Bookkeeping for small businesses
Monthly bookkeeping, invoicing and reconciliations for sole traders and small companies using Xero, Sage or QuickBooks.
- To startR0 to R3 000
- First randabout 6 weeks
- WhereOnline or in person
- Effort Some skill needed
Is this for you?
Best for
Bookkeeping or accounting training/experience; patient with messy records.
In South Africa: Strong, including towns.
What you need
- A laptop or computer
- Reliable internet
- No camera needed
- Approaching people yourself
- At least 6 hours a week · age 18+
- Bookkeeping (competent or better)
The money
What it can earn
- Pocket money
- A top-up
- A second income
- Can become a full income
This can grow into a full income for people with strong skills and steady customers, but that usually takes months.
What people charge
No reliable SA figure yet
No reliable current SA data for rand rates; quote by transaction volume.
Costs to plan for
- Start-up
- R0 to R3 000
- Every month
- Software partner plans are often free; professional body fees if registered.
- Payment fees
- Debit order/EFT.
- Margin
- High.
How it is paid: Monthly retainer. Our viability score for it: 68 out of 100 (how we score).
How to start
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Ask 5 accountants whether they outsource bookkeeping
- Offer a fixed-fee catch-up for one business
- Success signal: one monthly client
First week Days 1 to 7
- Decide on software and get partner access
- Write a fixed-fee menu
- Contact 5 accountants and 10 small business owners you know
First month Days 8 to 30
- First client signed with engagement letter
- Insurance quote
By three months Days 31 to 90
- 3–5 monthly clients
- Decide on tax practitioner registration
Trust takes time; existing contacts shorten it. First income usually takes 14 to 120 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.
Bookkeeping for small businesses: from your first client to a monthly client list
23 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.
See what is insideCustomers and demand
Who pays
Small businesses, tradespeople, consultants.
Owners fall behind on records, VAT and SARS deadlines.
Is there demand?
Every registered business needs records; SA bookkeepers advertise monthly packages widely.
Xero and Sage partner directoriesLocal referrals
Getting customers
Referrals, networking with accountants who outsource, local business groups.
In-person networkingWord of mouth and referralsPartnerships with other businessesResponding to enquiriesSales meetings or calls
Risks and rules
Watch out for
- Errors have financial consequences: get insured
- Scope creep into tax work
Competition: Moderate.
Room to grow: Recurring and can grow into a practice.
Legal and tax in South Africa
Giving paid tax advice or submitting returns for clients requires registration as a tax practitioner with a recognised controlling body and SARS (TAA s240).
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start bookkeeping for small businesses in South Africa?
Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R3 000. Recurring costs: Software partner plans are often free; professional body fees if registered.
How long until the first income?
Typically about 45 days, and between 14 and 120 days. Trust takes time; existing contacts shorten it.
Can I do it with only a phone?
Not really. You will need a laptop or computer for most of the work.
What about tax and legal rules?
Giving paid tax advice or submitting returns for clients requires registration as a tax practitioner with a recognised controlling body and SARS (TAA s240).
Sources (3)
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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy