Thinking about going freelance as an accountant? You’re not alone — and you’re not crazy.
From flexibility to higher earning potential, freelancing offers a refreshing alternative to traditional accounting roles. But success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built — project by project, client by client, and decision by decision.
At GigLink, we work with hundreds of accountants, BAS agents, bookkeepers, and CFO consultants who’ve made the shift. Some are part-timers building a side hustle, while others have gone all in and built six-figure solo practices.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a thriving freelance accounting career — from the ground up.
🧠 1. Know Your Niche (and Own It)
Not all accounting is created equal — and that’s a good thing.
Start by identifying your niche:
- Tax accounting for small business or sole traders?
- Bookkeeping for hospitality or NFPs?
- Virtual CFO services for startups?
- Grant acquittals and compliance for aged care or healthcare?
- Xero setup & training for growing companies?
By narrowing your focus, you can:
- Stand out from generalists
- Attract the right clients
- Charge more for specialised value
🧾 2. Set Up Your Freelance Business Properly
Before taking on clients, get the business foundations sorted:
- Register an ABN
- Decide on a business name and domain (optional, but professional)
- Set up a business bank account
- Choose tools for accounting and invoicing (or just use GigLink’s built-in platform)
- Consider registering for GST if earning over $75,000
- Sort out insurance (e.g. professional indemnity)
✅ Pro tip: Many accountants on GigLink manage their own books, but still love how our system handles timesheets, billing, and client payments automatically.
💻 3. Build a Profile That Works While You Sleep
Clients need to know:
- Who you are
- What you do
- Why you’re the right choice
That means a profile (or website) that clearly states:
- Your qualifications (CPA, BAS agent, etc.)
- Your services (listed plainly)
- Industries you specialise in
- Tools you use (Xero, MYOB, Power BI, Excel)
- Testimonials or case studies
🎯 On GigLink, your profile is designed to showcase all of this — with no fluff or marketing jargon required.
🤝 4. Start Building Relationships (Not Just Clients)
Freelancing is about trust. Focus on building:
- Long-term client relationships
- A strong reputation (reviews, referrals)
- A network of other freelancers (e.g. legal or IT pros you can cross-refer)
✅ Tip: Use LinkedIn, industry groups, and platforms like GigLink to meet clients and collaborators. The best freelancers don’t chase gigs — the work finds them.
📊 5. Price for Value, Not Time
You’re not just filling in forms — you’re providing clarity, compliance, and peace of mind.
Start by:
- Setting a minimum hourly rate based on your target income
- Offering fixed-price packages for repeatable services (e.g. monthly bookkeeping, BAS lodgements)
- Charging more for complex advisory work, like cash flow forecasting or strategic planning
💡 Need help benchmarking rates? GigLink’s pricing insights and project history can help you stay competitive — without undercharging.
📈 6. Think Like a Business Owner
You're not just a technician anymore — you’re the CEO of your own accounting practice.
That means:
- Tracking your own revenue, costs, and targets
- Creating systems and templates to save time
- Regularly checking in on client satisfaction
- Reinvesting in training, tools, or even subcontracting help
GigLink freelancers often grow from solo operators to full-scale consultancies — and we’re here to support that growth.
🔑 7. Use the Right Platform
Trying to freelance on generalist gig sites can be painful: undercutting, spammy briefs, and clients who don’t value your work.
That’s why GigLink was built for professionals like you.
With GigLink, you get:
- Verified briefs from serious clients
- Project-matching powered by AI
- A platform designed for accountants and finance pros
- Timesheet, billing, and client payment tools — all built in
- Even shared equity through our Freelancer Ownership Model
🚀 Final Thoughts
Building a successful freelance accounting career doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right tools, mindset, and support, you can create a career that’s flexible, rewarding, and entirely on your terms.
Ready to make the leap?
👉 Create your free GigLink profile and start building a freelance career with real traction.
