{"id":7960,"date":"2026-04-02T12:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T11:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=7960"},"modified":"2026-05-13T14:28:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:28:14","slug":"how-to-start-a-bookkeeping-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-bookkeeping-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start a bookkeeping business: Top tips to help you succeed"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to start a bookkeeping business: Top tips to help you succeed\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThinking about starting your own bookkeeping business? If so, you\u2019re in the right place to learn about taking the steps to help you go from idea to reality.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-02T12:02:00+01:00\">2 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to start a bookkeeping business: Top tips to help you succeed\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-bookkeeping-business\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/sabuhigard\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Sabuhi-Gard-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Sabuhi Gard\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Sabuhi-Gard-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Sabuhi-Gard-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Sabuhi-Gard-810x810.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Sabuhi-Gard.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Sabuhi Gard<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You can start a bookkeeping business in the UK without formal qualifications, and many bookkeepers begin with Level 1 or 2 training. That\u2019s enough to justify charging initial rates of \u00a325 per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering how to become a bookkeeper or start your own practice, the path from idea to reality is often more accessible than people expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be leaving an in-house role, looking for a fresh start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-small-business\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-small-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">on your own<\/a>, or building a flexible business around helping clients succeed. Either way, there are several key decisions that shape how you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article walks through the essentials, from qualifications and pricing to business planning and dealing with regulations. We offer practical steps for setting up your bookkeeping business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here&#8217;s what it covers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-become-a-bookkeeper-where-to-start\" data-level=\"2\">How to become a bookkeeper: Where to start<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-qualifications-do-you-need-to-start-a-bookkeeping-business\" data-level=\"2\">What qualifications do you need to start a bookkeeping business?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-starting-a-bookkeeping-practice-looks-like-in-the-real-world\" data-level=\"2\">What starting a bookkeeping practice looks like in the real world<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-s-your-business-plan\" data-level=\"2\">What&rsquo;s your business plan?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-much-should-you-charge-for-your-services-as-a-bookkeeper\" data-level=\"2\">How much should you charge for your services as a bookkeeper?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-do-you-need-to-register-with-a-professional-body-to-run-a-bookkeeping-business\" data-level=\"2\">Do you need to register with a professional body to run a bookkeeping business?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-insurance-does-a-bookkeeper-need\" data-level=\"2\">What insurance does a bookkeeper need?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-can-you-run-a-bookkeeping-business-from-home\" data-level=\"2\">Can you run a bookkeeping business from home?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-final-steps-of-setting-up-a-bookkeeping-business\" data-level=\"2\">What are the final steps of setting up a bookkeeping business?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">What&#8217;s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-software-can-help-to-manage-business-processes\" data-level=\"2\">How software can help to manage business processes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts-on-starting-a-bookkeeping-business\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts on starting a bookkeeping business<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-2c91ff18-95c5-4c4d-9cf7-8c9d75aa65d1\">Download your free copy of The accountancy practice toolkit, which will help you start and grow your own firm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-become-a-bookkeeper-where-to-start\">How to become a bookkeeper: Where to start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is to decide on what type of bookkeeper you want to be and how much time you can dedicate to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth reviewing what you can bring to this new career, so you have an angle to draw from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is helping small businesses your passion, or do you prefer the idea of keeping a giant corporation honest?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your skill level will also determine where you can start your bookkeeping journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have the skills required to take on bookkeeping clients immediately, or do you need to ease yourself into it with an apprenticeship or offer your services to a small charity for starters?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-qualifications-do-you-need-to-start-a-bookkeeping-business\">What qualifications do you need to start a bookkeeping business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;t legally need any qualifications to start a bookkeeping business, but most bookkeepers complete Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) or Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 1\u20132 courses and obtain a practice licence before setting up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many bookkeeping courses available online, and a variety of organisations offer qualifications, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Association of Accounting Technicians (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aat.org.uk\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.aat.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAT<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00b7 International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The IAB offers a number of bookkeeping courses that are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), Qualifications in Wales (QiW), and Council for the Curriculum, Examinations, and Assessment (CCEA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three levels of qualifications. Examples include the Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping, Award in Computerised Bookkeeping, and Award in Computerised Accounting for Business. More details are available on the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iab.org.uk\/iab-qualifications\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.iab.org.uk\/iab-qualifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> IAB website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most bookkeepers carry out Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications before setting up their own bookkeeping practice, adding further qualifications as they progress their career in bookkeeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-starting-a-bookkeeping-practice-looks-like-in-the-real-world\">What starting a bookkeeping practice looks like in the real world<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Catherine Pyman, who runs her own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpybusinesssolutions.co.uk\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.cpybusinesssolutions.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bookkeeping business<\/a>, became a bookkeeper by studying qualifications through the ICB. She says: \u201cThey provide you with your practice license, membership number, and advise on what else is required to set up a practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis covers AML [anti-money laundering], policies and procedures, insurance, logos, templates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cInitially, I was based at home and acquired my first clients through local networking groups and accounting connections from when I had been in commercial banking. I now have an office and a couple of members of staff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pyman is also a qualified Associate of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and has a Level 1 and Level 2 certification in Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping. Claire Adams started her business, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.papertrailbookkeepinglimited.co.uk\/about-2\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.papertrailbookkeepinglimited.co.uk\/about-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Papertrail Bookkeeping<\/a>, after she was made redundant from her job of 27 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She says: \u201cBecoming a certified bookkeeper shows that you have trained and have appropriate qualifications in place to prove your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOnce you pass the exams, you can apply for a practice license through organisations such as ICB. You need insurance in place and must ensure you\u2019re complying with current anti-money-laundering regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI know legislation is being tightened up, so it may well be that you need to have completed the qualifications to run your own business in the near future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The AAT also has a range of bookkeeping qualifications, with the highest certificate allowing you to become an AAT licensed bookkeeper. The highest certificate will allow you to use the letters AATQB (as you\u2019re an AA bookkeeping member) after your name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-your-business-plan\">What\u2019s your business plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before setting up your bookkeeping business, it\u2019s important to do your research. Questions to ask include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who will your clients be? Perhaps you\u2019ll focus on small businesses (50 employees or fewer, for example), micro businesses (nine employees or fewer), or sole traders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How will you find clients for your bookkeeping business? This could include friends and family, your previous workplace, local advertising, website and social media marketing, and word of mouth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What services will you be offering your clients? This could cover recording cash receipts, making bank deposits, paying supplier invoices, maintaining an annual budget, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/payroll-services-right-payroll-software\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/payroll-services-right-payroll-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">payroll management<\/a>, and so on. What services you offer very much depends on your clients\u2019 needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How will you work with clients? Are you going to offer a one-off bookkeeping service or an ongoing contract? <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All these considerations are part of the bigger picture of your bookkeeping <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have one-, three-, or even five-year plans for your business? What do you want to achieve with your bookkeeping business in terms of employing staff, turnover, and success?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to do your research before starting out so you\u2019re clear about the path you want to follow and the goals you\u2019d like to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-should-you-charge-for-your-services-as-a-bookkeeper\">How much should you charge for your services as a bookkeeper?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UK bookkeepers typically charge around \u00a325 per hour, though many prefer a fixed monthly fee so clients know their costs upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no single rate that suits every bookkeeping business, however. Factors to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your bookkeeping experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The needs of your market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The services you\u2019re offering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The size of business you\u2019re working with.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, you\u2019ll charge either an hourly rate or a monthly fixed fee. You may even negotiate a retainer fee with some (or all) of your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adams from Papertrail Bookkeeping says bookkeepers generally charge around \u00a325 per hour, \u201cbut it does depend on the work taking place\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She adds: \u201cI tend to charge my clients a fixed fee to cover everything, so the client knows how much they\u2019re paying upfront.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aatcomment.org.uk\/run-your-business\/business-pricing-for-bookkeepers\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.aatcomment.org.uk\/run-your-business\/business-pricing-for-bookkeepers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Setting your fees<\/a> and getting your pricing right for your bookkeeping business will take a bit of work, but don\u2019t feel that you need to price yourself too low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, you\u2019re selling your expertise and adding value to clients who need what you\u2019re offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Your one stop shop for starting a business<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Thinking about starting a business or already putting your ideas into action? We\u2019ve got the resources, expertise and software to help you achieve your goals.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/cp\/business-planning\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-9017\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Find out more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1213042683-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working on strategy and financials\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1213042683-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-you-need-to-register-with-a-professional-body-to-run-a-bookkeeping-business\">Do you need to register with a professional body to run a bookkeeping business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You must register for Anti-Money-Laundering (AML) supervision to run a bookkeeping business, but you don\u2019t necessarily need to do so through a professional organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most bookkeepers choose to register with the ICB or AAT, which will provide the necessary AML supervision and issue you a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bookkeepers.org.uk\/Running-a-Practice\/Regulation\/Practice-Licence\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.bookkeepers.org.uk\/Running-a-Practice\/Regulation\/Practice-Licence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">practice licence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you can also choose to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/money-laundering-regulations-accountancy-service-provider-registration\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/money-laundering-regulations-accountancy-service-provider-registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register directly with HMRC<\/a> for AML supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason you need to comply with these specialised <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bookkeepers.org.uk\/Resources\/MLR\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.bookkeepers.org.uk\/Resources\/MLR\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">money laundering regulations<\/a> is that as a bookkeeper, you have an opportunity and a legal duty to spot and reduce the risk of clients laundering money<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-insurance-does-a-bookkeeper-need\">What insurance does a bookkeeper need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bookkeepers need Professional Indemnity Insurance to cover client claims that your advice, work, or a mistake caused them financial loss. You may also take out Public Liability Insurance for third-party incidents, such as injury or damage to property because of your business activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need bookkeeping insurance because you\u2019re providing an essential service for businesses and mistakes can happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional Indemnity Insurance protects you against claims made by unhappy clients and employees. It can help to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Protect your financial interests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Minimise disruption to your business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Cover unpaid fees if a client refuses to pay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Pay the cost of correcting a mistake<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Public Liability Insurance covers claims from third parties for personal injury or property damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-you-run-a-bookkeeping-business-from-home\">Can you run a bookkeeping business from home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Many bookkeepers start from home with a laptop, accounting software, and a dedicated workspace. If you decide to start your bookkeeping business at home, make sure you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A dedicated workspace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Somewhere secure to store client paperwork.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The basic equipment needed to work efficiently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As your business grows, moving into an office may become a practical next step. But if you choose to work from an office, be aware that this will usually involve extra costs, such as rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-final-steps-of-setting-up-a-bookkeeping-business\">What are the final steps of setting up a bookkeeping business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After passing your exams, registering for AML supervision, buying insurance, and figuring out where you\u2019ll work, key steps to set up your bookkeeping business include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registering as self-employed with HMRC, unless you\u2019re setting up a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-a-limited-company\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-a-limited-company\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">limited company<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Setting up a business bank account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buying a computer or laptop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Purchasing accounting software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Getting any business stationery you need.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-anchor-link\">What&#8217;s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The terms &#8220;bookkeeper&#8221; and &#8220;accountant&#8221; are occasionally used interchangeable, but they are in fact 2 different roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bookkeeper keeps track of monies coming into and out of a business by maintaining accurate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/good-bookkeeping-how-to-keep-financial-records\/\">financial records<\/a>, according to the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB), the largest bookkeeping institution in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bookkeepers can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepare for year-end tax and VAT returns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep on top of day-to-day cash flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Efficiently run their finances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming a bookkeeper requires you to be accurate in your work and have a good understanding of financial topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some bookkeepers also offer commercial brokering services, which involve helping businesses get the best deal when renewing insurance, buying new equipment, or leasing company vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bookkeeper Pyman adds: \u201cBookkeepers keep accurate accounting records for a business to enable the business owner to view financials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThese can then be sent to the accountant to produce the year-end accounts. Bookkeepers also prepare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/vat-return-making-tax-digital\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/vat-return-making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VAT returns<\/a> and can offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-assessment-less-stressful-practice\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-assessment-less-stressful-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Self Assessment tax returns<\/a> and payroll duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adams agrees, saying: \u201cWe process VAT returns, reconcile bank accounts [making sure the software matches the actual bank statements], we <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/payroll-services-practice-provide\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/payroll-services-practice-provide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">process payroll<\/a> and everything that entails, we complete personal tax returns, final accounts for sole traders, and accounts\/corporation tax returns for micro-entity businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does an accountant do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Accountants help businesses understand their finances and stay compliant. They typically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Prepare financial reports (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Ensure compliance with tax laws and reporting requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Analyse financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. \u00b7 Act as a trusted adviser on decisions about budgeting, growth, and cost control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Handle tax matters, including filings and planning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-software-can-help-to-manage-business-processes\">How software can help to manage business processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The right accounting and bookkeeping software can help you monitor the workings of a business in real time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can then report analyses from those numbers and enable your clients to make better-informed decisions based on their finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its name, good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accountants\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accountants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounting software<\/a> isn\u2019t just for accountants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be used for your bookkeeping business, allowing you to view the finances of your clients and create financial reports, among numerous other capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And by using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cloud accounting solution<\/a>, you\u2019ll be able to access the numbers on any device, wherever you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means you can work with your clients in real time to go over their bookkeeping and highlight any queries with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-on-starting-a-bookkeeping-business\">Final thoughts on starting a bookkeeping business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Setting up your own bookkeeping business can be very rewarding, not only financially but as a lifestyle choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By taking the time to think about how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-basic-business-accounting\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-basic-business-accounting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">start accounting and bookkeeping<\/a> for a small business, you can be confident that you\u2019ll be prepared for all tax requirements and ensure your business stays healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to this, you\u2019ll be providing an essential service to your clients, helping them to run their businesses smoothly and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s note: This article was first published in September 2020 and has been updated for relevance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">The accountancy practice toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Ready to start your own practice but need some help to make it happen? Download your free toolkit, which is filled with tips and advice to support you along every step of the way.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-2c91ff18-95c5-4c4d-9cf7-8c9d75aa65d1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free toolkit<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1283894303-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1283894303-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-2c91ff18-95c5-4c4d-9cf7-8c9d75aa65d1\">Download your free copy of The accountancy practice toolkit, which will help you start and grow your own firm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/bookkeeping\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBookkeeping\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/start-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to start a business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-30318 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T16:58:53+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-ap-automation\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAccounts payable automation: How it works, key benefits, and why your business needs it\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tLearn how AI-powered accounts payable automation works and how your invoices flow seamlessly from capture to payment, giving you real-time visibility and faster decision-making.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-30315 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-e-invoicing business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-invoice\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Dealing with payroll tasks for the business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T16:16:14+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is e-invoicing? Advantages and disadvantages of electronic invoicing\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-30313 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-an-automated-billing-system\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Running a business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T15:54:42+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is an automated billing system?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-30307 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-are-the-most-important-accounts-receivable-metrics-to-track\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T14:26:09+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat are the most important accounts receivable KPIs to track?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-30300 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-financial-education business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business industry-food-beverage\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ultimate-guide-to-restaurant-accounting\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1330025921-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1330025921-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1330025921-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1330025921-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T12:04:35+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">12 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tRestaurant accounting: The essential guide\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about starting your own bookkeeping business? If so, you\u2019re in the right place to learn about taking the steps to help you go from idea to reality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":333,"featured_media":3795,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[23,12],"business_type":[4,115],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[67,75],"imagine_tag":[220,109],"coauthors":[393],"class_list":["post-7960","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-bookkeeping","tag-start-business","business_type-small-business","business_type-accountants"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Sabuhi Gard","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super.jpg","imagine_tags":{"220":"Accountant accounting","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7960","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7960"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7960\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7960"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7960"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}