What Does a Freelance Accountant Do Day to Day?

Behind the label "independent," the day-to-day of a freelance accountant looks a lot like that of a small business owner: juggling client work, business development, and the administrative side of running their own practice. Here's what a typical day looks like.

Accounting Work for Clients

Most of the time goes into work for client businesses: entering transactions, bank reconciliations, cash flow tracking, and preparing records for filing or closing. A freelance accountant often works with several clients at once, which requires strong organization and comfort with multiple software tools.

Running Their Own Business

Like any independent professional, they also have to handle their own business development, invoicing, compliance obligations, and networking. This dual role explains why availability and responsiveness can vary quite a bit from one freelancer to another.

Key Skills for the Job

• Proficiency with accounting and invoicing software
• Rigor and attention to detail in bookkeeping
• Ability to communicate clearly with non-specialist clients
• Staying current with changes in accounting requirements

To understand the full range of services available, read our complete guide to freelance accountants or browse the accounting category. You can also post a project to find a freelance accountant suited to your needs.