How to Get Remote Bookkeeping Jobs In 2025

If you're thinking about working remotely, you might assume that tech jobs are your best bet. While careers in programming and IT support are popular, remote bookkeeping is a fantastic way to earn a stable income online—without needing a tech background.

Worried about being stuck in a hybrid setup? Considering over-employment for job #2? Or maybe you're still fully in the office and looking to take that first step into remote work? It’s time to explore remote bookkeeping jobs.

In fact, businesses worldwide need remote bookkeepers to manage their finances. This means high demand, flexible hours, and excellent earning potential. Whether you're in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Europe, remote bookkeeping jobs are available everywhere.

This guide will walk you through how to start, where to find jobs, and country-specific differences you should know.

What is Remote Bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping involves managing a company's financial transactions, ensuring accuracy, and preparing reports for accountants and business owners. Remote bookkeepers perform these tasks from home using cloud-based accounting software.

Key Responsibilities

• Recording income and expenses
• Managing invoices and payments
• Reconciling bank statements
• Preparing financial reports
• Using software like QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage
• Ensuring compliance with tax laws
• Organizing financial records for audits
• Assisting businesses in financial decision-making

Do You Need an Accounting Degree?

No! Many remote bookkeepers start with online courses and certifications, making this a great entry-level remote job. However, having a degree in finance, business, or accounting can boost your credibility.

Why Consider a Career in Remote Bookkeeping?

Remote bookkeeping is an excellent option for those looking for a flexible and stable remote career. Here’s why it might be the right fit for you:

• High Demand – Businesses worldwide, from small startups to large corporations, require bookkeepers to manage their finances.
• Work from Anywhere – Whether you're a digital nomad, stay-at-home parent, or looking for a remote-friendly career, bookkeeping can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.
• No Degree Required – Many employers focus on bookkeeping certifications and practical experience rather than formal degrees.
• Stable Income Potential – Depending on your experience and location, bookkeepers can earn between $30,000 - $60,000+ per year.
• Freelance or Full-Time Options – You can choose to work for a company, freelance with multiple clients, or even start your own bookkeeping business.
• Low Startup Costs – Unlike many remote careers, bookkeeping requires minimal investment in tools and training.

Country-Specific Differences

While bookkeeping principles are universal, regulations, certifications, and job markets differ between countries. Here’s what you should know:

USA & Canada

• Certifications help but are not always required.
• Bookkeepers can get certified through AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) or CPB (Certified Professional Bookkeeper – Canada).
• Average salary: $41,000 - $67,000 USD/year (Source: ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Payscale).
• Popular job sites: Upwork, FlexJobs, LinkedIn, QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

UK & Europe

• ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) certification is preferred in the UK.
• Many bookkeeping jobs in Germany, France, and Spain require knowledge of local tax laws.
• Average salary: £18,000 - £35,000/year (€30,000 - €50,000 in Europe) (Source: The Sun, UK National Careers Service).
• Popular job sites: PeoplePerHour, Reed, Freelancer, Xero Advisors.

Australia & New Zealand

• Registration is required for BAS (Business Activity Statement) preparation.
• The Australian Bookkeepers Network (ABN) offers certification.
• Average salary: AUD 70,000 - 80,000/year (Source: SEEK, Indeed AU, NZ Careers).
• Popular job sites: Seek, Airtasker, MYOB Partners, Trade Me Jobs (NZ).

How to Get Started as a Remote Bookkeeper

Learn the Basics

You don’t need a degree, but taking online courses can help. You can use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or QuickBooks for training, but my recommendation is to first check job listings in your country. Look at the descriptions to see exactly what employers are asking for, then use online learning platforms to acquire those specific skills.

Get Certified (Optional but Recommended)

• USA: AIPB Certification
• UK: ICB Certification
• Australia & New Zealand: ABN Certification
• Global: Xero Advisor Certification

Gain Experience

• Offer free services to small businesses or local charities.
• Start freelancing on Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
• Take on small projects to build your portfolio.

Set Up Your Remote Work Tools

• Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks
• Communication Tools: Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams
• Project Management Tools: Trello, Asana, ClickUp
• Cloud Storage & Document Sharing: Google Drive, Dropbox
• Time Tracking & Invoicing: Toggl, Harvest

Apply for Remote Bookkeeping Jobs

Look for jobs on freelancing sites, job boards, and direct company hiring.

A Day in the Life of a Remote Bookkeeper

A remote bookkeeper's day is structured around managing multiple financial tasks, staying organized, and keeping clients informed. Here’s what a typical day might look like:

Morning Routine

• Start the day by checking emails and client messages to prioritize tasks.
• Review financial transactions from the previous day and categorize them correctly.
• Process invoices and payments, ensuring all transactions are properly documented.

Midday Work

• Conduct reconciliation of bank statements, credit card transactions, and expense reports.
• Update and maintain financial records using software like QuickBooks or Xero.
• Prepare financial reports for clients, providing updates on cash flow, profit/loss, and outstanding invoices.
• Join virtual meetings with clients or teams to discuss financial concerns and answer questions.

Afternoon Tasks

• Follow up on unpaid invoices and send reminders to clients about outstanding payments.
• Research and stay updated on tax regulations, industry trends, and new bookkeeping tools.
• Work on tax preparation or assist businesses with organizing their financial records for audits.
• Schedule tasks for the next day and ensure all records are backed up on cloud storage platforms.

End of Day

• Double-check records for accuracy and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Wrap up communication with clients, responding to last-minute inquiries or providing status updates.
• Log work hours and send invoices for bookkeeping services (if freelancing).
• Plan the next day's tasks to stay organized and productive.

Check out this YouTube video by Millennial Money Man. They provide an in-depth look at a day in the life of a remote bookkeeper, and it's a fantastic resource. I’m not affiliated, but I always recommend high-quality content when I see it. If you’ve made it this far, you’ll definitely find this video valuable!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

How to Get Clients Through Job Boards:

• Optimize Your Profile – Whether you're using Upwork, Fiverr, or FlexJobs, having a professional and clear profile is key. Highlight your bookkeeping skills, certifications (if any), and past experience, even if it’s just from a course.
• Apply with a Strong Proposal – When responding to job postings, tailor your message. Avoid generic applications—explain how you can help that specific business and show enthusiasm.
• Start Small, Then Grow – In the beginning, you may take on smaller projects or offer competitive pricing to build credibility. Once you have good reviews, you can increase your rates.
• Diversify Your Search – Job boards are great, but also consider networking, social media, and referrals for a well-rounded approach to finding clients.

Staying Organized – Making Work Easier

As a bookkeeper, you’ll manage numbers, reports, and deadlines, but don’t worry—it’s all about having the right tools!

How to Stay Organized:

• Use Simple Software – Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave make bookkeeping easy by automating many tasks.
• Project Management Apps – Trello, Asana, or ClickUp help you track your tasks and deadlines.
• Set Daily Routines – Having a daily schedule where you check emails, update records, and prepare reports makes work stress-free.
• Automate Repetitive Tasks – Use software to schedule invoices, set reminders, and even sync bank transactions to save time.

Keeping Up with Tax Laws – Learning as You Go

Bookkeeping is always evolving, and while you don’t need to be a tax expert, staying informed is important. The good news? Learning bookkeeping rules is easier than ever with online resources!

How to Keep Learning:

• Take Free & Low-Cost Online Courses – Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer beginner-friendly bookkeeping courses.
• Follow Industry Updates – Subscribe to IRS updates (if in the U.S.) or follow your country’s tax authority to stay informed.
• Join Bookkeeping Communities – Facebook groups, LinkedIn forums, and Reddit communities can help you get advice from experienced bookkeepers.

Balancing Multiple Clients – Managing Time Like a Pro

As your bookkeeping business grows, you may work with multiple clients at once. Staying organized will help you manage your workload and keep clients happy.

Tips for Managing Clients Efficiently:

• Set Clear Work Hours – Let clients know when you're available to avoid last-minute requests.
• Use Scheduling Tools – Google Calendar or Calendly can help you schedule meetings without back-and-forth emails.
• Prioritize Tasks – Focus on urgent tasks first and schedule time blocks for deep work.
• Know When to Take Breaks – Working remotely means setting your own pace. Taking breaks helps you stay productive!

How to Market Yourself as a Remote Bookkeeper

Marketing yourself effectively is one of the most important steps toward building a successful remote bookkeeping business. The key to attracting clients is to present yourself as a professional, build trust, and make sure people know what you do and how you can help. Here are some practical ways to market yourself and grow your business:

Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking and can help you stand out in the competitive world of remote bookkeeping.

How to Make Your Profile Shine:

• Optimize Your Headline & Summary – Your headline should clearly state that you are a bookkeeper and any specific niches you serve (e.g., small businesses, tax preparation). Your summary should highlight your skills, experience, and passion for helping businesses manage their finances.
• Showcase Your Skills & Certifications – List all relevant bookkeeping software and tools you’re proficient in (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero). Adding certifications like QuickBooks ProAdvisor or any other relevant bookkeeping qualifications adds credibility and can attract potential clients.
• Post Valuable Content – Share articles, tips, and updates related to bookkeeping, taxes, and financial management. This positions you as an expert in your field and keeps your profile active in the LinkedIn algorithm.
• Build Connections – Connect with business owners, accountants, and other professionals who might refer clients to you. Networking is key to growing your reach on LinkedIn.

Create a Website or Portfolio

Having an online presence that showcases your services is crucial for attracting potential clients. A professional website doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should convey your expertise and the services you offer.

Building Your Online Presence:

• Simple & Clean Design – Your website should clearly communicate who you are and what you offer. Include an easy-to-navigate menu with sections like “About,” “Services,” “Testimonials,” and “Contact.”
• Display Testimonials & Past Work – Including client testimonials on your website adds social proof and builds trust. If you’re new to the field and don’t have client testimonials yet, offer discounted services in exchange for honest reviews or case studies.
• Highlight Your Services – Clearly outline the bookkeeping services you provide (e.g., invoicing, tax preparation, financial reporting). This will help potential clients understand what you can do for them and if it aligns with their needs.
• Add a Blog or Resource Center – Offering free resources like blog posts or downloadable guides on bookkeeping topics can help you connect with potential clients and demonstrate your expertise.
• Easy Website Options – If you want an easy-to-build website, platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Ghost offer simple, customizable options that don’t require a web development background. These tools allow you to create a professional site quickly and affordably.

Join Online Communities

Getting involved in online communities can be an excellent way to grow your network, gain insights from others, and find potential clients.

How to Engage and Stand Out:

• Facebook & LinkedIn Groups – Look for groups dedicated to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. Offer valuable advice, share bookkeeping tips, and help answer questions when possible. This positions you as a knowledgeable resource.
• Reddit & Other Forums – Participate in forums like Reddit’s r/Bookkeeping or r/Accounting, where people often ask for recommendations and advice. Engage genuinely with others to build relationships and trust.
• Attend Webinars & Virtual Meetups – Many professional organizations host virtual events. These are great opportunities to learn, meet people, and make connections that could lead to client referrals.

Offer Free Consultations

Offering free consultations is a great way to attract potential clients and showcase your skills.

How Free Consultations Help You Grow:

• Build Trust – Many people are unsure about outsourcing bookkeeping services. A free consultation gives them a no-risk way to learn about your approach, ask questions, and get to know you.
• Show Your Expertise – During the consultation, share how you can help them organize their finances, save time, and reduce stress. Use this time to demonstrate your knowledge of their business type, whether it's a small startup or a mid-size company.
• Personalized Advice – Tailor your consultation to their unique needs. Offering specific advice makes your potential client feel heard and valued, which increases the likelihood that they’ll hire you.
• Offer Solutions – Show how you would tackle their specific bookkeeping challenges, whether it’s setting up an invoicing system or managing monthly financial reports.

Ask for Reviews and Referrals

Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to grow your business, and asking satisfied clients for reviews and referrals can make all the difference.

How to Request Reviews and Referrals:

• Be Proactive – After successfully completing a project or providing services for a few months, ask your clients if they’d be willing to leave a review. You can make this easy by sending them a direct link to where they can leave their feedback.
• Incentivize Referrals – Consider offering a small discount or a special bonus for clients who refer others to your business. Referrals are an excellent way to grow your client base without spending money on ads.
• Create a Referral Program – You could set up a formal referral program with a reward system, which makes it easier for clients to recommend you. For example, after a client refers two new clients, they get a free financial review.
• Use Testimonials in Marketing – Once you have positive reviews, use them on your website, LinkedIn profile, and social media pages to establish credibility and attract new clients.

Final Thoughts

Starting as a remote bookkeeper may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools, a bit of learning, and some organization, it can be a rewarding and flexible career. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert from day one.With practice and experience, you'll gain confidence and grow your skills. Full Time or Part Time Bookkeeping, the choice is yours.

If you embark on this journey, let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear about your experience.

All The Best

Leo