What Is a Freelance Accountant and How to Become One
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What Does a Freelance Accountant Do?
The job duties of a freelance accountant involve working to assist clients with accounting tasks. Your responsibilities may vary based on the needs of each client and the area of your expertise. Some accountants specialize in preparing taxes and financial documents for businesses, or while others manage financial data, track variables, such as expenses, profits, and cash flow, for a company, and audit records for accuracy and compliance with reporting regulations. As an independent freelancer, you work on a contract basis, and you may work with more than one client at a time.
How to Become a Freelance Accountant
The qualifications that you need to start a career as a freelance accountant include an accounting degree, professional certification, and business and marketing skills to attract clients. Accountants need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting. For some accounting tasks, your client may want you to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). You become a CPA by passing an exam in the state where you plan to work. In some positions, such as a tax preparer or bookkeeper, you may only need a postsecondary certificate, an associate degree in accounting, or a high school diploma.
