How to start a bookkeeping or accounting practice
Every small business needs its books done, and most owners would rather pay someone. A bookkeeping or accounting practice can start from home with a laptop and grow on monthly fees. Here is what you may and may not do, and how to get clients.
What needs registration and what does not
- Bookkeeping (capturing transactions, reconciliations, payroll) needs no statutory registration, but a recognised qualification and professional body membership build trust.
- Tax practitioners who help with tax returns for reward must register with SARS and be members of a recognised controlling body.
- Audits may only be done by registered auditors, and some reviews and accounting officer roles need specific professional membership.
Join a professional body
Bodies for bookkeepers, accountants and tax practitioners provide designations, ongoing training and a code of conduct. For tax work, membership of a recognised controlling body is required. Pick the one that fits your qualification and the work you want to do.
Protect yourself and your clients
- An engagement letter for every client, stating exactly what you do and do not do
- Professional indemnity insurance
- POPIA compliance: you hold sensitive financial and personal data. See POPIA for small businesses.
- Secure systems, backups and multi-factor authentication on SARS and banking access
Build on monthly fees
Fixed monthly packages (bookkeeping, payroll, VAT and provisional tax, annual returns) are easier to sell and steadier than hourly billing. Cloud accounting software lets you serve clients anywhere in the country.
Finding clients
New businesses registering with CIPC, tradespeople with messy records, and owners stressed about SARS are your market. Partner with business coaches, banks' small business teams and incubators. A free verified BizBoost listing helps owners find a checked accountant, and our client guide how to check an accountant brings them looking for credentials like yours.
Common questions
Do I need to be registered to do bookkeeping in South Africa?
Bookkeeping itself needs no statutory registration. Preparing tax returns for reward requires registration as a tax practitioner with SARS and membership of a recognised controlling body, and audits require a registered auditor.
How do I become a tax practitioner?
Become a member of a recognised controlling body that meets SARS's requirements, then register with SARS as a tax practitioner. Both memberships must be kept current.
How should a bookkeeper charge?
Fixed monthly packages based on transaction volume and services are easiest to sell and give steady income. Put the scope in an engagement letter.