Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting an accounting business requires both technical knowledge and business acumen. These books will help you build a foundation in accounting principles, client management, and the operational side of running a firm.
The Accounting Game by Darrell Mullis and Judith Orloff
This book teaches accounting fundamentals using a story-based approach that makes double-entry bookkeeping and financial statements accessible. For a new accounting business owner, understanding these concepts deeply is critical because you’ll be explaining them to clients and building systems around them. It fills gaps that formal training sometimes leaves.
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Bookkeeping All-in-One for Dummies by Lita Epstein
This reference covers practical bookkeeping procedures, tax considerations, and software selection—areas you’ll need to advise clients on immediately. It’s organized by task rather than theory, making it useful as a desk reference when you’re setting up client accounts or handling unfamiliar situations.
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The E-Myth Accountant by Michael E. Gerber
This book addresses the biggest challenge for accounting business owners: moving from doing the work yourself to building a firm that can scale. It covers systems, delegation, and business processes that let you grow beyond trading hours for dollars. Most accounting businesses fail because owners don’t think like business owners—this corrects that.
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Getting Clients and Keeping Clients for Accounting, Bookkeeping, Tax and Consulting Professionals by Mary Pharris
Client acquisition is your primary business challenge in the first two years. This book breaks down networking, referral systems, and marketing specifically for accounting professionals. It includes templates and scripts you can adapt for your own prospecting efforts.
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Equipment You Need
An accounting business requires less physical equipment than most startups, but the right tools significantly improve your efficiency and credibility. Your core needs are a reliable computer setup, accounting software, and communication infrastructure. Avoid the temptation to over-invest in fancy office furniture or equipment before you have clients generating revenue.
Computer and Peripherals
- Laptop or desktop computer: You need a device capable of running accounting software smoothly. Most accounting software works on Windows or Mac; choose based on what your clients use and your own preference. A laptop gives you flexibility to work from clients’ offices or while traveling.
- External monitor: A second monitor dramatically increases your efficiency when managing multiple spreadsheets, client files, and accounting software simultaneously. You’ll spend 20-30% of your workday comparing data across windows.
- Keyboard and mouse: A comfortable external keyboard prevents repetitive strain injuries from data entry. This matters more in accounting than most business types.
- Printer and scanner: You’ll need to handle paper documents from clients, tax forms, and receipts. A multifunction device handles scanning and printing without taking up much space.
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Accounting Software
- Primary accounting platform: QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, or Wave form the backbone of your business. Your choice depends on your clients’ needs, your specialization, and your pricing model. Most accounting professionals use multiple platforms to serve different client types.
- Tax preparation software: TurboTax Premium, Drake Tax, or TaxAct for handling tax returns. If you focus on business accounting rather than individual returns, this may come later.
- Client portal or document management: Software like ShareFile, Citrix ShareFile, or Dropbox ensures secure file sharing with clients and reduces email clutter.
- Time tracking software: Essential if you bill by the hour. Tools like Toggl or Harvest track billable hours and integrate with your invoicing system.
Office Setup
- Desk: A functional desk for your home office or small workspace. You don’t need expensive furniture initially; a simple desk that fits your monitor setup works fine.
- Office chair: A good chair is worth investing in because you’ll spend 8-10 hours daily sitting. Back pain reduces productivity and costs money in the long run. Look for chairs with adjustable height and lumbar support.
- Filing cabinet or document storage: You’ll handle client documents that must be kept secure and organized for 7+ years depending on your jurisdiction. A fireproof filing cabinet protects against both theft and accidents.
- Shredder: Essential for disposing of sensitive client documents securely.
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Communication and Security
- Phone system: A business phone line separate from personal use. Many accountants use a dedicated mobile line or VoIP service like Google Voice or Ooma.
- Password manager: Services like 1Password or LastPass manage client login credentials and your own access securely.
- VPN service: Protects your data when working from coffee shops or client offices. ExpressVPN or NordVPN are common choices.
- Backup drives: External hard drives for redundant backups of client files, separate from cloud storage.
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What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial investment should focus on tools that directly generate client work and protect client data.
- First (before taking clients): Reliable computer, monitor, accounting software subscription, phone line, password manager, and backup storage. Budget $2,000–$3,500.
- First 6 months (as revenue starts): Comfortable office chair, filing cabinet, document management software, second accounting software platform if needed.
- Year 2 and beyond: Office furniture upgrades, accounting software add-ons, team collaboration tools, and additional computers if you hire staff.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new computer equipment. Used laptops and desktops carry unknown histories of wear, virus exposure, and battery degradation. For accounting work where security and reliability matter, the $200–$400 you save isn’t worth the risk of data breaches or system failure. Your computer is your primary business tool and justifies the investment.
Used office furniture is acceptable and often smart. Filing cabinets, desks, and chairs from local classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, or business liquidation sales work fine. Focus your new equipment budget on technology and your used budget on furniture. Ergonomic office chairs, however, should be new or tested personally—a chair that doesn’t fit your back becomes a health and productivity problem.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Peripherals, monitors, backup drives, office supplies, and accessories. Fast shipping and easy returns.
- Best Buy: Computers and electronics with the option to see products in person and immediate availability.
- Software vendors directly: QuickBooks, Xero, and tax software—buy subscriptions directly from publishers to ensure support and proper licensing.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Used office furniture at 30–60% less than retail.
- Local office furniture stores: New desks and filing cabinets, often with better quality and customization than big-box retailers.
- Walmart or Target: Basic office supplies and storage solutions at competitive prices.