–$60 per hour, with experienced ones earning $50,000+ annually as a side hustle. Specializing in niches like e-commerce or real estate can boost rates. Compared to the average side hustle income of $891/month, bookkeeping often exceeds this, especially with repeat clients.
- Low Startup Costs: You don’t need fancy equipment—just a computer, internet, and basic software. Free tools like Wave or affordable ones like FreshBooks (starting at $15/month) make entry easy. Certifications cost $200–$500, a small investment for high returns.
- Remote and Location-Independent: Work from anywhere, serving clients globally. This appeals to digital nomads and parents.
- Skill Development and Transferability: Learning bookkeeping enhances your financial literacy, useful for personal finances or other careers. It’s also a stepping stone to accounting or consulting roles.
- Satisfaction and Impact: Helping businesses thrive by organizing their finances provides a sense of accomplishment. As one expert notes, it’s about turning passion for numbers into profit.
These advantages make bookkeeping a standout choice amid 2025’s economic uncertainties, where side hustles are projected to grow among Gen Z (37%) and millennials (24%).
The Top Benefits of Starting a Bookkeeping Side Hustle
Beyond the reasons above, let’s get deeper into the benefits, supported by real-world examples and data.
Financial Independence and Extra Income
In a year where inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, starting a bookkeeping side hustle can be a smart way to create a financial buffer. Unlike many gig economy jobs that pay only when you’re actively working—like driving for Uber or delivering food—bookkeeping has the advantage of recurring revenue. Most small businesses don’t just need help once; they need consistent, month-to-month support to manage invoices, reconcile accounts, and keep their books ready for tax season. That means you can set up retainer agreements that provide predictable cash flow.
The numbers are compelling. Average monthly fees per client range from $300 to $500, depending on the complexity of their books and the services you provide. With just 5 to 10 steady clients, you could realistically bring in an extra $2,000 to $5,000 per month—without adding a second full-time job. Even better, bookkeeping can often be done remotely and outside of traditional working hours, giving you flexibility to scale it alongside your current job or other responsibilities.
What makes this side hustle especially appealing is its scalability. Once you set up efficient systems—using tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave—you can handle multiple clients without dramatically increasing your workload. And as you gain more experience, you can raise your rates, specialize in industries like real estate or e-commerce, or even build a small virtual bookkeeping practice of your own.
Work-Life Balance
Escaping the 9-5 grind is a common goal. Bookkeeping allows you to set boundaries—no late-night shifts unless you choose. Many start part-time, building to full-time as clients grow.
Professional Growth
Certifications can make a huge difference when you’re starting out in bookkeeping. While you don’t necessarily need a degree in accounting to land clients, credentials like the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) or Intuit’s Bookkeeping Certification immediately boost your credibility. They show potential clients that you’ve invested in your skills, understand industry standards, and can be trusted to handle sensitive financial information accurately.
These certifications also open doors. Many small business owners prefer working with someone who has a recognized credential, especially if they’re outsourcing their books for the first time. Plus, some larger companies and freelance platforms list certifications as a requirement for contract work—so having them expands the range of opportunities available to you.
Equally important is software expertise. Bookkeeping today is less about paper ledgers and more about navigating digital tools. Proficiency in QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, or FreshBooks makes you more marketable and gives you a competitive edge. These programs are widely used by small businesses, and once you’ve mastered one, the skills are often transferable to others. Not only does this make you more efficient as a bookkeeper, but it also enhances your overall resume. Even if you eventually move into another career path—like finance, operations, or small business consulting—the ability to manage financial data with these tools is highly valuable.
Tax Advantages
One of the biggest advantages of running a bookkeeping side hustle is the tax savings that come with being self-employed. Unlike W-2 employees, you can deduct a wide range of business-related expenses, which helps offset your taxable income and ultimately lowers your tax bill.
For example, if you work from home, you may qualify for the home office deduction. This allows you to write off a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and internet costs, based on the percentage of your home used exclusively for your business. Even if it’s just a small desk in a spare room, those savings add up quickly.
You can also deduct the cost of the software and tools you use to serve clients. Subscriptions to QuickBooks, Xero, or other accounting platforms are considered legitimate business expenses. The same goes for organizational tools like Google Workspace, project management software, or even cloud storage.
Another overlooked area is continuing education and training. Any courses, certifications, or workshops you invest in to sharpen your bookkeeping skills or learn new software are tax-deductible as professional development. This makes it easier to justify the cost of earning credentials, since you not only improve your marketability but also reduce your tax burden.
Beyond that, don’t forget other common deductions like marketing costs (website hosting, business cards, ads), professional liability insurance, mileage if you visit clients, and office supplies. The key is to keep accurate records and receipts so you can maximize your deductions when it’s time to file.
Taken together, these write-offs don’t just make bookkeeping profitable—they also make it more tax-efficient compared to other side hustles. Instead of simply earning extra income, you’re building a business with built-in advantages that can help you keep more of what you earn.
Community and Networking
When you’re starting out, it helps to know you’re not alone. Joining online communities such as Reddit’s r/Bookkeeping, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn forums can be a game-changer. These spaces are filled with working bookkeepers, CPAs, and small business owners who share practical advice, answer questions, and sometimes even post job leads. It’s also a great way to stay updated on industry trends, new software tools, and changes in tax regulations that could impact your clients.
Being part of a supportive network does more than just provide information—it builds confidence. If you hit a roadblock with a client, you can often find others who’ve dealt with the same challenge and are willing to share solutions. Networking can also open doors to mentorship or referrals, helping you grow your side hustle into something more sustainable over time.
Of course, building your knowledge also means learning what not to do. Many new bookkeepers make avoidable mistakes, such as mixing personal and business expenses, overlooking reconciliations, or forgetting to back up client data. To help you sidestep these pitfalls, check out the infographic below on common bookkeeping mistakes. It’s a quick visual guide that can save you hours of frustration and protect your reputation with clients.
How to Get Started with Your Bookkeeping Side Hustle
Ready to launch? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Assess Your Skills
If you have an accounting background, great. If not, start with free resources like Intuit Academy’s basics course. Key skills include attention to detail, basic math, and software proficiency.
Step 2: Get Certified
Certifications build trust. Popular options:
| Certification | Provider | Cost | Duration | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Bookkeeper (CB) | AIPB | $200–$400 | 6–12 months | Covers adjustments, payroll, inventory. |
| Bookkeeping Certification | NACPB | $150–$300 | 3–6 months | Includes exams on fundamentals and payroll. |
| Intuit Bookkeeping Certification | Intuit | Free–$150 | 30 hours | Focuses on QuickBooks, ideal for beginners. |
| Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) | NACPB | $500+ | Varies | Advanced, includes taxation. |
Choose based on your experience—beginners should start with Intuit.
Step 3: Choose Tools and Software
Invest in user-friendly accounting software for freelancers:
- FreshBooks: Best for invoicing and time tracking, starts at $15/month.
- Wave: Free for basics, great for starters.
- QuickBooks Online: Industry standard, with payroll tools.
- Xero: Cloud-based, integrates well with banks.
- ZipBooks: Free invoicing and expense tracking.
For more on tools, see this infographic:
Step 4: Set Up Your Business
Register as a sole proprietor, get an EIN if needed, and create a simple website using platforms like WordPress. Price your services competitively—$25/hour for beginners, scaling up.
How to Find Bookkeeping Clients: 20 Proven Strategies
Finding work is the biggest hurdle, but with these tactics, you can build a client base quickly.
- Leverage Your Network: Start with friends, family, and former colleagues. Offer discounted services for referrals.
- Build a Website and Optimize for SEO: Use keywords like “virtual bookkeeper near me.” List on Google Business Profile for local leads.
- Use Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are goldmines. Create profiles highlighting certifications.
- Social Media Marketing: Post tips on LinkedIn and Facebook groups. Share success stories to attract clients.
- Networking Events: Attend local business meetups or virtual webinars. Partner with CPAs for referrals.
- Email Marketing: Build a list and send newsletters with financial advice.
- Target Niches: Focus on industries like teachers, coaches, or e-commerce sellers—easier to market to.
- Google Ads and SEO: Run targeted ads or optimize for “bookkeeping services for small businesses.”
- Referrals and Reviews: Encourage satisfied clients to leave Google reviews.
- County Business Lists: Reach out to newly registered businesses.
11–20: Additional tips include content marketing (blogging), partnerships with tax pros, offering free audits, joining associations, using YouTube for visibility, cold emailing, hosting workshops, leveraging Reddit, collaborating on podcasts, and tracking leads with CRM tools.
Without social media? Focus on referrals and networking.
Tips for Success in Your Bookkeeping Side Hustle
- Stay Organized: Use tools like Trello for client management.
- Continual Learning: Keep up with tax laws via courses.
- Set Boundaries: Avoid burnout by defining work hours.
- Scale Smartly: Once you have 5 clients, consider hiring help.
- Track Metrics: Monitor client acquisition costs and retention.
Common challenges like client chasing persist in 2025, but automation helps.
Conclusion: Launch Your Bookkeeping Side Hustle Today
Bookkeeping and accounting as a side hustle offer unmatched flexibility, income potential, and fulfillment in 2025. With low barriers to entry and high demand, it’s an ideal way to achieve financial freedom. Start by getting certified, setting up tools, and reaching out to your network. Remember, success comes from consistency and value delivery.
Ready to turn your skills into profit? Check out resources like Bookkeeping Side Hustle for more guidance. What’s stopping you? Share your thoughts in the comments below: