Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a bookkeeping business requires understanding both the technical side of accounting and the business side of running your own operation. These books cover the fundamentals you’ll use daily and help you avoid costly mistakes that plague new bookkeepers.
Bookkeeping Basics by Toni Millonzi
This book walks through the complete bookkeeping cycle—from recording transactions to closing accounts—in practical, straightforward language. You’ll learn the mechanics of debits and credits, reconciliation, and financial statement preparation. It’s especially useful if you’re new to accounting principles or need a refresher before taking on clients.
Shop Bookkeeping Basics on Amazon →
The Bookkeeper’s Launch by Bekki Kivi
Written specifically for bookkeepers starting their own business, this guide covers pricing your services, finding clients, managing your workflow, and scaling from solopreneur to hiring help. It addresses the real operational challenges you’ll face in your first two years rather than just accounting theory.
Shop The Bookkeeper’s Launch on Amazon →
QuickBooks 2024 Complete for Small Business by Bonnie Biafore
Most of your clients will use QuickBooks, and many will expect you to manage it for them. This comprehensive guide covers both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, including setup, data entry, reconciliation, and reporting. Having this reference saves you hours when troubleshooting client issues.
Shop QuickBooks 2024 Complete for Small Business on Amazon →
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
While not bookkeeping-specific, this book teaches you how to start small, test your service offerings, and grow based on what actually works rather than what you think will work. You’ll learn to manage cash flow, measure progress, and avoid expensive mistakes when launching your business.
Shop The Lean Startup on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
A bookkeeping business doesn’t require expensive equipment, but you do need reliable tools that handle sensitive financial data securely. The items below are practical, proven choices that work for most bookkeepers starting out.
Computer and Hardware
- Laptop: A reliable laptop with at least 8GB RAM and solid-state storage. You’ll run accounting software, spreadsheets, and video calls with clients. Windows or Mac both work fine.
- External hard drive: For backing up client files separate from your main machine. This protects against data loss if your computer fails.
- Monitor: A second monitor makes reconciling accounts and reviewing financial statements easier. You’ll reduce errors when you can see multiple windows at once.
- Keyboard and mouse: Quality peripherals reduce hand strain during long data entry sessions. Wireless versions eliminate cable clutter.
Shop external hard drives on Amazon →
Software and Subscriptions
- QuickBooks Online Plus: Supports multi-user access, custom fields, and advanced reporting. Monthly cost runs $150–200.
- Cloud storage: Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive for securely storing client documents and giving clients secure access to reports.
- Password manager: Dashlane or 1Password securely stores client login credentials and your own software passwords.
- Zoom or Skype: For video calls with clients. Zoom’s free tier works initially; upgrade as needed.
- Accounting templates or software: Consider specialized tools like Xero, FreshBooks, or Wave depending on your client base.
Office and Desk Setup
- Ergonomic desk chair: You’ll spend 6–8 hours daily sitting. A good chair prevents back pain and keeps you productive.
- Desk: Enough surface area for your monitor, keyboard, and a notebook for client notes. Standing desk converters are optional but useful.
- Document scanner: A portable scanner lets you digitize receipts and client documents. Much faster than photographing them with your phone.
- Filing system: Physical or digital folders organized by client and year. Cloud-based systems work better as you scale.
Shop ergonomic office chairs on Amazon →
Shop portable document scanners on Amazon →
Security and Compliance
- VPN service: ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN encrypts your internet connection when accessing client systems remotely or using public WiFi.
- Antivirus software: Windows Defender (built into Windows) is adequate; Mac users should still run regular scans.
- Firewall: Your router’s built-in firewall plus Windows/Mac firewall provides basic protection. Upgrade if handling sensitive tax data.
What to Buy First vs Later
Your startup budget should prioritize items that directly impact client work and your ability to land customers. Buy strategically and add tools as your business grows.
- First (Month 1): Reliable laptop, QuickBooks Online subscription, cloud storage, password manager. These are non-negotiable for handling client accounts.
- Second (Month 1–2): External hard drive for backups, ergonomic chair, document scanner. These prevent data loss and speed up your workflow significantly.
- Third (Month 2–3): Second monitor, bookkeeping books, video conferencing software. These improve efficiency and client communication as you grow.
- Later (Month 3+): Standing desk converter, upgraded office furniture, specialized accounting software (if your client base demands it). Add these as revenue covers the cost.
New vs Used Equipment
For a bookkeeping business, most equipment is inexpensive enough that buying new makes sense. However, some items have a strong used market worth exploring.
Buy new: Anything storing or processing client data—hard drives, laptops, routers. Used electronics may have hidden damage or security vulnerabilities. Your liability for client data protection outweighs the savings. New laptops and external drives cost under $1,000 combined.
Consider used: Office furniture like desks and chairs often sell secondhand at 40–60% off retail. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local office furniture liquidators. Test ergonomic chairs before buying to ensure they fit your body. Used monitors are fine if tested and working; they’re durable and simple devices.
Software should always be new (legitimate licenses only). Never buy secondhand QuickBooks licenses or accounting software keys—they often have licensing restrictions and may stop working mid-year.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns for hardware like laptops, monitors, keyboards, and external drives.
- Best Buy: Good for hands-on testing of laptops and peripherals. Price-matches Amazon. Return window is generous.
- B&H Photo Video: Specializes in electronics with detailed specs and honest reviews. No sales tax in most states.
- Costco: Carries laptops and office equipment at competitive prices if you have a membership. Return policy is excellent.
- Local office furniture stores: Allows you to sit in chairs and test desks before buying. Often less expensive than big-box retailers.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Source for used office furniture. Always inspect and test before purchasing.
- Directly from software vendors: QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting software sell directly at their websites. Avoid unauthorized resellers.