{"id":7949,"date":"2021-03-24T10:55:12","date_gmt":"2021-03-24T14:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=7949"},"modified":"2026-07-09T10:27:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:27:05","slug":"how-to-start-a-bookkeeping-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/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--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\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-us\/blog\/category\/accountants\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Accountants<\/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\t\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 \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2021-03-24T10:55:12-04:00\">March 24, 2021<\/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-us\/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-us\/blog\/author\/sabuhigard\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/09\/Sabuhi-Gard-150x150.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>\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\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thinking about starting your own bookkeeping business? If so, you\u2019re in the right place to take your first steps as you go from idea to reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many reasons why you might want to start a bookkeeping business. Maybe you\u2019ve worked as an in-house bookkeeper for a business and you\u2019re ready to take the plunge for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe you feel redundant and giving it a go alone allows you a great opportunity to take control of your destiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or perhaps you\u2019ve always had a burning desire to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business\/\">start your own business<\/a>, are good with numbers, organized, looking for flexibility, and want to do something that will help clients achieve their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter the reason, running your own bookkeeping practice can be extremely fulfilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, if you\u2019re interested in starting your own bookkeeping business, read this article to discover the key steps you need to take.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary \"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#\"\n\t>Download your free small business toolkit: a guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-the-difference-between-a-bookkeeper-and-an-accountant\">What\u2019s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The terms \u2018bookkeeper\u2019 and \u2018accountant\u2019 are occasionally used interchangeable, but they are in fact two different roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bookkeeper keeps track of money coming into and out of a business by maintaining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/six-signs-bookkeeping\/\">accurate financial records.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bookkeepers can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepare for tax season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep on top of day-to-day cash flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Efficiently run their finances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Characteristics of becoming a bookkeeper include being accurate in your work and having a good understanding of financial topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some bookkeepers also offer commercial brokering services, which involve helping businesses get the best deal when it comes to renewing insurance, buying new equipment or leasing company vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Catherine Pyman runs her <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cpybusinesssolutions.co.uk\/\">own bookkeeping business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She says: \u201cBookkeepers keep accurate accounting records for a business to enable the business owner to view financials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese can then be sent to the accountant to produce the year-end accounts. Bookkeepers also prepare&#8230;.and offer&nbsp;tax returns and payroll duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claire Adams started her business&nbsp;Papertrail Bookkeeping after she left her job of 27 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She says: \u201cWe 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\/\">process payroll<\/a> and everything that entails, we complete personal tax returns, final accounts for sole [proprietors], and accounts\/corporation tax returns for micro entity businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-an-accountant-do\">What does an accountant do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are numerous tasks that accountants perform for their clients. Among them are the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gauge the financial situation of businesses and further communicate the information to the relevant authorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare financial statements as part of the accounting process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use special skills due to the analytical and complex nature of accounting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Act as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/3-simple-steps-for-providing-client-advisory-services\/\">trusted adviser to businesses<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-should-you-charge-for-your-services\">How much should you charge for your services?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no clear answer on how much you should charge. Factors to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your bookkeeping experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The needs of your market.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The services you\u2019re offering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The size of business you\u2019re working with.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adams from Papertrail Bookkeeping says bookkeepers generally charge around $25 per hour \u201cbut it does depend on the work taking place\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She adds: \u201cI tend to charge my clients a fixed fee to cover everything, so the client knows how much they\u2019re paying up front.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Setting your fees 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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, <mark class=\"highlight-and-share\">you\u2019re selling your expertise and adding value to clients<\/mark> who need what you\u2019re offering.<\/p>\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-aee5a8c2-281d-42bb-8da2-eda5b62f63c6\">Download your free small business toolkit: a guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Digital software can help you monitor the workings of a business in real time. You can then report analysis from those numbers and enable your clients to make better informed decisions based on their finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite its name, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/accountants\/\">good accounting software<\/a> isn\u2019t just for accountants. It can be used for your bookkeeping business, allowing you to view your clients&#8217; finances and create financial reports, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And by using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/accountants\/\">a cloud accounting solution<\/a>, you\u2019ll be able to access the numbers on any device, wherever you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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-how-to-start-a-bookkeeping-business\">How to start a bookkeeping business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to take the first steps to start your own bookkeeping business? Here\u2019s what you need to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-your-research-and-create-a-business-plan\">Do your research and create a business plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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><strong>Who will your clients be?<\/strong> Perhaps small businesses (50 employees or fewer, for example), micro businesses (nine employees or fewer), or sole proprietors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How will you find clients for your bookkeeping business?<\/strong> This could include friends and family, your previous workplace, local advertising, website and social media marketing, and word of mouth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What services will you be offering your clients?<\/strong> It could cover recording cash receipts, making bank deposits, paying supplier invoices, maintaining an annual budget, payroll management, and so on. What services you offer very much depends on your clients\u2019 needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How will you work with clients?<\/strong> Are you going to offer a one-off bookkeeping service or an ongoing contract?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All these considerations are part of the bigger picture of your bookkeeping <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\">business plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want further information about the above and more, the best place to start is the <a href=\"https:\/\/aipb.org\/\">American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll find plenty of information about the bookkeeping profession on its website. For example, the professional certifications and qualifications people have to take in order to qualify as a bookkeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These certifications are recognized industry-wide and cover everything from understanding business documents, managing books and being able to post and make entries, to managing credit control, recording ledger accounts and preparing trial balances and other statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rules-and-regulations\">Rules and regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After passing your exams and obtaining your certification, the next step is to comply with a series of rules and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basis for financial reporting comes out of generally accepted accounting practices or GAAP. Bookkeepers should familiarize themselves with the Financial Accounting Standards Board\u2019s Accounting Standards Codification, which includes guidelines for recording specific transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, bookkeepers must follow document retention standards. An audit can happen to any client, so in order to help auditors and the IRS, well-kept records and records kept for the allotted time period are critical during an inspection. Bookkeepers could be met with financial fines or lose their ability to provide services if they don&#8217;t follow retention standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-insurance\">Get insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need bookkeeping insurance as you\u2019re providing an essential service for businesses. Mistakes can happen. General liability insurance protects you against claims made by unhappy clients and your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It will protect your financial interests, help minimize disruption to your business, pay your fees if an unhappy client refuses to pay you, and cover the costs of rectifying a mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-setting-up-your-business\">Setting up your business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After passing your exams,&nbsp; buying insurance and observing all the rules and regulations, you\u2019re now ready to start up your own bookkeeping business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll need to decide whether you want to work from home or in an office. There are likely to be more costs associated with setting up in an office space, with rental costs being one expense to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re setting up at home, make sure you have a designated working area \u2013 you could turn a spare room into an office space, for example, or perhaps start at the kitchen table \u2013 and somewhere that you can store your clients\u2019 paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then there are the practical aspects to consider, including buying a computer or laptop, purchasing accounting software, business stationery, and setting up a business bank account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion-on-starting-a-bookkeeping-business\">Conclusion on starting a bookkeeping business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Setting up your own bookkeeping business can be very rewarding, not only financially but as a lifestyle choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Editor\u2019s note: This article was first published in September 2020 and has been updated for relevance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\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\">Small business survival 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>Get your free guide, business plan template, and cash flow forecast template to help you run your business and 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=\"#gate-aee5a8c2-281d-42bb-8da2-eda5b62f63c6\"\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\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t10,548 readers have downloaded this toolkit\t\t\t\t<\/div>\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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1327127856-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Female hands working on a laptop\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1327127856-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\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\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/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>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/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-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\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>Subscribe<\/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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-us\/blog\/hub\/accountants\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountants\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-us\/blog\/hub\/small-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall 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\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/starting-a-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStarting 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-30823 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business tag-staying-competitive business_type-small-business business_type-growing-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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-1215x810.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=\"2026-06-24T09:08:55-04:00\">June 24, 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\">13 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-us\/blog\/how-to-track-business-expenses\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to keep track of business expenses\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\tIf you&#8217;re responsible for managing business finances, keeping track of expenses affects how clearly you can see your cash flow and make informed decisions. Learn the key steps, best tools, and how to build a process that keeps your finances accurate and error free. \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-30598 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-business-strategy tag-sage-news tag-security-fraud tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-expense-report-fraud\/\"\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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A person giving a presentation to colleagues.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-1440x810.jpeg 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=\"2026-06-24T05:46:09-04:00\">June 24, 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\">8 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\tExpense fraud: How to detect and prevent it in your organization\u00a0\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-29306 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-continuity tag-small-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-a-purchase-order\/\"\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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-1215x810.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=\"2026-06-12T10:24:32-04:00\">June 12, 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 a purchase order (PO) and how is it used?\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-28775 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-growing-a-business tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-nonprofit\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/peer-to-peer-fundraising-best-practices\/\"\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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-1215x810.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=\"2026-06-02T05:54:37-04:00\">June 2, 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\">15 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\tPeer-to-peer fundraising guide: Best practices for success\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-29487 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-continuity tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-sage-accounting tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounts-payable-vs-notes-payable\/\"\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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.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=\"2026-05-22T12:03:36-04:00\">May 22, 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\">8 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\tNotes payable vs accounts payable: Differences and examples\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&#8217;re 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":4852,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[158,348],"tags":[2,34,152],"business_type":[40,312],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[96],"imagine_tag":[],"coauthors":[735],"class_list":["post-7949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accountants","category-free-guides-templates","tag-accountants","tag-small-business","tag-starting-a-business","business_type-small-business","business_type-accountants"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Sabuhi Gard","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/1.Sydney-33416_All-Uses.jpg","imagine_tags":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7949"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7949\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37057,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7949\/revisions\/37057"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/4852"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}