Freelance accounting is on the rise — but so are the myths that surround it. From fears about job security to assumptions about earning potential, there’s no shortage of outdated ideas holding accountants back from taking the leap.
At GigLink, we work with accounting professionals across Australia — from bookkeepers and BAS agents to CFO consultants and financial modellers — and we hear the same misconceptions all the time.
So let’s clear the air. Here are 7 of the most common freelance accounting myths — and the truth behind them.
🧾 Myth 1: "Freelance accounting is just data entry and BAS lodgements."
Truth:
Freelance accountants are doing everything from cash flow forecasting and business advisory to virtual CFO services and financial system implementation.
On GigLink, clients are actively looking for:
- Strategic finance support
- Grant and compliance reporting
- Budgeting and modelling
- Software setup (Xero, MYOB, NetSuite)
- Audit preparation and board reporting
Freelance work isn’t limited — it’s evolving.
💰 Myth 2: "You’ll earn less than a full-time job."
Truth:
Many freelance accountants earn more than they did in salaried roles — especially once they build a steady client base.
You can:
- Charge by the hour, project, or retainer
- Work with multiple clients across sectors
- Avoid the salary cap of traditional roles
Plus, you keep what you earn (minus tax and super), and GigLink’s admin tools help you manage your billing and cash flow with ease.
🧍 Myth 3: "You have to go it alone."
Truth:
Freelancing doesn’t mean isolation.
With platforms like GigLink, you’re part of a community of like-minded professionals. You’re also supported by:
- AI-matched briefs
- Inbuilt invoicing & timesheets
- Local clients who value your work
Freelancing is independent — but that doesn’t mean unsupported.
📉 Myth 4: "You’ll only get work during tax time."
Truth:
There’s year-round demand for skilled freelance accountants — especially in industries like healthcare, NFPs, startups, and construction.
Some examples of ongoing freelance work include:
- Monthly management reports
- Cash flow and scenario planning
- Grant acquittals
- Audit prep and compliance
- Business strategy and forecasting
Accounting is seasonal — but freelance opportunity isn’t.
🧠 Myth 5: "You need to be a CPA to go freelance."
Truth:
CPA status can help — but it’s not essential. Plenty of highly successful freelancers are:
- BAS agents
- Bookkeepers
- Degree-qualified accountants with niche skills
- Systems experts in Xero, MYOB, NetSuite, or Power BI
What matters most is credibility, capability, and results — all of which you can showcase on your GigLink profile.
🧾 Myth 6: "You’ll spend more time on admin than actual work."
Truth:
Yes, running your own business takes admin — but that’s why GigLink was built.
We handle:
- Time tracking
- Automated invoices
- Payment processing
- Profile marketing
That means more time doing billable work — and less time chasing payments.
🧠 Myth 7: "Freelancing is a step down from corporate accounting."
Truth:
Freelancing is a step toward freedom and control.
You:
- Choose your clients
- Set your hours
- Work remotely or onsite
- Have room to grow into consulting, training, or CFO-level work
Many accountants turn freelance to reclaim their time, increase their earnings, and have a better work-life balance.
✅ Final Thoughts
Freelance accounting is not a fallback — it’s a smart career move for professionals ready to take control of their time, income, and future.
And with GigLink, you’re not doing it alone. We connect you with serious clients, streamline your admin, and even offer shared equity through our Freelancer Ownership Model.
👉 Join GigLink and build the freelance accounting career you deserve.
